Buddhism in Sri Lanka: During The Period of The 19th to 21st Centuries

Looking at the past of Sri Lankan history, especially during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the ancient Sinhala culture and Buddhist monks were influenced by Western countries. How did the Sri Lankan Sangha find a solution to adopt the conceptual modernization and still keep their traditions in Sri Lankan Buddhist society? How did the Sri Lanka Buddhist monks use their means, efforts, and contributions for the sake of this cause? These historical points serve as a compelling invitation to welcome international monastics and scholars from various nations who wish to visit and immerse themselves in this rich cultural heritage.

These papers in this book are rich in knowledge, analysis, and information on Sri Lankan Buddhist history with specific focus on the period of the nineteenth to twenty-first centuries. They have been gathered together and are slated for publication in a book, which will serve as a valuable and dependable resource for academic studies and research.

Dr. Bhikkhuni Gioi Huong (world name Sunyata Phạm) was born in 1963 in Binh Tuy, Vietnam and ordained at the age of fifteen under the great master, the Most Venerable Bhikkhuni Hai Trieu Am. In 1994, she received a Bachelor's Degree in Literature from Sai Gon University. She studied in India for ten years and in 2003, graduated with a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Delhi, India. In 2005, she settled down in the United States and in 2015, she earned a second Bachelor's Degree in Literature at the University of Riverside, California.

Currently, she is pursuing a degree in the Master of Arts Program at the University of California, Riverside and works as a lecturer at the Vietnam Buddhist University in HCM City. She favors quietly reflecting on Dharma, and that leads her to write, as well as translate, Buddhist books and lyrics for music albums on her Bao Anh Lạc Bookshelf.

In 2000, she established Huong Sen Temple, Bình Chanh, Sai Gon, Viet Nam. In 2010, she founded Huong Sen Temple in Perris, California, USA, where she serves as abbess.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. It is a country based on the Buddha's philosophy nurtured for more than 2,600 years. The message of the Buddha's compassion and wisdom penetrated deep into the Sinhalese island. The spiritual practice of precepts-samadhi- wisdom as taught by the Buddha is an indispensable part of the daily life of Sri Lankans.

Looking at the past, especially during the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries, the ancient Sinhala culture and Buddhist monks were influenced by Western countries. How did the Sri Lankan Sangha find a solution to adopt the conceptual modernization and still keep their traditions in Sri Lankan Buddhist society? How did the Sri Lanka Buddhist monks use their means, efforts, and contributions for the sake of this cause? These historical points serve as a compelling invitation to welcome international monastics and scholars from various nations who wish to visit and immerse themselves in this rich cultural heritage.

Under the warm sunlight of July 16, 2023, on the beautiful grounds of the Sri Lanka Vidyala Maha Piriven in Colombo, Sri Lanka, there were many bright golden robes of Asian monastics from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Burma, Cambodia, Taiwan, and Vietnam. They were gathered to participate, learn and experience this Sri Lanka historical high mark, a seminar on "Buddhism in Sri Lanka during the Period of the Nineteenth to Twenty-first Centuries." It was organized by the Maha Mahinda International Dharmadutha Society with the collaboration and sponsorship of Huong Sen Buddhist Temple, California, USA.