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Buddhist Modernism and Western Perceptions
This chapter examines the emergence of Buddhist exceptionalism and modernism, focusing on the interaction between Buddhism and Western thought during colonial times. It discusses how movements in places like Sri Lanka reframed Buddhism as a rational alternative to Christianity, reshaping both its internal evolution and external perceptions. The chapter critically evaluates the complexities surrounding the secular appeal of Buddhism, meditation practices, and the historical portrayal of the Buddha, acknowledging the nuances of its contemporary understanding.