Buddhism
Buddhism is the most wide spread religion of the majority Sinhalese
community. The origin of Sri lankan Buddhism is explained in
historical books and chronicles in which tells how King Devanam
Piyatissa (207 BC) was converted by Mahinda Thero; The son of
King Asoka of India who was sent to Sri lanka to introduce the
Buddhism. The Sinhalese see themselves as guardians of the original
Buddhist faith and follow the Theravada or Hinayana tradition
of Buddhism.
Sri Lankan Buddhist place particular emphasis on the sanctity
of the relics of the Buddha, which are believed to have been
brought to the island from India. The two most important are
the “Bo tree” and the “tooth relic of the
Buddha”. Buddhist believe worshiping Buddha’s
relics or the things Buddha associated is like worshipping
Buddha himself alive.
The Sri Maha bodhi tree at Anuradhapura is believed to be
a sapling from the Bo tree under which the Buddha himself
attained enlightenment at Buddha Gaya in India.
The tooth of the Buddha now enshrined at the Dalada Maligawa
in Kandy is the most honored relic of Buddha venerated by
Buddhists in Sri Lanka.
In ordinary daily life many Buddhist visit temples at least
once a week and on poya days (full moon poya day of the month)
gather in temples for special offerings.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
Kelaniya
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International Buddhist Research and Information Center
380/ 9,Sarana Rd. Colombo 7.
Tel: 689388
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Vajirama Temple
Vajira Rd. Colombo 5.
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The Buddhist Cultural Center
125, Anderson Rd. Nadimala, Dehiwala
Tel: 726234, 734256 fax: 736737
Email: bcc@si.lanka.net
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Malwatta Temple
Lake Rd. Kandy
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Buddhist Publications Socity
54, Sangaraja Mw. Kandy.
Tel/fax: 08-223679
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Asgiriya Temple
Asgiriya Kandy
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Bikku Trainiing Center Gangaramaya
61, Sri Jinarathana Rd. Colombo 2.
Tel: 323038
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The all Ceylon Buddhist Congress
380, Bauddhaloka Mw.
Colombo 7
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