A Study of Buddha’s Doctrine, Sri Lankan Buddhist Culture, and Music

This qualitative study examines the intricate relationship between Buddha’s Doctrine, Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, and music, addressing the research problem of how music, often regarded as a sensory desire and an obstacle to enlightenment in Buddhist teachings, has been integrated into Sri Lankan Buddhist rituals. This study aims to explore the thematic relationship between Buddha’s doctrine, Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, and music. Buddha’s Doctrine, the teachings preached by Gautama Buddha, is a religion centered on reverence (Shraddha) and policy (prathipaththi), with its central purpose being Nirvana (enlightenment). Sri Lankan Buddhist culture is a unique form of faith, worship, and ceremonies that have developed within Sri Lankan society, in alignment with the fundamental teachings and goals of Buddha’s doctrine. The primary objective of this culture is to fulfill worldly aspirations by fostering devotion and faith. The methodology involves analyzing core Buddhist teachings, such as the Noble Eightfold Path (Arya Ashtangika Marga), the doctrine of the four noble truths (Chathurarya Sathya), Dependent Origination (Patichcha Samuppada Dhamma), and Aarya Vinaya (Noble Discipline). Music, which is enjoyed through the auditory senses, stems from a desire for sound and is considered an obstacle to attaining Nirvana. In Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, rituals and offerings are designed to fulfill the secular aspirations of Buddhist devotees and to foster a path of reverence. Music has become an integral part of these rituals, animating and enriching them. Thus, through the analysis of the objectives of Buddha’s doctrine, his teaching and spirituality, it is concluded that while the desire for sound (or taste) through music is not inherent to Buddha’s doctrine, the need for music as an art form has been established in Sri Lankan Buddhist culture. Therefore, this study aims to dispel societal misconceptions about the nature of the relationship between Buddha’s Doctrine and music in Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, contributing to the socialization of new knowledge.