"This is an important and
scholarly collection of case studies - a fitting memorial to Ian Harris - which
should finally put to bed the notion that there can only be one kind of
relationship between Buddhism and politics, namely, avoidance and pacifist moral
guidance." (David N. Gellner, Professor of Social Anthropology, University of
Oxford, UK)
"These essays cover a wide
range of cases from throughout the Buddhist world and show that from statecraft
to rebellion, Buddhist activists have been engaged in all levels of public
life. This is an essential book for anyone concerned about the role of religion
in politics around the globe." (Mark Juergensmeyer, Professor of Sociology and
Global Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA)
"The contributions .
demonstrate well that Buddhism has had a long history of adapting to, shaping,
and reacting to political authority as well as occasionally fostering true detachment
from such authority." (Charles Keyes, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and
International Studies, University of Washington, USA)