For more than two millennia, Buddhism has been a vital part of Sri Lankan culture and civilization. Buddhism is a fundamental aspect of the island’s identity, with more than 70% of the population practicing it. The history and spirituality of Buddhism in Sri Lanka are explored in this essay.
History of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Under the time of King Devanampiya Tissa in the third century BCE, Buddhism first made its way to Sri Lanka. The Indian Emperor Ashoka is credited with bringing Buddhism to Sri Lanka by sending his son Mahinda there to propagate the religion’s doctrines. As Buddhism’s teachings spread throughout Sri Lanka, the nation eventually developed into a hub for its study and practice.
In Sri Lanka, Theravada Buddhism—the oldest branch of Buddhism still in existence—dominates. King Devanampiya Tissa’s conversion to Buddhism by the Indian Buddhist monk Mahinda is credited with bringing Theravada Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka eventually developed into a hub for the study and practice of Theravada Buddhism.
The numerous temples and stupas that can be found all over Sri Lanka are evidence of the influence of Buddhism on Sri Lankan society and culture. Ancient Sri Lankan cities like Anuradhapura were hubs of Buddhist learning where monks studied the Buddha’s teachings and created fresh interpretations of Buddhist doctrine.
Buddhist Beliefs & Practices in Sri Lanka
The Buddha, who lived in ancient India, is the source of Buddhism. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are the core tenets of Buddhism. These are the Four Noble Truths,
- The truth of suffering (dukkha)
- The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
- The truth of the end of suffering (nirodha)
- The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering (magga)
The Eightfold Way is a route to suffering freedom. There are eight steps in it,
- Right Understanding
- Right Intention
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
Buddhism is practiced in Sri Lanka through a variety of rites and customs. They include praying, chanting, giving offerings to the Buddha, and presenting flowers and incense.
Buddhist Beliefs & Practices in Sri Lanka
There are numerous well-known Buddhist places in Sri Lanka that attract pilgrims from all around the world. The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is among the most well-known locations. The temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a Buddha tooth relic.
Another well-known Buddhist site in Sri Lanka is Anuradhapura. From the fourth century BCE to the eleventh century CE, it served as Sri Lanka’s capital and was a hub of Buddhist learning and culture. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to numerous historic stupas and monasteries.
A historic rock stronghold dating back to the fifth century CE is called Sigiriya. The fortress is surrounded by gardens, ponds, and fountains and is perched atop a sizable protrusion of rock. It is a significant Buddhist site in Sri Lanka and was likely a royal residence and monastery.
The Role of Buddhism in Modern Sri Lanka
Buddhism still has a significant influence in contemporary Sri Lanka. In Sri Lankan culture, the Sangha, or Buddhist clergy, is a significant force, and many candidates for office go to them for support. Some claim that Buddhism is being used to defend discriminatory practices against ecclesiastical and religious minorities, which has made the relationship between Buddhism and politics in Sri Lanka a divisive topic.
The discipline of mindfulness meditation, which has Buddhist roots, has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. The popularity of meditation retreats and centers in Sri Lanka is rising as more people turn to meditation as a means to deal with the strains of modern life.
For more than two millennia, Buddhism has been a significant part of Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and spirituality. It continues to be a significant influence on Sri Lankan society today and has influenced the nation’s art, architecture, and philosophy. It will be interesting to see how Buddhism adapts and develops as the nation continues to modernize and change, in order to suit the demands of a changing society. But for many years to come, Buddhism will surely be a significant part of Sri Lankan identity and culture.
