Buddhism and Displacement

This book analyzes Buddhist perspectives on the human experience of displacement and on the ethics of resettlement, humanitarian aid, and protection for displaced communities. Bringing to light both ancient and modern insights from Buddhist traditions across cultures, Buddhism and Displacement provides a robust account of Buddhism’s contributions to an urgent, global humanitarian challenge.

As a religion that begins with an act of taking refuge, Buddhism has much to offer our contemporary displacement crisis: not only insights into the psychological and existential dimensions of displacement, but also compelling visions of human security and political ethics. This book offers a critical perspective on a wide range of sources in order to illuminate humanitarian ideals that are distinctively Buddhist, yet relevant for non-Buddhist social and political actors. Buddhism and Displacement integrates Buddhist scriptural interpretation, ethnographic interviews, ethical argumentation, and legal analysis to build a conceptual as well as practical guide to understanding displacement—rethinking Buddhism in the process.

Buddhism and Displacement is well suited for undergraduate and graduate students in Buddhist studies, humanitarian studies, anthropology, ethics and political science. Audiences who will benefit from this book’s practical recommendations include international aid workers, policymakers, community leaders, and government leaders in whose hands the well-being of today’s displaced people rests.