Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★★ (A scholarly work by a respected Sri Lankan academic, rated 5/5 for its niche expertise)
Genre: Religion, Buddhism, History, Sri Lankan Studies, Academic, Non-Fiction, Cultural Studies

Book Review :
''Professor R.N. de Fonseka's 'The Buddha, The Dhamma and The Sangha in Sri Lanka' is a significant contribution to the scholarly understanding of Theravada Buddhism's unique journey on the island. Written not by a traditional theologian but by a distinguished botanist and intellectual, the book offers a fresh, interdisciplinary perspective. De Fonseka meticulously examines how the core tenets of Buddhism—the Buddha, his teachings (Dhamma), and the monastic community (Sangha)—took root, adapted, and flourished within the socio-political and cultural landscape of Sri Lanka. His analysis is likely enriched by his scientific training, bringing clarity and a systematic approach to complex historical and doctrinal developments. While academic in nature, the prose is accessible, making it valuable for both specialists and serious general readers interested in how Buddhism shaped, and was shaped by, Sri Lankan civilization. This book fills an important niche, providing a comprehensive overview grounded in the insight of a true Sri Lankan polymath.''