Buddhist Statecraft in East Asia explores the long relationship
between Buddhism and the state in premodern times and seeks to counter
the modern, secularist notion that Buddhism, as a religion, is
inherently apolitical. By revealing the methods by which members of
Buddhist communities across premodern East Asia related to imperial
rule, this volume offers case studies of how Buddhists, their texts,
material culture, ideas, and institutions legitimated rulers and
defended regimes across the region.
The volume also reveals a history of Buddhist writing, protest, and rebellion against the state.
Contributors are Stephanie Balkwill, James A. Benn, Megan Bryson,
Gregory N. Evon, Geoffrey C. Goble, Richard D. McBride II, and
Jacqueline I. Stone.
Brill
2022, ISBN 9789004510227