Buddhism and Censorship
Buddhism is a major Eastern religion, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, in the sixth century BCE. It emphasizes the path to enlightenment through self-purification and the elimination of desire, leading to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of nirvana. With approximately 488 million adherents, predominantly in Asia, Buddhism has historically encountered both state sponsorship and suppression. Censorship of Buddhism has occurred in various forms, particularly when governments perceive it as a challenge to their authority. For instance, during the Cultural Revolution in China, countless Buddhist temples were destroyed, and many followers faced persecution. In recent years, incidents of censorship have continued, especially in Buddhist-majority countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, where portrayals of Buddhism in art and media are scrutinized. Contemporary Buddhist practices are increasingly addressing modern issues, while the balance between freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs remains a complex and delicate topic within the Buddhist community and beyond.
Subject Terms
Buddhism and Censorship
DEFINITION: A major Eastern religion emphasizing ways to end worldly suffering by mental and moral self-purification
SIGNIFICANCE: Buddhism’s democratic and pacific teachings have often led to its repression by various governments.
Buddhism is one of the world's major religions, with an estimated 488 million believers, most of them in Asia. The religion was founded in the sixth century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, a young prince who left his family searching for enlightenment. He subsequently spent his remaining years as a teacher, wandering throughout northern India to spread his views.
Buddhist teaching seeks a “middle path” between luxury and self-denial. Buddhism believes suffering is inherent in a person’s life and caused by desire. Therefore, one must eliminate such wants before it is possible to relieve the suffering.
Buddhists advocate the Noble Eightfold Path as leading to enlightenment—right views, right intentions, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness, and right meditation. When people free themselves from desire by following the eightfold path, they end the eternal suffering caused by reincarnation. The state of being free from reincarnation caused by continued desire is called nirvana. “buddha” means “enlightened one” and was initially applied to Siddhartha Gautama. However, the term is not a proper noun. It can refer to anyone who acquires enlightenment by following the Noble Eightfold Path. Although Buddhism lacks a central, all-encompassing book of its beliefs, most groups use some form of the “Tripitaka,” or “three baskets.” This is an anthology of sayings and words of conduct for Buddhist worshippers. Buddhists revere several other works, though they vary widely according to sect.
Despite its roots in India, modern Buddhism has been strongest in such Asian countries as Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and Japan. Significant Buddhist populations exist in China, Laos, Vietnam, and Korea. Buddhism was persecuted, which involved censorship, in its native India. However, King Asoka the Great made it the official religion of his territory in the third century BCE. As centuries passed, Buddhism in India declined as a result of sectarianism, hostility from the Hindu Brahmanswho considered Buddhism’s anti-elitism and democratic spirit hereticaland persecution from Islamic conquerors.
Early Buddhism was, at times, an official religion in various parts of Asia ruled by emperors who claimed adherence to the teachings of Buddha. In Korea, the Shilla Dynasty made Buddhism the state religion from 668-935, and in the Koryo Dynasty (935–1392), the government sponsored extensive construction of monasteries. Buddhist kings ruled in Burma, Cambodia, and Vietnam in the eleventh century. This sometimes led to the censoring of documents that embraced other religions. Buddhism has been suppressed by many governments that saw the religion as a challenge to state control. In Tibet, King Glandarma (838–42) seized numerous properties from the Buddhists, claiming monastic orders were becoming wealthy from hiding behind their tax-exempt arrangement with the monarchy. In Korea, the Yi Dynasty (1392–1910) endorsed Confucianism over Buddhism, and Buddhists were greatly persecuted.
Buddhism came under increasing attack after World War II, particularly with the spread of communism throughout Asia. In China, Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution in 1966. Temples and monasteries were attacked and often leveled, Buddhist books were destroyed, and scores of Buddhists were killed, tortured, or sent away for re-education. In Cambodia, Pol Pot, mimicking Mao, followed policies that were, if possible, even more cruel from 1975-1979. In Myanmar, which has a rich tradition of Buddhism, Buddhist scholar and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyiwas placed under house arrest in 1989 for her advocacy of democracy and religious freedom.
In the early twenty-first century, violence, censorship, and persecution against Buddhists and Buddhism have mostly been centered in Central Asia and India. In March 2001, the Taliban destroyed the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, declaring that they were idols and, therefore, blasphemous. However, the international religious community viewed the destruction as indicative of the general religious intolerance of the Taliban. In 2012, Uyghur Muslims in the Chinese city of Urumqi destroyed an eighteen-foot Buddhist statue. Also in 2012, Muslims in Bangladesh upset over what they perceived to be a blasphemous image posted to a Facebook account, destroyed twelve Buddhist monasteries and shrines. Central Asia is a particularly volatile region because of the proximity of Muslims and Buddhists and the view of some Muslims in the area that Buddhist iconography represents the spread of imperial China.
Contemporary Buddhism: Adaptations and Challenges
Buddhist teaching continues to emphasize the Middle Way and the Four Noble Truths. There has been increased focus on applying Buddhist principles to modern challenges like climate change, social inequality, and mental health in the twenty-first century. Mindfulness practices derived from Buddhism gained widespread popularity in secular contexts. Some contemporary Buddhist leaders are reinterpreting traditional teachings to be more inclusive of diverse identities and lifestyles. While maintaining core doctrines, many Buddhist communities are adapting to reach younger generations through digital platforms and updated teaching methods.
Regarding censorship, there have been recent developments in some Buddhist-majority countries. In June 2024, Sri Lanka's government announced plans to introduce strict laws against those who "distort" Buddha's teachings in response to complaints from Buddhist leaders. This move has sparked debate about religious freedom and the interpretation of Buddhist doctrine. Some critics argue such laws contradict Buddha's own teachings on free inquiry and personal reflection. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about censorship of Buddhist art and media in countries like Myanmar and Thailand, where portrayals deemed disrespectful to Buddhism have faced restrictions.
Bibliography
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Palan, P. Soma. "Strict Laws Against Those Distorting Buddha's Teachings: A Point of View." Colombo Telegraph, 7 June 2024, www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/strict-laws-against-those-distorting-buddhas-teachings-a-point-of-view/. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.
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