Book Title: The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism Is Shaping Modern Asia
Author: Sonia Faleiro
Publisher: Fourth Estate India
Number of Pages: 160
ISBN: 9373072951
Date Published: Dec. 25, 2025
Price: INR 368 / $14.36
Book Review
In “The Robe and the Sword,” journalist Sonia Faleiro examines the troubling rise of Buddhist extremism in South and Southeast Asia, where the traditional image of Buddhism as a peaceful faith is being subverted by radical monks and nationalist movements. She travels to regions like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, revealing the complicated dynamics that allow the Buddhist robe—symbolically associated with peace—to become intertwined with violence. Through detailed portraits of extremist figures, survivors, and those within the faith advocating for a return to its nonviolent foundations, Sonia documents how colonial histories, economic hardship, and political manipulation contribute to this extremism.
Sonia’s descriptions addresse the real impacts of this violent transformation on communities, highlighting the persecution of Muslim minorities and the ways regimes, particularly Myanmar’s junta, exploit extremist monks to reinforce their power. She captures the complexity of the situation, distinguishing between compassionate practices of Buddhism and its more aggressive manifestations, while conveying the urgent need for understanding and action against these developments.
The book serves as a critical exploration of how sacred traditions can be weaponized, risking the fabric of society and human rights in the region. While the text does not delve deeply into Buddhist doctrine itself, it offers a necessary critique of the misuse of religion in pursuit of power, urging readers to recognize the potential for violence in any belief system when co-opted by radical elements. “The Robe and the Sword” is an essential examination of a pressing global crisis, compellingly presented through Sonia Faleiro’s investigative lens and attention to the human lives affected by this complex issue.
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