History of Theravada Buddhism
in South-East Asia
With Special Reference to India & Ceylon
By Kanai Lal Hazra
March 2008. Reprint of the 1981 edition.
Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers
Distributed By Coronet Books
ISBN: 9788121501644
226 pages, Illustrated, 5 3/4 x 8 3/4"
$32.50 Hardcover
Theravada Buddhism exists in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Burma, Siam (Thailand), Cambodia and in Laos. This form of Buddhism is the tie that binds Ceylon with all these countries of Couth-east Asia. The present book tries to show that Ceylon had strong cultural links with her neighbours in South-east Asia.
From the eleventh century onwards the Sihala Sangha and Sihala Buddhism constitute a strong and vitalising force in the religious history of South-east Asia, and the Buddhist countries in South-east Asia looked on Ceylon as the fountainhead of Theravada Buddhism. This book also deals with the introduction and development of Buddhism in India.
The chief aim of this book is to examine carefully and to evaluate historically the evidence in the primary sources relating to the religious ties that existed along the Theravada countries. This book will no doubt be helpful to those interested in the study of Buddhism and Buddhist culture in India as well as in South and South-east Asia. Printed Pages: 244 with 1 map.
Religious History