A study of the Influence of Buddhist Rituals for Mental Health (Regarding the Sripāda in Sri Lanka)

Abstract

Good health and well-being are influenced to build up a great personality. Health is not only physical well-being but also mental well-being, social well–being and spiritual well-being. Although some scientists have found many solutions or treatments for physical problems, it is not easy to solve problems related to the mentality of humans. The Buddha found a path to it and advised to grow up with good qualities with great mental strength and happiness. The Buddha stated that Nibbāna is a word that can be used to express mental or spiritual happiness. It cannot be achieved without practicing the middle path and the first step of this path is moral conduct. It is defined by right speech, right action, and right livelihood. These all are covered by the meaningful Buddhist rituals related to Buddhism. Therefore, Buddhist rituals are caused to protect and develop mental health. As reported by some scholars with dogmatic views, no need to perform rituals, since they are related to mythologies and folklores. They refuse intangible cultural values, ancient beliefs, and cults. Nevertheless, Buddhist rituals are focused the mental health and different from other God-centered religious views. Sri Lankan Buddhist society is engaged with many kinds of historical and traditional Buddhist rituals related to sacred Buddhist leaders, things, and places. Srīpāda (Adam's Peak) is such kind of place and there are literature and archaeological evidence and folklores related to it. Rituals and rites related to the religious culture of Srīpāda in Sri Lanka are very famous among the devotees in many religions. It is a very attractive, historical, and sacred religious heritage which is situated in Ratnapura District of Southern province in the country. According to the Buddhist view in Sri Lanka, the footprint of the Buddha is situated at the peak of the Samanala Mountain. Why people believe that these rituals are caused to protect mental health? It was the reaserch problem here. People believe that they can get a healthy and prosperous life by performing special rituals for Srīpāda every year. This attitude is very useful to develop their good conduct. Especialy, these rituals help to handle stress. Therfore, it caused to be a healthy person in mind. This research paper will reveal it and indicate the value of these kinds of Buddhist rituals. Many researchers' attention is not focused on the influence of Buddhist rituals on mental health-related to Srīpāda. The main objective of this research is to highlight it in the revelation of the facts based on this sacred place.