Reforming Dhamma education

The time has come for the Sri Lankan intelligentsia to admit, grudgingly as it may be, that Buddhism has come to a crisis state just as other social institutions in the country.

- BY GEEWANANDA GUNAWARDANA, PH.D.

It keeps inventing new rituals at a rate, rituals that have no meaning or purpose other than enriching a corrupt business enterprise, putting enormous economic hardships on the followers. As a result, it is argued that modern Buddhism has become a source of stress, guilt and anxiety instead of a source of solace and guidance for a meaningful life here and now for its followers, especially those who are financially challenged. It is this dangerous and harmful trend of deceiving, using fear and guilt tactics in the name of the Compassionate One, and creating a bartering system for commercial enterprises that compelled this writer to call this a crisis. If those Brahmins who opposed and debated Buddha back then could see Sri Lankan Buddhism today, they would rejoice with glee — finally, they have surpassed Buddha’s teaching.

Sadly, there is absolutely no way for the followers to know that they are being used as we have been brainwashed for centuries. That is why education reforms are urgently needed. The civic-minded have a responsibility to enlighten the masses, cautiously, without hurting their feelings, and to initiate necessary changes to ensure that the sacrifices our ancestors made to preserve this treasure, the Buddha Dhamma, is not wasted on the nation. And stop the exploitation of vulnerable faithful. There is no denying that breaking this vicious cycle is a tall order; but the socioeconomic and emotional decline of the followers will continue beyond recovery if it is not addressed promptly.