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VOL. 13, ISSUE 1 (2026)
The impact of VajrayAna Buddhism on Sri Lankan culture: A study from the historical perspective
Authors
Dr. Witharandeniye Chandasiri Thero
Abstract
The sects that emerged
after the Second Buddhist Council were later divided into different countries
under different names. Among them, VajrayAna
Buddhism can be described as a sect belonging to the MahAyAna Buddhism.
Although Sri Lanka is a country where TheravAda Buddhism prevails, when
studying its history, it is seen that VajrayAna Buddhism came to Sri
Lanka during the Anuradhapura period and that the VajrayAna tradition
and its influence are included in our rituals, books and primary texts. The
research problem of this research is to study whether VajrayAna Buddhism
existed in the ancient period of Sri Lanka where TheravAda Buddhism prevailed
and whether it had an impact on the culture of our country. The purpose of this
research is to study whether VajrayAna Buddhism existed in Sri Lanka
historically, at what stage, and what impact it had. Qualitative research
methodology was used as the research methodology in conducting this research.
According to the data uncovered at the end of the research, it is apparent that
VajrayAna Buddhism has had an impact on many aspects of Sri Lanka. By
studying the historical information, it was revealed that Sri Lankan monks who accepted
VajrayAna Buddhism have lived in Sri Lanka, that books have been written
about it, that VajrayAna Buddhism has influenced the practices to some
extent, that VajrayAna Buddhism has also been included in the
composition of classical literary texts, and that VajrayAna Buddhism has
also influenced the arts and architecture of Sri Lanka. Therefore, the final
conclusion we could reach in this study is that VajrayAna Buddhism
existed in ancient Sri Lanka and its influence is still present today. It was
also revealed that the influence of VajrayAna Buddhism has influenced
many aspects of culture.
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Pages:192-196
How to cite this article:
Dr. Witharandeniye Chandasiri Thero "The impact of <i>VajrayAna</i> Buddhism on Sri Lankan culture: A study from the historical perspective". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 13, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 192-196
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