Placating the Demons: Ritual Practices among Sri Lankans

This book critically examines dominant ceremonial practices in Sri Lanka, exploring key ideas and symbolic systems that exist today. It discusses misfortunes caused by demons, spirit possession, trance, and mediums, as well as classical Ayurvedic theories of disease and urban ceremonial practices. It also examines multiple forms of Buddhist ceremonial practices in Sri Lanka and their impact on public cultural performances.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate world of dominant ceremonial practices in Sri Lanka, offering a critical examination of the enduring key ideas and symbolic systems that continue to shape the country's cultural landscape. It explores a range of topics, including misfortunes caused by demons (known as yaksa dosa), an important ceremonial practice known as the puna-yāgaya, concepts related to spirit possession, trance, and mediums. Additionally, it delves into classical Ayurvedic theories of disease, urban ceremonial practices such as cases of apotheoses from demon to divinity, and various forms of Buddhist ceremonial practices that have deeply ingrained themselves in the Sri Lankan consciousness and have found their way into public cultural performances.

As a comprehensive volume on ceremonial practices in Sri Lanka, this work holds immense value for scholars and researchers in the fields of cultural studies, sociology, social-anthropology, and particularly those with a keen interest in myths and rituals in South Asia. It provides a deep understanding of the rich tapestry of traditions and beliefs that have shaped Sri Lanka's history and culture, shedding light on the enduring significance of these practices in the lives of its people.

The book is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of ceremonial practices in Sri Lanka. The first chapter provides an introduction to the country's cultural heritage and the role of rituals and ceremonies in shaping its identity. It highlights the significance of these practices in religious, social, and cultural contexts, and explores the ways in which they have evolved over time.

The second chapter delves into the concept of yaksa dosa, the misfortunes caused by demons, and the role of the puna-yāgaya ceremony in mitigating their effects. It discusses the beliefs and practices associated with demons, the rituals performed to appease them, and the symbolic meanings behind the various elements of the ceremony. The chapter also explores the historical and cultural significance of yaksa dosa in Sri Lanka, and how it has been incorporated into contemporary religious and cultural practices.

The third chapter examines the practice of spirit possession and trance in Sri Lanka. It discusses the beliefs and practices related to spirit possession, the roles of mediums and spiritual healers, and the various forms of trance that are observed in the country. The chapter also explores the historical and cultural contexts in which spirit possession has been practiced, and how it has been influenced by religious and cultural traditions.

The fourth chapter explores the concept of apotheoses from demon to divinity, a ceremonial practice that is observed in Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries. It discusses the beliefs and practices associated with this practice, the roles of priests and priestesses, and the symbolic meanings behind the various elements of the ceremony. The chapter also explores the historical and cultural significance of apotheoses in Sri Lanka, and how they have been incorporated into contemporary religious and cultural practices.

The fifth chapter examines various forms of Buddhist ceremonial practices that are part of the Sri Lankan consciousness and have found their way into public cultural performances. It discusses the beliefs and practices related to Buddhism, the roles of monks and nuns, and the various forms of Buddhist rituals and ceremonies that are observed in the country. The chapter also explores the historical and cultural contexts in which Buddhism has been practiced in Sri Lanka, and how it has been influenced by religious and cultural traditions.

The sixth chapter provides a conclusion to the book, summarizing the key findings and insights gained from the examination of dominant ceremonial practices in Sri Lanka. It highlights the enduring significance of these practices in the lives of Sri Lankans, and the ways in which they continue to shape the country's cultural landscape. The chapter also suggests potential areas for further research and exploration in the field of ceremonial practices in Sri Lanka and other South Asian countries.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of dominant ceremonial practices in Sri Lanka. It provides a deep understanding of the key ideas and symbolic systems that continue to shape the country's cultural landscape, and sheds light on the enduring significance of these practices in the lives of its people. As a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in cultural studies, sociology, social-anthropology, and particularly those interested in myths and rituals in South Asia, this work will undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of the rich and complex tapestry of traditions and beliefs that characterize this region.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367556181