Some comments on Tambiah's response

Article Abstract:

Stanley J Tambiah took offense in a critique of his 1992 book, 'Buddhism Betrayed? Religion, Politics, and Violence in Sri Lanka,' which he claimed to have been blind to the book's anthropological value. Tambiah also felt that the critique was insensitive to such significant issues as the origins of Sinhala identity and the chauvinist historiography that stemmed from the interpretation of Mahawamsa. However, a thorough assessment of the book would prove that it was indeed lacking in sufficient ethnographic material. The flawed approach that the book employed also underscores the importance of transcending religion to better understand Buddhism's rationale for engaging in political violence.

Social aspects, Sri Lanka, Politics, Religion and politics, Politics and culture, Culture, Buddhism

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A response to Mosko's comments on "The Man of Sorrow."

Article Abstract:

An author responds to a review of his article on Mekeo sorcery. He took exception to the reviewer's comments that his ethnography of Mekeo sorcery was wrong. He believes that his dispute with the reviewer boils down to their differing ideas about whether the soul of sorcerers leave their body to attack their victims together with spirit entities or remain in the body while spirit entities attack. He claims that the reviewer supports the latter theory while he supports the former. The author also questions the reviewer's insistence that only his own beliefs are correct.

Analysis, Rites, ceremonies and celebrations, Magic, Mekeo (Papua New Guinea people)

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