This major new work explores the British encounter with Buddhism in nineteenth century Sri Lanka, examining the way Buddhism was represented and constructed in the eyes of the British scholars, officials, travellers and religious seekers who first encountered it.

Tracing the three main historical phases of the encounter from 1796 to 1900, the book provides a sensitive and nuanced exegesis of the cultural and political influences that shaped the early British understanding of Buddhism and that would condition its subsequent transmission to the West.

Expanding our...

Buddhism for a Violent World takes the religiously plural world we live n seriously and demonstrates that in-depth encounter with a religion not ur own can lead to challenge and enrichment. Written by a Christian who has drawn deeply from Buddhist spirituality for over 25 years, it ffers a Christian reflection on what Buddhism could offer a disturbed nd fractured world. The author draws on conversations with Buddhists, xperiences in Buddhist countries, most particularly Sri Lanka, where he lived for nearly 8 years, and her academic study. The book's message is that Buddhism has much to offer...