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Encyclopedia of Religion entry forBuddhasasana SamagamaA modern reform party among the Buddhists. The movement originated in Burma in 1902, and was reorganized in 1903. The leader now is a European, Mr. Allan B. MacGregor, who was formerly a Roman Catholic. The aim of the society is to bring Buddhism " into close contact with Europe and its culture, for the needs of which this religion is held to be all-sufficing." There is a branch of the society in Sri Lanka. Here the members " have built a preaching-hall, in which on Sunday (!) evening there is usually a Singhalese sermon on Buddhist questions, at which the audience—mostly attired in European clothes—sit on benches as in a Christian church, the monk preaching from a kind of platform. They do not sing, but a creed is recited in unison at the close. In the background of the hall—somewhat in the position of a Christian altar—is a statue of the Buddha." See H. Hackmann. citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney
article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12 |
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