Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka

In all the countries into which Buddhism has spread, the 'great tradition' of classical Buddhism is accompanied by a 'small tradition' of local ceremonies and rituals that help to integrate the lofty teachings of the Buddha into the everyday concerns of the people. This 68-page booklet provides a concise survey of the local ceremonies and rituals that have been integrated over time into the popular Buddhism of Sri Lanka. The author discusses such Buddhist rites as the Refuges and Precepts, devotional worship, the Bodhi-puja, and the pirit ceremony. The author also explains the holy days and their significance in Sri Lanka.