As the world grapples with the complexities of religious belief and nationalism, a troubling trend has emerged across South-East Asia – the weaponisation of Buddhism to serve divisive political agendas. Once viewed as a peaceful philosophy, the religion has been co-opted by extremist groups, with devastating consequences.
In Sri Lanka, the recent surge of Buddhist nationalism has sparked alarm among observers. The country, long known for its rich cultural heritage and religious diversity, has seen a worrying escalation of anti-Muslim sentiment, fuelled by hardline Buddhist factions. These groups, driven by a narrow interpretation of their faith, have engaged in campaigns of intimidation and violence against minority communities, undermining the nation’s social fabric.
“Attaining nirvana can wait,” declared one prominent Buddhist monk, encapsulating the shift away from the religion’s core teachings of compassion and non-violence. Instead, these extremist elements have prioritised a toxic blend of ethnic nationalism and religious zealotry, using Buddhism as a tool to advance their political objectives.
The situation is not unique to Sri Lanka. Across the region, from Myanmar to Thailand, similar patterns have emerged, with Buddhist monks and organisations aligning themselves with nationalist movements and stoking tensions between religious and ethnic groups. In Myanmar, for instance, the persecution of the Rohingya Muslim minority has been justified by some Buddhist leaders, further exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis.
This troubling trend challenges the long-held perception of Buddhism as a peaceful and inclusive faith. The religion, which has traditionally emphasised introspection, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of enlightenment, has been hijacked by those seeking to exploit it for their own political gain.
“The danger lies in the fact that Buddhism is so deeply woven into the fabric of these societies,” explains Sonia Faleiro, a journalist who has extensively covered the issue. “When it is weaponised, the consequences can be devastating, as we have seen in Sri Lanka and elsewhere.”
The rise of Buddhist extremism poses a significant threat to the region’s social cohesion and stability. As the world watches with growing concern, the need for a robust and nuanced response has never been more urgent. Addressing this challenge will require a multi-faceted approach, one that involves interfaith dialogue, educational initiatives, and a renewed commitment to the core values of Buddhism – compassion, tolerance, and the pursuit of inner peace.
