Buddhist learning and textual practice in eighteenth-century Lankan monastic culture
Book Description
This scholarly exploration reveals how Buddhist monastic communities in eighteenth-century Sri Lanka actively shaped their own spiritual and educational traditions, offering profound insights into the dynamic nature of religious practice. Anne M. Blackburn examines the Siyam Nikaya, a monastic order that transformed Buddhist learning through innovative approaches to textual study and spiritual development.
Rather than presenting Buddhism as a static tradition unchanged by time, this work demonstrates how dedicated practitioners continuously adapted their methods to meet evolving spiritual needs. The author challenges assumptions about religious stability in South and Southeast Asia, showing instead how local communities created vibrant, living traditions that responded to their unique circumstances.
Through careful analysis of Buddhist texts and their practical applications, Blackburn illuminates the vital connections between monastic scholarship and everyday spiritual life. Her research reveals how these eighteenth-century monks developed new ways of understanding sacred texts while maintaining deep respect for traditional wisdom.
This study offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in how spiritual communities preserve essential teachings while remaining responsive to changing times. The book demonstrates that authentic religious practice often involves creative adaptation rather than rigid adherence to unchanging forms. Readers seeking to understand how contemplative traditions evolve and flourish will find rich material for reflection on the relationship between scholarship, practice, and spiritual growth within dedicated religious communities.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 241 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Monachisme et ordres religieux bouddhiques
- ✓ Explore Bouddhisme
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Buddhist Monasticism and religious orders
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Tipiá¹aka
- ✓ Explore Geschichte (1700-1800)
- ✓ Explore Buddhism
