Faith, mythology, rituals, and Buddhism – A response
by Prof. N. A. de S. Amaratunga PhD, DSc, DLitt Prof. Sasanka Perera’s important article dealing with the vital subject of discipline of Buddhist monks published in the Midweek Review of The Island on 23 Sept., 2026 needs a response with regard to its reference to faith, mythology and rituals. He says, “One must concede […]
Prof. N. A. de S. Amaratunga’s response to Prof. Sasanka Perera’s article in The Island’s Midweek Review of 23 September 2026, challenges the notion that faith, mythology, and rituals form the core of Buddhist practice. Amaratunga argues that the core philosophy of Buddhism is empirical and derived from direct observation and sensory experience, rather than mythology or rituals.
He points out that the Buddha requested followers to "come and see for yourself" because knowledge could be obtained through personal experience. Furthermore, Amaratunga suggests that the Buddha's teachings, such as the "Four Noble Truths" and the "Arya Astanghika Marga," are based on these empirical principles and do not rely on mythology or rituals.
He emphasizes that Buddhism is not a "matter of faith" or an abstract idea, but rather a path to liberation from suffering based on moral conduct and mindfulness. Amaratunga also highlights that rituals were later introduced into Buddhism, particularly in Sri Lanka, by Ven. Buddhagosa, who may have been influenced by Mahayana Buddhism.
However, he notes that these rituals were not part of the original teachings of the Buddha and were introduced later.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
