The Work of Kings (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780226748665)

The Work of Kings is a stunning new look at the turbulent modern history and sociology of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Monkhood and its effects upon contemporary society. Using never-before translated Sinhalese documents and extensive interviews with monks, Sri Lankan anthropologist H.L. Seneviratne unravels the inner workings of this New Buddhism and the ideology on which it is based.

Beginning with Anagarika Dharmapala's "rationalization" of Buddhism in the early twentieth century, which called for monks to take on a more activist role in the community, Seneviratne shows how the monks have gradually revised their role to include involvement in political and economic spheres. The altruistic, morally pure monks of Dharamapala's dreams have become, Seneviratne trenchantly argues, self-centered and arrogant, concealing self-aggrandizement behind a fa軋de of "social service."

A compelling call for reform and a forceful analysis, The Work of Kings is essential to anthropologists, historians of religion, and those interested in colonialism, nationalism, and postcolonial politics.


Author: H. L. Seneviratne
ISBN-10: 0226748669
ISBN-13: 9780226748665
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Language: English
Published: 04/01/2000
Pages: 392
Format: Paperback
Weight: 1.17lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.06w x 0.87d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2000 pg. 14