Buddhism

Who is Ashin Wirathu, a vitriolic monk freed by Myanmar’s military?

Myanmar’s ruling military has released Ashin Wirathu, a firebrand religious figure, who's been dubbed The Face of Buddhist Terror for his anti-Muslim views.

The wholesome social engineering behind Arabic-dubbed anime

Here's how young Arab boys and girls grew up watching Japanese shows dubbed in classical Arabic on channels like SpaceToon.

Did social media fuel radicalism in Sri Lanka?

Global terror groups are relying on the power of online networks to drive discussions and shape opinions - often without any inkling of their real motives.

Thailand's monks battle weight problems

Followers have been showering monks – who are deeply respected in the kingdom – with foods loaded with sugar, fat and oil, prodding along a brewing health crisis.

Reporter's diary: the charge of the saffron brigade in Sri Lanka

Bodu Bala Sena leader Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara is a man whose words lead to action. When he threatens Muslims in a speech, mobs ransack Muslim neighbourhoods. And people die. Off the podium, the Buddhist monk remains the ultimate showman.

Bite the dust at Bangkok's 'death awareness' cafe

Kid Mai Death Awareness Cafe is a death-themed cafe, in Bangkok. The cafe experience includes a decorated white coffin, where customers are encouraged to lie down for a few minutes to secure a discount on a drink.

Police and politicians accused of joining Sri Lanka's anti-Muslim riots

The government declared a state of emergency for ten days and blocked access to social media as 11 mosques were torched and 200 Muslim-owned businesses destroyed in riots by Sinhalese mobs that left at least three people dead and around 20 wounded.

Sri Lanka's communal violence explained

A recent wave of violence has sent the tropical nation into a tailspin as Sri Lanka continues to struggle with post-war reconciliation.

Sri Lanka to probe anti-Muslim riots, lift curfew

Sri Lanka's Kandy district had been rocked by communal clashes since Sunday, following attacks on members of the minority Muslim community by nationalist crowds from the Sinhalese majority. At least two people were killed.

Fresh anti-Muslim riots in Sri Lanka target a mosque and shops

Buddhist mobs sweep through Muslim neighbourhoods in the country's central hills, destroying stores and setting homes on fire despite a curfew and a state of emergency.

Is the Sri Lankan government doing enough to protect its Muslim community?

The Sri Lankan government has imposed a state of emergency after anti-Muslim riots have spread in parts of the country. Tensions have been brewing for months, so why has the government been slow to act?

The dangers of ignoring anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka

Anti-Muslim violence in Sri Lanka is on the rise and feeding Buddhist nationalism. The government of Sri Lanka must take action before events spiral out of control.