The Rise of Popular Asceticism in Sinhalese Buddhist Culture

Some Significant Concepts and Practices

Bibliographic Data

ID6069622
AuthorsIsha Gamlath (Freie Universität Berlin, corresponding author)
Year2016
Volume1
Issue2
Publication date2016-09-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueIAFOR Journal of Cultural Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2187-4905 • E-ISSN: 2187-4905
PublisherThe International Academic Forum (IAFOR) (PUBLISHER • JP)
DOI10.22492/ijcs.1.2.02
OpenAlexW2609811188
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited12

The briefest explanation that could be provided for asceticism in the original Theravada Buddhist tradition is that it is a physically and mentally lived enterprise for fulfilling enlightenment (nibbana). As such, the enterprise demands serious practical and intellectual commitment. In total contrast to this original Theravada Buddhist concept of asceticism, a contextual frame of asceticism has been developing in Sinhalese Buddhist culture in recent years. The frame will be defined in the present discussion as 'popular asceticism'. The frame is profoundly influenced by specific developments in Sinhalese Buddhist culture among which are some noticeable concepts and practices. These concepts and practices are assumed in this discussion as part of an underlying structure of a dynamic historical process which exemplifies a framework involving beliefs and practices of diverse social groups in Sinhalese Buddhist culture. The investigation of the practice of upavasa maghata (abstinence from killing animals on special ceremonial days), spirit worship and the concept of caste will help comprehend their contribution in forming the 'popular' ascetic context in Sinhalese Buddhist culture

Asceticism · Buddhism · Epistemology · Theology · Asian Geopolitics and Ethnography · Asian Studies and History · Indian and Buddhist Studies · Philosophy

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