Buddhist Extremism Rising in Southeast Asia

In the summer of 2023, The Guardian reported on the alarming rise of Buddhist extremism in Southeast Asia, particularly focusing on Sri Lanka and Myanmar. In Sri Lanka, nationalist groups like the Bodu Bala Sena, co-founded by Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara, have weaponized Buddhism to incite violence against the Muslim minority.

Gnanasara has been known for inflammatory speeches, including a rally in Aluthgama in June 2014, where he urged a crowd of 7,000 to take action against Muslims, leading to violent riots that resulted in multiple deaths and extensive property damage.

The report highlights the historical context of this extremism, linking it to colonial-era policies that fostered sectarian divides and economic disparities. In Myanmar, figures like Ashin Wirathu have similarly incited hatred against the Rohingya population, branding them a threat to Buddhism.

The rise of militant monks is said to reflect a broader trend of nationalism entwined with religion, echoing patterns seen in other regions worldwide. Scholars like Geshe Lhakdor express concern over the moral crisis facing the Buddhist clergy, emphasizing that the real danger lies not just in extremist actions but in the silence of the majority.

The report also emphasizes that the rise of Buddhist extremism is not merely an isolated phenomenon but part of a global trend where religious identities are manipulated for political gain. As reported, Sri Lanka's constitution grants Buddhism a special status, which, combined with the rhetoric of figures like Gnanasara, has marginalized other religious communities.

The ramifications of this extremism are starkly illustrated through personal stories, such as that of Fazeena Fihar, a Muslim woman whose life was upended during anti-Muslim riots, underscoring the human cost of such ideological fervor.

The Guardian's investigation into this rise of Buddhist extremism presents a critical lens on how ancient philosophies can be co-opted for modern political agendas, raising urgent questions about the future of religious tolerance in Southeast Asia.