ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the attitude of Buddhism towards minorities according to canonical sources. It describes the condemnation of caste hierarchy as well as the extremely liberal attitude of the Buddha towards religious pluralism. The book argues that minority questions 'should not arise' within the context of Buddhism. The issue of minorities is complex and overdetermined, of necessity raising questions of nationalism, ethnicity, social ethics, minority rights, separatist movements, ecumenism, violence, counter-violence and terrorism. One legacy of that colonial experience common to both Sri Lanka and Burma is the confrontation between Buddhism and the intrusive Christian religion which came with Western rule. If the strength of Sri Lankan Christianity set Sri Lanka apart from Burma and Thailand, the disestablishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Burma was part of the common colonial experience.
