The Buddhist Visnu

Religious Transformation, Politics, and Culture

By: John Holt

Write A Review

Paperback | 29 December 2004 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
448 Pages

Age
22+

Dimensions(cm)
22.78 x 15.7 x 2.64

Paperback

$128.99

or 4 interest-free payments of $32.25 with

Ships in 10 to 15 business days

John Holt's groundbreaking study examines the assimilation, transformation, and subordination of the Hindu deity Visnu within the contexts of Sri Lankan history and Sinhala Buddhist religious culture. Holt argues that political agendas and social forces, as much as doctrinal concerns, have shaped the shifting patterns of the veneration of Visnu in Sri Lanka.

Holt begins with a comparative look at the assimilation of the Buddha in Hinduism. He then explores the role and rationale of medieval Sinhala kings in assimilating Visnu into Sinhala Buddhism. Offering analyses of texts, many of which have never before been translated into English, Holt considers the development of Visnu in Buddhist literature and the changing practices of deity veneration. Shifting to the present, Holt describes the efforts of contemporary Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka to discourage the veneration of Visnu, suggesting that many are motivated by a reactionary fear that their culture and society will soon be overrun by the influences and practices of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.

Industry Reviews

This is a scholarly but eminently readable and accessible study of the multilayered resonance of Sri Lankan culture... Highly Recommended. Choice John Holt's book is an impressive work of scholarship. Journal of the Royal Asiatic Soceity

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.

Defective items

If there is a problem with any of the items received for your order then the Booktopia Customer Care team is ready to assist you.

For more info please visit our Help Centre.

You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Religion & Beliefs Religion History of Religion Aspects of Religion for Non-Christians Theology Hinduism Buddhism Zen Buddhism

Preface
Introduction: The Historical and Theoretical Problems
The "Hindu Buddha" and the "Buddhist Visnu" "Unceasing Waves"
Brahmanical and Hindu Influences on Medieval Sinhala
Buddhist Culture in Sri Lanka
The Sandalwood Image: Upulvan Deviyo and the Origins of the Cult of Visnu in Sinhala
Buddhist Sri Lanka Transformed Deity: The "Buddhist Visnu" in Sinhala Literature and Liturgy Introduction: The Cult of Visnu in Buddhist
Sri Lanka Seeking Protection: Cultic Life at the Udarata Visnu Devalayas
The Valiyaka Mangalya: The Curative Powers of the Mala Raja Legacies of the "Buddhist "Visnu": Myth and Cult at the Alutnuvara Devalaya
Minister of Defense?
The Politics of Deification in Contemporary Sri Lanka
Conclusion
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

The Buddhist Visnu

Religious Transformation, Politics, and Culture

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

More in Religion & Beliefs

Miss Winter in the Library with a Knife

the perfect gift for murder mystery readers this Christmas in 2025

Religion For Thought

Writings and Lectures, Volume 5

The Last Dynasty

Ancient Egypt from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra

Eight Million Ways to Happiness

Wisdom from the Heart of Japan

A Different Country

Yet She Lives

Fierce and Fantastical Women of Norse Mythology

Angels at My Fingertips : The sequel to Angels in My Hair

How angels and our loved ones help guide us

The Buddha

Biography of a Myth

Think Like A Monk

The Secret of How to Harness the Power of Positivity and be Happy Now

The Wax Child

Guided

The secret path to an illuminated life

Think Like a Monk

How to Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Everyday

How Christians Can Succeed Today

Reclaiming the genius of the early church

Art Is

A Journey into the Light

Runes of Light

A Multidimensional Journey Through the Light and Elemental Essence of the Runes (28 Full-Color Cards and 100-Page Full-Color Guidebook)

The Strange Death of Europe

Immigration, Identity, Islam

The Power of Now

A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

The Prophet

Penguin Classics Hardcover

God is Good for You

A defence of Christianity in troubled times

From the Holy Mountain

The Complete Grimoire

Magickal Practices and Spells for Awakening Your Inner Witch

The Practice of Not Thinking

A Guide to Mindful Living

A Song for the King

A beautifully illustrated twist on the nativity tale from an award-winning, best-selling duo

Crusader Criminals

The Knights Who Went Rogue in the Holy Land

This product is categorised by