A Sociological Study on the Contemporary Nature of Popular Buddhist Rituals in Sri Lanka and their Impact on Society

Shiromika M. Wickramanayaka
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Shiromika M. Wickramanayaka: University of Peradeniya

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 1215-1222

Abstract: Buddhism, a major religion in Sri Lanka, is divided into two sections, Theravada and Mahayana. After the arrival of Mahinda Thero, Theravada Buddhism spread in the country, and later the ideas of Mahayana Buddhism became mixed. Buddhism is one of the most popular religions in Sri Lanka today and is most reflected in the offerings of Buddhism. Accordingly, this study examined the current nature of the rituals associated with popular Buddhism in Sri Lanka and its impact on society. The Kandy District was selected as the field of study. The aim was to identify the current nature of the offerings associated with popular Buddhism and its impact on society. Adopting a qualitative approach, the study gathered primary data through observation and semi-structured interviews with a hundred devotees who came to pay homage to the temple under the objective sampling system that was selected as the study sample, and information was obtained. Accordingly, the data were analyzed thematically. complemented by secondary data from academic books and journals. The findings of this study show that the rituals associated with popular Buddhism have changed, and new rituals have been created that address the worldly needs in line with the social order. It was clear that although large-scale sacrifices had a positive effect on the development of social relations and the alleviation of social tensions, they failed to mitigate the social problems expected through social norms. Sacrifice has become a money-making business. Accordingly, it will be possible to use the Buddhist philosophy for social development and to build a good personality by turning the temple back into a multi-purpose institution and working for moral development.

Date: 2025
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