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Of A Sustained Buddhist Extremism in Sri Lanka
Posted by: Raashid Riza
Tags: Buddhist,Burma,extremism,muslims,sri lanka Posted date:
October 4, 2012 |
92 Comments
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Buddhist extremism has been on the rise in Sri Lanka and the way that Sri Lankan Muslims react in politically difficult times such as these will determine how they are perceived in the future
The last few months have seen a rapid increase in anti-Muslim sentiment amongst sections of the political class in Sri Lankan society. The situation has yet to deteriorate to the extent that the default image of a Sri Lankan Muslim is one represented by an anti-Sri Lankan or anti-Buddhist element. But the trend that is developing is truly alarming and surely points towards such an inaccurate mental image.
The rise of extremist Buddhists in Sri Lanka is truly disturbing and does not bode well to the sense of national resilience that the government is trying to foster, at least in its rhetoric.
There is to be a protest march in Colombo today that is supposedly against ‘Islamic Extremism’. The leaflet however, unable to find tangible examples of Islamic extremism in Sri Lanka, instead highlights international examples. The leaflet was first tweeted by Groundviews and was then picked up by other bloggers. The language used in the leaflet is particularly confrontational and is written in jargon generously peppered with phrases such as ‘enough of being silent’ as a precursor to the more confrontational language that follows.
The leaflet speaks of numerous instances where it alleges that Islamic extremism has acted malevolently towards Buddhists and Buddhist holy sites in many parts of world, including in Burma, Thailand, Afghanistan and even the eastern parts of Sri Lanka. It is clearly designed to fuel the ignorance of the apolitical (mostly innocent) Buddhists against the Muslims and is therefore composed of materials that are innate historical inaccuracies at best and factually vacuous at worst. It specifically refers to the recent incidents in the south of Bangladesh where there have been attacks on Buddhists by groups of Muslims. Of course nowhere is the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims by Buddhist extremists in adjacent Burma mentioned.
The last paragraph of this leaflet quite explicitly states something on the lines of: it is time to show that this (Sri Lanka) is a Buddhist country by word and deed; many have forgotten that this is a Buddhist country, this notion should be reawakened. Extremists should be struck down as they flee. When cruel Islamic extremists prey on other innocent Buddhists, and when the entire world remains silent in the wake of it, it is time that we reawaken our race (Sinhala Buddhists) to respond to this.
The implications of the call to “reawaken” invoked in this context is particularly disturbing.
Sri Lankan Muslims have absolutely nothing to do with the alleged crimes against Buddhists or Buddhist interests in Bangladesh. Similarly Sri Lankan Sinhalese and Buddhists have absolutely nothing to do with the heinous crimes committed against the Muslims of Burma. What these Buddhist extremists seek to achieve for the alleged benefit of their Buddhist compatriots abroad remains to be seen. For Buddhists who feel that they are persecuted in other parts of the world, this exercise by minute sections of the Sri Lankan Buddhist community will be futile. Surely the Buddhist leadership in Sri Lanka is intelligent enough to grasp this fact. What exactly then does this exercise seek to achieve?
The result of these sorts of protests (yes, plural, this is to be one of a series of protests) are multiple.
Sinhala – Muslim relations have always been cordial and strong. The current generation of Sri Lankans cannot easily be buoyed into buying an argument that Sri Lankan Muslims are a bane on the nation’s social fabric. Buddhism as a faith has thus far survived the vulture-esque assault by sections of a largely secular media that paints most religious faiths as violent, something that protests such as these threaten to undo. Moreover, Sri Lanka is rebuilding itself as a nation after decades of conflict that not only curtailed and stunted growth but also damaged it. Creating an environment that will marginalise Muslims can sow the seeds of future conflict.
Yesterday, the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ulema (ACJU), the main decision-making theological body for Sri Lankan Muslims, released a media communiqué condemning the attacks on Bangladeshi Buddhists. The wisdom of releasing this communiqué is certainly questionable. Whether the ACJU has released statements for similar causes previously is anybody’s guess. There is no doubt that the body acted in the best interests of Sri Lankan Muslims and of Sri Lanka as a whole, yet the timing or indeed decision to make such an overture seems hasty.
The despicable acts on Bangladeshi Buddhists have absolutely nothing to do with Sri Lankan Muslims. However, such a press release can create the impression amongst wider Sri Lankans of a sense of guilt amongst Sri Lankan Muslims when there is none due to there being no grounds for guilt. Additionally, the release of such a statement can institutionalise the necessity to release communiqués almost every time a Buddhist place of worship is attacked anywhere in the World, thereby creating an undue burden of responsibility.
Elie Appelbaum of York University comments in her research paper, Extremism as a Strategic Tool in Conflicts:
“as a country becomes wealthier, more powerful, or more democratic, its level of extremism decreases, but at the same time, its rival’s level of extremism increases. Similarly, higher stakes in the conflict tend to increase the level of extremism in the relatively poorer, weaker, and less democratic country, but decrease the level of extremism in the other country. The countries can use extremism as a strategic tool in the conflict. The use of extremism is a double-edged sword: extremism provides a credible threat, but it also involves a risk. Similarly, when the countries are sufficiently asymmetric, higher stakes in the conflict tend to increase extremism in the country that is relatively poorer, weaker, or less democratic.”
Now, replace the word ‘countries’ with ‘communities’ in the paragraph above and see how it reads. The roots of extremism rest in vested interests of various interest groups as much as it does on the absence of law and order and the socio-economic state of the parties in conflict. The Sri Lankan economy at the grassroots is in turmoil and the Sinhalese community, as the larger ethnic group, is the most affected. An economically weak nation with near bankrupt sections of the public can foster groups that are represented by intellectually bankrupt individuals who posture as leaders at a local or national level and exploit patriotism for their ends. As Samuel Johnson wrote, “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel”. One only need observe a group of scoundrels against a group of self-confessed patriots to realise that there is too often much in common.
The 1915 riots are commonly known as the ‘Sinhala – Muslim’ riots, not by the name of individuals. The way in which the Sri Lankan Muslims react now will determine how history will testify for or against them. In the future, no matter what the political situation in Sri Lanka, the Muslim community will continue to exist in every strata of society.
Muslims in Sri Lanka are living in politically perilous times; they reside amongst a largely accommodative Sinhalese and Tamil population, apart from the odd elements that opportunistically seeks to whip up racial tensions. In the short term the Muslims should act prudently and actively within the framework of Sri Lankan law. They would do well to deal indifferently towards bankrupt extremism and not dignify it by seeking to confront it, except with a pragmatism that respects legal and constitutional norms. In the long term they should be conscious that Sri Lankan Muslims are more tangible as a constituent element of Sri Lankan nationhood than a transient Buddhist extremism. The latter not only misrepresents Sri Lankan Buddhists at large but is against a unified vision of Sri Lankan nationhood.
About the author
Raashid Riza
Raashid Riza is the Politics & Society Editor of The Platform. He blogs here and tweets on @aufidius.
Raashid Riza is the Politics & Society Editor of The Platform. He blogs here and tweets on @aufidius.
92 Comments
nufaz
Perhaps you miss the knowledge countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia are Muslims countries and Buddhism is present. Also We should note that Bangladesh attacked was organized by some group and the government has already arrested some to bring to the justice. But in Myanmar not only they destroyed mosques but even killed and burn many Muslims with help of government forces. So we can see who is acting as civilized people and who is not! Pls recall have your government arrested the Buddhist monks who destroyed the mosques and shrine in anuradapura and dambulla!
Justice
MOsques and shrines in anuradhapura and dambulla were not destroyed several illegal buildings were relocated as they were built in archaeological sites that were destroyed by bulldozers with the help of a Muslim parliament Member
Fairjustice
I think its better to understand that people are not foolish to believe whatever comments posted here. I am not sure when Buddhist monks in sri lanka joint the archeological or police department to do the job by taking the law in their hands. is this the way of justifying Buddhist extremism in sri lanka.
http://transcurrents.com/news-views/archives/4126
Perhaps it has to be understood by the ignorant that any legal structures in archaeological sites are left alone and I wonder why in dambulla win stores to houses are allowed but not a mosque or hindu temple. Perhaps its high time stop beating around the bush!
Voice is raised when it comes to distraction of statues around the world but when its comes to destroying other religious places its becoming archaeological sites. We are very eager to know which Muslim parliament Member was helped to do this? Sorry there are much more evidence to expose the lies and hope you will answer them for me to proceed.
Justice
Kindly research properly prior to posting, Know the facts before you post. Just cause some muslims get together and pray in a illegal infrastructure it does not become a mosque. they were only asked to leave when as usual was trying to occupy the land which is of the government property by force. typical way of spreading terror
truth
illegal stucture with proper deeds?*%#@ perhaps you need to be more mature to fool around what is obvious truth
Anna
Islam teach to kill other faiths. If you are not sure. see the Qran. Islam should be ban from earth .
OpenEyes
And where did you read that? 
Did you read the bible?
Unfortunately, many extremists – and ignorant and using the ignorance of others – used [some] words of the Koran to sanction violence. Even in cases of domestic violence and honor killing, perpetrators can find passages that seem to justify brutal acts (Koran 4.34).
But in terms of ordering violence and bloodshed, any simplistic claim about the superiority of the Bible to the Koran would be wildly wrong. In fact, the Bible overflows with “texts of terror,” to borrow a phrase coined by the American theologian Phyllis Trible. The Bible contains far more verses praising or urging bloodshed than does the Koran, and biblical violence is often far more extreme, and marked by more indiscriminate savagery. The Koran often urges believers to fight, yet it also commands that enemies be shown mercy when they surrender. Some frightful portions of the Bible, by contrast, go much further in ordering the total extermination of enemies, of whole families and races – of men, women, and children, and even their livestock, with no quarter granted. One cherished psalm (137) begins with the lovely line, “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept”; it ends by blessing anyone who would seize Babylon’s infants and smash their skulls against the rocks.
Go here for the full article and all references:
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/03/08/dark_passages/?page=full
Please: if you can only be violent and destructive, just stay in your little world and do not speak a word as the world has already too many ignorant, extreme and violent people.
You act in the same way as the most backward taliban! Period
Justice
Jihad???
OpenEyes
And its meaning is?
It means “struggle”; it is the “west” that translates it in the reductive way of “holy war” which is but only 1 of the struggles a muslim believer may be confronted with.
Do not equate a religion with the interpretation of a few!
In the same way i do not beleive all americans are bad people because of the actions of Bush and his administration.
Now: is there a similar term for what sinhala buddhist are doing? Not sure, but surely they engage in “struggle” or at times even in outright “holy war” and the way those – clearly sinhala buddhist – posting on this site is only a confirmation that they beleive they are engaged in a “confrontation” that can be considered holy to them.
These sinhala buddhist are engaging in jihad the way they interpret it
Justice
Where did You read that??? – Well it obvious that it was read from the quaran.. Why ask silly questions
Fact
the Qur’an that encourage you to kill non-believers wherever you find them?
This is a question that often comes up in critiques of Islam, especially in light of recent political events. It is incumbent on Muslims to respond to and clear misconceptions stemming from Islam’s perceived stance on violence and interfaith relations.
The Importance of Context
The word ‘context’ has two dictionary meanings:
• The parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, usually influencing its meaning or effect.
• The set of circumstances or facts that surround a particular event, situation, etc.
Any discussion on Qur’anic verses that refer to violence would be meaningless, without a study of the surrounding context. Before we study the verses in question, therefore, let us examine this issue in a wider perspective:
The Sanctity of Life
The Glorious Qur’an says:
“…take not life, which God hath made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus doth He command you, that ye may learn wisdom.”
[Al-Qur'an 6:151]
Islam considers all life forms as sacred. However, the sanctity of human life is accorded a special place. The first and the foremost basic right of a human being is the right to live. The Glorious Qur’an says:
“…if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.”
[Al-Qur'an 5:32]
Such is the value of a single human life, that the Qur’an equates the taking of even one human life unjustly, with killing all of humanity .
The Verses of War
The words that often causes consternation among those unfamiliar with Islam, is:
“…and slay them wherever ye catch them…”
The truth is that this is only part of the verse 191 of Chapter 2 of the Qur’an. Let us read the verses 190 to 191 in order to get a complete picture:
“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have Turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.”
[Al-Qur'an 2:190-191]
It is a well-known fact of Islamic history, that fighting against aggressors was prohibited during the first thirteen years of the Prophet’s mission. After Muslims migrated to Madina , the verses above were revealed to enable the community to fight in self-defense. The verses that follow clearly indicate Islam’s prohibition on aggression and inclination towards peace:
“But if they cease, Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.”
[Al-Qur'an 2:192-193]
The verses above specifically refer to fighting against oppression and in defense of religious freedom as the Glorious Qur’an says:
“Let there be no compulsion in religion”
[Al-Qur'an 2:256]
Fair-dealing towards all
When read in context, the above verses do not even remotely suggest an exhortation for Muslims to be vicious or hateful towards people of other faiths. Far from this, the Qur’an actually requires that Muslims conduct themselves with fairness and dignity in all matters, and especially in regard to interfaith relations, as indicated by the following verse:
“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.
[Al-Qur'an 60:8]
Justice
Since the origin of the quaran is not evident and the original language is still not proven muslims tend to interpret it in any way they want. I believe islam or what ever religion would never promote violence as in Buddhism it is advised (not told) to forgive at any cost as there will be repercussions.
truth
then you better learn Arabic and read the same. arabic is not an obsolete language like pali and its in use and quran is in pure Arabic which anyone can learn and understand. peace loving buddism? joke of the year. i can see what these peace lovers are doing in myanmar now and did in north of sri lanka few years back.
Amdan Cool
Before commenting on Arabic learn a little bit more English. You say “what ever religion would never promote violence as in Buddhism”. Do you mean what you say or are you justifying the acts of the extremist buddhist?
Malaka
Truth is in Sri Lanka, Muslims are out-fornicating the others. It will be a Muslim-heavy country soon, so if I was Muslim I’d say you do whatever you pissu monk, i go make two more children then we’ll see in 25 years.
remalaka
if anybody don’t get children better check with the doctor instead of blaming muslims for that!
Malaka
Aney harako, i didn’t say blame muslims for that.
remalaka
gono; that’s why i told check with doctors and if not perhaps take to the monks whom advertise in the TV by stating that they have solution for such problem
remalaka
mala harako, Kindly call renowned IVF specialist Dr.Peter Brinston, can get some advice over infertility issues
hehe
Come on, malaka was pointing at right action to be done sarcastically. Whatever it is, it’s a good idea indeed
Dimuthu
one buddhist was sentenced dead because of having a Buddha Statue at a muslim coubtry
fazly
SLR 100,000 reward for you if you can prove what you commented abt. I’m serious.
Truth
This is another comment from ignorant in the land. It should be noted that this ignorance is fueled by the irresponsible media as well. The below news was posted in the paper on 06th july 2012
http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-9052-news-detail-arrested-for-idol-worship.html
and another official news came in an another news paper on 08th july 2012
http://srilankamirror.com/news/263-lankan-s-arrest-nothing-to-do-with-idol-worship-embassy
Our intelligent people always like to be in past and like to believe everything any dick and harry says without taking any measures to find the truth!
Now we understand the reason behind our 30 years old war!
Gillan
Doesnt change the fact that it’s wrong.
Tharaka
The term Buddhist extremism term it self is wrong. There is nothing in buddhist scriptures that mention even remotely that non- buddhists are second rate people or they are infidels or any thing like that. One should be very careful when using words to describe groups. Buddhism is one thing and buddhism practiced in one ethnicity very defined by association with Buddhism is another thing. That is why we have another describe those groups. Sinhala Buddists, Tibetan Buddhist etc etc. Of there can be extremist elements among them. Bengali Buddhist were targeted and marginal for decades. I dont think if this author can remember there was separatist war in Bangladesh due this very fact. Burmese government had suppressed their people for so long. Its not particularly to muslims. There are many other ethnic groups with issues in that country. Just because they they have issues they have no right go burn their religious places down. Even in Dambulla incident no such thing happened. Muslims cause havoc when some body stupid thing USA but no body should protest when they do even worst atrocities. What kind of mindset is this!
OpenEyes
You are right, it should not be called “Buddhist extremism” as the more appropriate term would be “Buddhist nazism”
opentoweyes
may be budist zionism
fact
@tharaka
I already posted about how quran is taken out of context to practice extremism, when it come to Buddhism even if the scripture prescribes it or not extremism is practiced by Buddhist in sri lanka,Myanmar and some part of china. I don’t see any difference. This is the fate of all religion. For this reason I don’t agree on atheism either as we know well even in that extremism presents. Example killing of communism during on its way up!
Dr Dayan Jayatilleka
Raashid’s essay is courageous, reasoned, urgent and vitally important. It deserves the widest possible airing, especially in SL, in the national languages.
Hade Sheriff
Intellectual like Dr Dayan Jayatileka understand better than other ignorant fools.
Raashid Riza
Dear Dayan,
Thank you for your comments. As a genuine intellectual, citizen and civil servant, your comments are most certainly a breath of fresh air.
Thank you.
Raashid
Yohan
You cannot simply say that its Extremism, people reading this will not the true picture of the situation in the country whatsoever. You cannot simply deny that there aren’t any Muslim extremists in Sri Lanka, there are ample examples where the Muslim community is changing everything around them even to the extent of renaming roads that leads to ancient Buddhist temples with Muslim names, teach the children to poo in statues of Buddhist temples. It is so pathetic to see that they goes to the extent of demanding and even trying to practice Sharia law!! Best example is when some Muslims tried to stone few small girls in Sri Lanka for browsing internet in an internet cafe!!
fact
Whatever it is you have to define extremism first and whatever you post should come with real evidence not just your word. Roads can be named in any way as long as government approves, where in the law it is mentioned its not allowed to name roads in muslim names. Im sure if a road is only going to the temple then it’s a private road and no way muslims can name that in their name and local council will not register it. What is the evidence you have muslims teach their children to act wrongly. Show your evidence. If you have evidence against some then don’t generalize that and take them to the legal system. Sharia is the religious law of muslims and even prayers comes under this law, this law is something to do with Muslims internal affairs and no other community has the right to interfere in to this. Also you should understand that this country is Buddhist majority country and there are Christians, Muslims and Hindus share the land with equal rights. If you want further I will tell you what are the discrimination done to these minorities by Buddhist thinking that it ONLY a Buddhist country.
Yohan
The main reason for my comment here in the first place is to reject the word extremists in the article, the renaming of the road that leads to a temple was just an example, there is proof and currently there is an inquiry going on in the “Pothuwil” police station. Just because the majority participants were Buddhist monks using the word “Extremist” is wrong. It is the Buddhist monks that lead the Buddhist community and it is them who know’s the religion the most, even more than the laymen in the society. As said by “fact” if Shariya is “Muslims internal affairs and no other community has the right to interfere in to this” this truly sounds so immature, its like a man telling to the police after molesting the children and his wife that “This is my family and i can do what ever i want to them, your laws of child abuse and women rights is not valid in my house!!”. Please note that every religion and race have their own beliefs and norms, but not all rituals/laws can be practiced everywhere in the world, every one must abide to the laws of the country they live in. Just because Shariya law is a religion thing!! and you are trying to justify some elderly men trying to stone few small School girls for browsing internet in a net cafe.. Then you really need to caliber your scale of right and wrong very seriously!!
fact
You didn’t answer my question where it is mentioned in the law its not allowed to name a road in a Muslim name? And how that related to extremism? That’s the reason I told you need to define extremism first. One religious sect and their leaders interfere other religious activity is part of extremism as they have no rights over it. These monks with enough and more envy disturbs the muslims prayers and their way of life. Still there are many obstructions by MONKS to non Buddhist in building a new worship place for their own convenient. Perhaps its time for you to understand sri lanka is a Buddhist majority country and not a sole Buddhist country. All the religion in sri lanka had its root outside the island. I told what sharia law means to muslims and when it comes to criminal law sharia is not practiced is sri lanka. Sharia law include all, religious, social, economical and political laws and my explanation there was what was sharia means. Now if someone stones and harm it has to be address accordingly by the law governing authority and not the monks in sri lanka who takes the law in hand. Mean time when making law it has to be fair enough to provide justice. What is the justice you see in a land where Buddhist statues and temple can be made freely but other religious places such as hindu temple, church and mosque is not possible. Monks will come to the scene. Aren’t there other methods to protect Buddhism in sri lanka for these monks?
OpenEyes
The level of ignorance one can seem among sinhala buddhist is horrific; it is even worse than the worse taliban period! They are so bent of claiming they are a special race that sinhala girls cannot marry outside their etnicity for fear of stopping the “pure” race from continuing. The propaganda machinery and reaction by the “silent” majority reminds of Goebbles in Nazi Germany. The arrangance of shouting from high speakers for hours on end at every temple is just a small part of an attempt to over-power any other group. The degree of racism sinhala people can show is worse than the worse period of white americans supremacists. Suffice to note that many buddhist monks (practising by the way the worse paedophile actions than their more famous catholics partners in crime) have received military training and many carry a gun. A Buddhist monk carrying a gun????? Please. This is Nazism!
Moderate sri lankans, stand up! Don’t allow yourselves to be associated with such a backward polity that is a disgrace to the most elementary teaching of the Lord Buddha!
Justice
Islam is the only religion which promotes racism, and my friend it is only in Islam that the women are not allowed to marry a non muslim
truth
no religion is allowing marriage between another, this shows your knowledge about religions around the world.
Raheem
Are you talking about racism or religion? Please do not mix up.
Mohan
The Good Buddhists on the urge of the Buddhist Monks(Ayrans) are still killing the Indigenous Black skin Tamil People in Lanka. How come they forgot completely their own Sin, because they don’t think ‘the killing of Black People’ is Sin. The Mahawamsa, the Buddhist Holy Book preaches to the Good Buddhists that the Black Skin Indigenous People are Demons and Those Demons must be wiped out.
This is Buddhism. Islam is the Right Partner for the Buddhism.
Vibhasa
I have never read any thing about a Buddhist text mentioned killing Black People. You might have confuse with Indian Text like Rg. Veda to Buddhist sutras/suttas. Perhaps some indication were in certain Vedas. I am not an expert on Vedas, I leave that to Vedic expert to explain those statements.
However, I think you are kind of ‘ignorant’ and perhaps just want to spread hatred and wrong messages? Don’t forget, according to the Buddha messages, “hatred cannot solve the problem of hatred”. Yet, it’s not easy, but an eternal truth.
Mohan
Good Message!! Tell to Mahinda Rajapaksa Family and the Buddhists in Lanka; They will send you to overseas safely or you will run away. Be Truthful to your Heart and see the Truth with Respect. Don’t say the Evil as Good or Good as Evil.
Vedic Hinduism(Vaishnawa), Jainism and Buddhism are all Aryan Religions. They are all praise Aryans and their Superiority over the Dravidian Indigenous People.
In fact, Lord Buddha rebelled against the Aryanism; but after 200 years of Lord Buddha’s demise, the same Aryans took his teachings and twisted according to their advantage.
Sadly, our Indigenous people are systematically oppressed/killed from Himalaya to Galle.
remohan
Perhaps we can recall Gujarat tragedy where Hindus killed and burn innocent Muslims and if you are an atheist better recall how many lives communism has taken on its way!
Mohan
When Moghuls came to Northern South Asia, the Buddhism was the dominating Religion.
Most of the Pakistan, North India…..upto Bangadesh, most of the people are born to Arabians and Aryans. Genetically, Arabians are also Aryans. Islam was introduced to Northern South Asia by killing the Buddhist Monks and Buddhist men and reproduced Muslim children by the Arabian invaders.
Now most of them came back to so-called Hinduism, but basically they are all Arabian/Aryan children born to Indigenous Dravidian (Black skin) women.
So, don’t worry too much if they beat each other; they are same people.
remohan
Before arrival of Buddhism which was the dominating religion? and if that religion can be replaced by Buddhism, why not Buddhism can be replaced by another? You better get your information correctly, Buddhism was diminishing and other beliefs started flourishing before arrival of islam to the region. Perhaps you don’t know the fact that in the fateful year 707, pirates attacked one of the Muslim merchant ships sailing back from Sri Lanka to the Persian Gulf. The men, women and children on board the ship were captured and taken inland to Sindh, where the Raja Dahir imprisoned them. Hajjaj bin Yusuf Saqafi was the Omayyad governor of Iraq. When reports reached him of this incident, he wrote to Raja Dahir demanding that the captives be released and the responsible pirates punished. Dahir refused. This refusal set the stage for the onset of hostilities and invasion of sindh. Perhaps you don’t know the fact that Raja Dahir was a hindu. Infact such injustice made Muslims to invade sindh and but they didn’t kill or force convert as some claim. If they really did that how on earth Hinduism can survive despite the many years of ruling. When people read history must have little brain to think and filter the lies!
Inshort your argument is muslims and even sinhales are Aryans and only south asia belong to Dravidians. Have you forget the point that human race migrated from Africa. If so even Dravidians are migrants too. As Dravidians have come first isn’t this high time to leave helping other people whom lived in the region for a short period.
The point is not living in the past, its time to live in the present life with coordination and support, if you think north sri lanka is belongs to tamils then its your ignorance. Atleats admire the sri lankan government which has given citizenship for migrant tamil from india that living in central sri lanka.
Buddhist
I find some anti social element try to put the extinction of Buddhism in India over Muslims, this is not true :
http://sikhspectrum.com/2008/03/disappearance-of-buddhism-from-india-an-untold-story/
Justice
Thripitika is one of the Buddhist Holy Books since unlike other religons it is quite impossible to detail Buddhism in one book, Mahawansa is about Sri Lankan History
truth
buddism is only for monk who leave the normal life. ordinary people cannot practice buddism and it is the most impractical religion in the world. because you need to leave your life to live a life. yah, this is the fact
Jehan
The comments here in this site itself an evidence Buddhist extremism is prevalent in sri lanka. it should be noted that even international events Muslims are the victims not the cause. Israel is the land formed by Jews in Palestine killing innocent Muslims, Iraq and Afghanistan was invaded by Christian for oil and minerals and killing innocent Muslims. It is Buddhist who killing the Muslims in Myanmar. After all this now some jealousy Buddhist with the foreign financial supports gathering innocent Buddhist against Muslims in the country. We can see the jealousy here itself as what is the problem for others if muslims get children. If they don’t get better check their wives instead of passing the blame to Muslims. Foreign support for these racist comes to destabilize as they know Muslims never surrender to discrimination and its their religious duty to fight back for justice, so if they fight back country will de stabilize. Every religion got its extreme group and its clear that what we see in sri lanka and Myanmar are Buddhist extremist!
Justice
And all the res of the countries has Islam Extremists not Muslim Extremists since i know of Muslims that do not practice Islam to the word and live in Harmony. Islam to an extent is a racist religion with hate towards others. Kindly watch on youtube Dr Zakir Naiks intrepretations he explains how racist Islam is
jehan
We should note that Bangladesh attacked was organized by some group and the government has already arrested some to bring to the justice. But in Myanmar not only they destroyed mosques but even killed and burn many Muslims with help of government forces. So we can see who is acting as civilized people and who is not!
Vibhasa
How much you know about the truth of the fact in Myanmar? Do you think people really know the real picture what you think of Isreal? Sometimes people can be so cunning about what they think they were victimized? Aren’t you know well enough how a Muslim can do with Isreali? But again, did Isreal did all the right things?
How much you know about Muslim culture? When any religion think they are the only right one, that’s how the problem begins. Some like to lie to people because that’s how they do all the time.
Should you based on trivial news, please be quite and learn to look for things to solve problem. But not with bias and confused mind leading others even worsen their judgement.
jehan
Perhaps the advice suits more than me to you. i know well and the rest of the world knows well what is happening both in Myanmar and Israel and perhaps you need to get the facts straight.
Sadun
Sri Lanka has supported the Palestine cause for long long years and it is the Buddhist Monks that rose up and agitated against the Burmese regime.
Truth
We know well mahinda’s support to Palestinian cause in the PAST and we know well sri lanka didn’t like to have any diplomatic ties with Israel on the ground that it is an invaded land by foreigners by killing innocents. Also sri lanka is well aware of the injustice, that is, how terrible it is to divide a country where Singhalese, Tamil and Muslims lived for long. If this is injustice, leaving a land for foreigner is much far and pure injustice. This simple ethics where human can understand made the sri lankan people and its government to oppose this move and sri lanka Muslims also reminded this ethics frequently by opposing Israel’s present in sri lanka. the biggest turnaround is the present policy of the government which like to get the ties by forgetting the injustice Israel commits and committed in the past. To divert the attention of people from this tie; Israel is helping to promote hatred among the communities in sri lanka, specialy among innocent Muslims and Sinhalese. They get several advantages out of this, most important to note is, if they increase the presence in sri lanka can increase the future profit in the region, especially if they create another war they can sell weapon and military supplies which is one of the profitable business as far as Israel is concern. It should be noted that unlike other countries Israel trained both government and LTTE forces in side by side just divided by a wall and supplied for both parties. Isreal is now pressurizing with the help of US and allies against sri lanka under the pretext of war crime. The strategy is simple. If mahinda helps and develop ties with Israel, Israel will help to bring down the international pressure (by US and others) against sri lankan government on war crime. So now mahinda need to play a game with two face, he should act in front of arab world and iran that he is a friend not a foe , so he can keep on getting the favor , mean time under the table slowly increase the ties with Israel by selling his own principle of helping the Palestinian struggle. On the other hand Israel with the help of some local short sighted paid support to increases hatred against Muslims, so that Muslim will be very busy engaging with Sinhala racists. The end result is another war in sri lanka and millions of bugs in Israel pocket by landing in sri lanka and supplying military services! The gain in sri lanka for both Sinhalese and Muslim communities; well they can rest in peace in the graves!
mohamed
i hope this article is useful here
SINGING FISH
The fanatism should be condemned thoroughly,people must learn to respect others faith.All religion teaches the same principle what is the difference? Whether buddhists,hindus,christians or muslims,let us live in peace.
Munaweera
I stand by Dr.Dayan’s complement to Raashid for this courageous and balanced article. Todays Sri Lankans are in dissarray and have not got their priorities right since the end of war. You have strikes in every goverment department, education and health is failing so was the economy. Therefore the need of the hour for bankrupt politicians and their surrogates is new conflicts to shroud the ailing and insurmountable problems.That is why they are after the Muslims (in the guise of whatever you name it) following silencing the Tamils.
As succintly pointed out by Raashid, Sri Lanka lacks true patriots and nationalists and scoundrels are walking about mascarading as patriots and nationalists. True nationalists and patriots are in the hiding and their mouths are gagged by the socalled nationalist politicians with the partnership of some of the Budhist monks in ripping the country. This is almost analogous to what happened with the French Revolution where King Louis XVI partnering with the Christian Monk/Church and plundered France leaving the people in perpetual poverty.
What you see in Sri Lanka is that the ruling class together with some of the Buddhist Monks doing what King Louis XVI to the french people. Here innocent Buddhist, Muslim, Hindus and Christians and all citizens are suffering and to coverup their sins of the ruling elites and their surrogates one set of people is set against the other. This effectively engages the populace in incessant conflicts whilst the elites rip the country. Innately there are no problems between Buddhists and Muslims but conflicts are environmental managed to keep tension in society high. When with the true patriots will come out to save mother Lanka.
Sadun
I think you are factually incorrect” using in the term “Sri Lanka Ruling Class”. There is no ruling class in this govt. It is from the rural towns and villages and that is the reason why they get elected continuously and that is the reason that most of the privileged are bashing this govt.
Sri Lanka has enough patriots and nationalists, there are enough of them down in our rural towns and villages and that’s the reason why we won the war against terrorism and also they are not obviously gagged or suppressed since they are obviously making some sounds, that’s is why you would find articles like this getting posted bashing the Sinhalese Buddhists these days.
Therefore, until you find enough courage to speak against the atrocities committed against the Sinhalese Buddhists in the first place, articles like this appearing after they the (Sinhalese Buddhists) started to raise their voices against those atrocities, wouldn’t ring that much of a bell to general Sinhalese Buddhist populace.
Sam
Funny the author points fingers at others, but is himself a Muslim extremist. Muslim extremism is alive and well in Sri Lanka and yet he chooses to ignore it.
Sadun
Has the writer has shown this much of concern when they build mosque in Kuragala and when they bulldozed ancient buddhist temples in the east. He is pretty much biased and prejudiced to me.
OpenEyes
Sadun, I feel very sorry for you; really.
May whichever god you believe in bestow upon you his grace and forgive for you know not what you are saying
Stop walking with your back facing the sun as you will see only your own shadow!
Justice
Your comment is not related to the question raised. Typical Muslim way of answering questions. They evade since they have no way of explaining anything. SInce in their heart they know what they believe is not true
Sadun
You are most welcome to have your own opinion but its unfortunate that you with your open eyes turned a blind eye to the atrocities faced by the Buddhists who find their places of worship getting demolished by others in the name of expansions and the govt turning a blind eye due to the minority king maker powers. Unless you start taking some reconciling action of your own, things might turn to worse in a pretty day soon. you cannot cry the mantra of majority must harmonise while the minority continue on the theme that the unethical expansions into their habitat is the naturally entitled right of the minorities. it imbalances the age old traditions in the country. Sometimes when you close the eyes it is easy to see the light. And someone rated down some comments I stated elsewhere. They are facts that happened now and in history. Indonesia has the world biggest buddhist temple you know.
Warmest regards.
Nufaz
@Sadun
You need to get your fact staeight as you are one among the most misinformed. First your read this regarding
http://sundaytimes.lk/980719/plus2.html
now please post Buddhist significant in kurugala and point the line clear where the muslim invasion taken place. Its natural that in one place two different religion can place it print. Buddhism is also a religion brought down to sri lanka from india and it has replaced the existed religion before that. just like majority accepted Buddhism in ancient sri lanka in ancient indonasia people accepted Islam from Buddhism.
Also there should be clear methodology to define holly lands in the country, now the methodology is any person can declare sacred the way they wish. Its clear that after declaring it is sacred acres of land around it becomes sacred and minorities are prosecuted on this pretext. We are not afraid of your threats and we know well how to expose the lies and injustice very well!
Sadun
Kuragala is a Buddhist shrine way back from 2BC or before, it was also a place of King Ravana. The land was exchanged with Ratwattes by one Aboosaly and thereupon the Muslim Villages and Mosques started to spring up. It is protected by Archaeological Dept. and there is a court ruling preventing settlements and Muslims are building settlements ignoring it. That’s the truth.
Nufaz
Perhaps you need to understand that there is no archeological evidence what so ever to prove king ravana and Rama story when it comes to sri lanka. Secondly even it was there then Rawana was not a Buddhist as Buddhism was introduced to sri lanka much later. Perhaps there were some temples in the area just like any other places in sri lanka. For this reason how you could judge that it is belongs to Buddhists only by neglecting the Muslims presence in the region for several hundred years?
OpenEyes
1. You want Sri Lanka only for yourself
2. You engage in intellectual violence with the excuse of being a victim
3. You are part of a majority with a minority complex
4. I pity you
Sadun
I just pointed out the truth, no violence, you have error ed in your judgement. Regards
OpenEyes
Though traditionally regarded as a peaceful religion, Buddhism has a dark side. On multiple occasions over the past fifteen centuries, Buddhist leaders have sanctioned violence, and even war. The eight essays in this book focus on a variety of Buddhist traditions, from antiquity to the present, and show that Buddhist organizations have used religious images and rhetoric to support military conquest throughout history.
Buddhist soldiers in sixth century China were given the illustrious status of Bodhisattva after killing their adversaries. In seventeenth century Tibet, the Fifth Dalai Lama endorsed a Mongol ruler’s killing of his rivals. And in modern-day Thailand, Buddhist soldiers carry out their duties undercover, as fully ordained monks armed with guns.
Buddhist Warfare demonstrates that the discourse on religion and violence, usually applied to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, can no longer exclude Buddhist traditions. The book examines Buddhist military action in Tibet, China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, and shows that even the most unlikely and allegedly pacifist religious traditions are susceptible to the violent tendencies of man.
From:
http://www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Warfare-Michael-Jerryson/dp/0195394844
Sadun
Buddhism had a dark side when the Buddhist were mud walled alive by Genghis Khan in Death Valley (Valley in front of Bahamian Buddha Statues) , row upon row ,skinned and tied and annihilated and walled in (Buddhists were alive and couldn’t see the day light – aka Dark Side) the whole Buddhist Populations there.
Nufaz
@sadun
Another blind view. Perhaps you don’t know the fact that genghis khan was a mongol emperor and his religion was praying to the Burhan Haldun mountain. Inshort he was a sprit worshipper. Infact he prosecuted Muslims and not Buddhist. also bagdad was taken by his grand son Halaku Khan who was a Buddhist and his atrocities are well known to the world. He killed and raped many muslims and demolished most civilized world at that time. Non of the muslims are blaming the sri lankan buddist for atrocities created by murderer. Perhaps its high time to people like you to grow up, if you want to put this country in flame go ahead and see the outcome. People like you are either racist Buddhist or not really Buddhist but working for LTTE or it could be even align to some foreign power want to instablize the country.
Sadun
I didn’t said Genghis Khan is a Muslim, just replying to the writer open eyes comment of Buddhism has a dark side. if you note I wrote it in brackets too to point out where I was commenting. Sorry about your lack of comprehension.
Justice
Even if this was true which i know is not.. these cannot be compared to the religious killings dated in history which have been committed in the name of Islam. Simple explanation ask a child to draw a terrorist what would a child draw …..a muslim.. thats the entire perception Islam has given the world throughout history.
truth
you need to blaime the media for that, thats how they given the message stupid people around to belive. islam had the killing for self defence and other had the killing for all the reasons (including buddism) this is the truth
Arun
Some Islamic extremists (including the author) who have commented here need to study the history of spread of Islam in to deep. So you will understand that your holly faith is spread with blood spilt, rape and murder. This happened few hundred years ago in a vast global area from Turkey, through Iran,Pakistan, Afghanistan (+central asian countries from Kazaksthan to Uzbekisthan) etc. to India.., And further to Indonesia and Malaysia as well. Now the savageous Islamic extremists are cleaning the rest in Bangladesh. Islamic extremists here seems so ignorant about their shameful past. Maybe because they learn ‘the newly written world history by their own prophets..!
In that sence, it is not surprising that these people are so blind to see what is beyond with open mind, than just following the instructions of their elders. This same occurance happens now in Bangladesh.., because they are following the savagous teachings in Islam, nothing more.
(Here are few refferences ;
THIS IS ISLAM, THE SO CALLED “RELIGION OF PEACE:”
“Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them.” Koran 2:191
“Make war on the infidels living in your neighborhood.” Koran 9:123
“When opportunity arises, kill the infidels wherever you catch them.” Koran 9:5
“Any religion other than Islam is not acceptable.” Koran 3:85
“The Jews and the Christians are perverts; fight them.”… Koran 9:30
“Maim and crucify the infidels if they criticize Islam” Koran 5:33
“Punish the unbelievers with garments of fire, hooked iron rods, boiling water; melt their skin and bellies.” Koran 22:19
“The unbelievers are stupid; urge the Muslims to fight them.” Koran 8:65
“Muslims must not take the infidels as friends.” Koran 3:28
“Terrorize and behead those who believe in scriptures other than the Qur’an.” Koran 8:12
“Muslims must muster all weapons to terrorize the infidels.” Koran 8:60)
Ultimately, this all makes Islam a burden to the peaceful world as it had been for all these hundreds of years for the former Buddhist nations I mentioned before, who lived with peace and mind fullness.
truth
if islam was spread by sword i am sure no hindus will be there in india. perhaps you better learn the verses with its contexts and verses before and after. all these verses are properly explained. perhaps you and like minded expecting muslims to submit to injustice. well that will not happen as long as the true religion of god (islam) exist. you better read earlier comments to get a better understanding about relationship between muslims and other. if you show us flowers we will show you flowers. if you prefer the sword we do the same. simple as that
OpenEyes
It may well be that the terrost side of sri lanka buddhist is limited to a few; yet they are a very loud few! They – maybe incorrectly – represent the faith to the outside world. The fanatism, extremism and violence of many mainstream monks is there to be seen by everyone.
I would also like to see if any has the courage to uncover the public secret of the sexual violence perpertrated against minors in almost every buddhist school where children are “handed out” to monks. They are brain-washed and systematically abused. It is HIGH time thjis aspect is properly researched and documented too!!!!
For more on the violent side of sri lankan buddhism, please read:
Bigoted monks and militant mobs: Is this Buddhism in Sri Lanka today?
http://groundviews.org/2012/04/23/bigoted-monks-and-militant-mobs-is-this-buddhism-in-sri-lanka-today/
Justice
My Friend, Brain washing originated from Islam. Buddhism does not force religion on anybody. Its should be understood not believed. Since people only believe things which cannot be proven, faith is there only when people cannot figure out the reasons and well thats just blind faith. Budhissm is the only religion which challenges its teachings and has given the freedom of speech since Budhissm is to be first understood and then practiced. not followed blindly
Puli
Sri Lanka is NOT a “Buddhist country”. We are people of many faiths and non-faith.
Whether one identifies oneself as belonging to a particular religious/ethnic group or not, one must recognise the self evident fact that there is a relationship between secularism and progress (financial, technological, scientific, aesthetic, philosophical, political and even theological).
Sri Lanka must remain a country that allows free, but private, practice of religion or non-religion. While the government as well as all government subsidised institutions should remain decidedly secular.
If India can have a secular constitution and laws with a population of over 85% Hindus. We can certainly have the same with just 61% Buddhists.
We are not some backwater middle-eastern pit. We ought to be better than that. These thugs must not be allowed to define us.
OpenEyes
And is not Buddhism [almost] state religion?
From your constitution:
CHAPTER II – BUDDHISM
Buddhism.
9. The Republic of Sri Lanka shall give to Buddhism the foremost place and accordingly it shall be the duty of the State to protect and foster the Buddha Sasana, while assuring to all religions the rights granted by Articles 10 and 14(1)(e).
See:
http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Chapter_02_Amd.html
Puli
It is. But it shouldn’t be. That was my point.
Raashid Riza
As expected, violent behaviour from the ‘Buddhist monks’, We need to emphasize here however that this is a misrepresentation of the noble tenets Buddhism. These monks act on their ignorance and lack of understanding.
However, this video highlights of the very dangers I fear of in the article above. Ignorance can lead to a lot of violence and fear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9bc5_dx76M
I wish not to engage with most comments above because they are factually incoherent. Should anyone counter my arguments with established facts and figures I may consider responding.
See video attached.
Srivanamoth
What an amount of angst and hatred and far worse are generated in the name of religion/buddhism not only in Sri lanka but around the world. Take a leaf out of Singapore and make the STATE strictly SECULAR. Religion will then be strictly a private matter for each citizen. End all misery on this score at least in the 21st century.
eureka
Buddhism is brewing trouble all over Sri Lanka::
‘’Since the end of the conflict in 2009, a new phenomena has emerged. That of Buddha statues being erected along the A9 route that leads to Jaffna. Over 28 Buddha statues have been counted along this route since the war concluded in May 2009. The comedy of this charade (what else can one call it?) is that these statues are placed in areas where little or no Buddhists reside. ….’’ – 28 Buddha statues erected along A-9 Highway since war ended in May 2009, Imaad Majeed, 19 February 2012,
://transcurrents.com/news-views/archives/8355#more-8355
”But that truth cannot excuse human rights violations that currently afflict the nation as a whole; or for that matter obscure the looming threat of the cultural and political colonisation of the north by the Sinhala Buddhist majority” – Biased and Prejudiced Collection on Sri Lanka, *Gananath Obeyesekere, Economic & Political Weekly, VOL 47 No. 04, 28 January-03 February 2012 (*a Sinhalese Buddhist and Emeritus Professor of Anthropology, Princeton University), http://www.scribd.com/doc/82525102/Biased-and-Prejudiced-Collection-on-Sri-Lanka
Justice
Very Silly of you, How can erecting statues create trouble. Anyways as Sri Lanka is a country where anybody can practice religion at free will i do not see a issue in it. I believe you are an extremist with a narrow mind.
ann
thanks this
Mohan
Buddhism, Islam and Christianity are all came to Eelam/Hela/Lanka and divided our people and trained them to kill each other. BUT, what happened they all got together and killed the Indigenous Black skin People. Now, they want to destroy each other. May the Nature with the help of Karma Help to do THAT.
Sampath
Photos and Videos for this issue http://vikalpa.org/?p=12821
Of A Sustained Buddhist Extremism in Sri Lanka | Navigating on Balance
[...] published here for The [...]
Suren
The problem in Sri Lanka is that Buddhism is no longer the state religion, and the state cannot de-robe the fake monks, i.e the monks who are not really monks, but just wear the robe. In the old days, the king had the authority to de-robe monks, who behaved badly. A mechanism within the Buddhist sanga is needed, so that there are chief monks with authority who can de-robe these idiotic monks, who do not seem to know what Buddhism is even.
All that said, some of the claims made by these monks are also legitimate, as to stop the inhumane butchering of animals and young calves. This is one of the core demands of these monks, and when they present stories (real or made up) about how inhumanely cows are butchered etc they can get sympathy in the future by the Buddhists who are against these monks today. Therefore the government should implement strict rules as to how the process should take place and where the butchering should take place. If this is done, at least these idiotic monks will lose much of the weight in their cause. As in all extremist views, there are some things which appeal to the general population, in this case animal rights. One monk committed self immolation to protest against the slaughter of cows recently. So, this seems a big issue for them.
As for the Muslims of Sri Lanka – they have been a blessing to Sri Lanka, and the Sinhalese will not support these idiotic monks. Even the more “moderate” JHU got only about 2% of the votes at elections. Says all about how appealing the views of these stupid monks are to the Sinhalese people.
Buddhism is banned in Islamic countries