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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 3 page paper discusses two aspects of Buddhism: the role of Buddhist thought in politics in Southeast Asia; and why Buddhism should be regarded as a religion, not merely an ethical system. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVBudPra.rtf
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Southeast Asia; and why Buddhism should be regarded as a religion, not merely an ethical system. Buddhism in Politics We can see Buddhist political influence in two things: the fiery
deaths of Buddhist monks in Vietnam and the way governments use Buddhism as a symbol to legitimize themselves. Although Buddhism is a non-violent religion, many Buddhists live in Southeast Asia,
a part of the world that has repeatedly been convulsed by war. The conflict in Vietnam in particular made it difficult for Buddhists to retain their non-violent ways; in fact,
some did not. The wave of self-immolations that shocked the world in the early 1960s was born out of despair, but it used violence as a means to an end.
Even though the monks directed that violence at themselves, it was no less shocking. Even more importantly, these were political acts, designed to call attention to the plight of
Buddhists under the Diem regime in the strongest possible way. Today, Buddhist leaders are living a sort of "split personality" existence; they hold positions of power and yet try to
live up to Buddhist ideals (Unit 6: Religion and East Asian politics). This puts them at odds with the sometimes violent governments in the region. But these governments are
wily, and often capitalize on the religions popularity. "For example, seats of power are often located near stupas (commemorative burial mounds), so that these memorials do not only give reverence
to past spiritual leaders, but endorse present day leadership" (Unit 6). The continual conflict between what is necessary and what is ideal is wearying, and there is some doubt
as to whether or not it can continue. Donald Swearer wonders if "the monk can continue to symbolize values of lasting significance embodied in the ideals of Buddhism and at
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