Buddhism has a long and influential history in Sri Lanka, dating back over 2,200 years. It quickly took hold and became intertwined with Sri Lankan culture, literature, and art. Sri Lanka is known as the birthplace of the Theravada School of Buddhism, making it a significant center of Buddhist teaching and thought. Many Buddhists in Southeast Asia, where Theravada Buddhism is dominant, look to Sri Lanka for guidance.
According to historical accounts, it is said that the Buddha himself visited Sri Lanka in the 6th century. During his visit, he visited three places, including the Colombo area, where he reportedly slept on a couch. This couch is believed to be inside the stupa at Kelaniya Temple near Colombo. The worship of Buddha in Sri Lanka is often expressed symbolically through stupas and bo-trees. The world’s first stupa was built in present-day Anuradhapura, and nearby, a bo tree was planted from a shoot of the original bo tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment in India.
Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka in the third century B.C. as part of the expansion of the Mauryan kingdom under the emperor Ashoka. The religion was introduced by a monk named Arahat Mahinda, who came to Sri Lanka from India in 247 B.C. He converted King Devanampiya-Tissa, who then converted his kingdom. Prior to the arrival of Buddhism, Sri Lankans worshipped pagan gods similar to the Hindu deities in India.
The arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka had a profound impact on the literary development of the island. The Sinhalese literati studied Pali, the language of the Buddhist scriptures, which influenced the development of Sinhala as a literary language.
Buddhism spread rapidly in Sri Lanka, while its presence declined in India. The Indian monarch Ashoka played a crucial role in nurturing Buddhism and sending missionary ambassadors, including his son Mahinda, to Sri Lanka. This marked a turning point in religious history, as Buddhism gained royal patronage and became a major world religion.
Mahinda’s arrival in Sri Lanka can be seen as the beginning of Sinhalese culture. He not only introduced a new religion but also brought a whole civilization that influenced art, architecture, literature, and language. Buddhist teachings spread throughout the island, leading to the construction of numerous monasteries, stupas, and other religious structures. The impact of Buddhism in Sri Lanka cannot be overstated, as it shaped the country’s culture and civilization.
Today, Sri Lanka continues to be a significant center of Buddhism, attracting Buddhists from all over the world. If you’re interested in exploring Buddhism in Sri Lanka, a visit to the Kelaniya Temple or the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where many Buddhist sites are located, is highly recommended.
For more information on Buddhism in Sri Lanka, visit the official website of DHPL Travels, your gateway to discovering the rich Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka. DHPL Travels
