Buddhism And The Reductionist Approach Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 11250 words

Buddhism And The Reductionist Approach - Essay Example In the context of religion, Eliade saw religion as an entity that is autonomous and special, that it cannot be reduced mainly to the spheres of the social, economic and psychological spheres. Based upon his approach to everything that is sacred, Eliade has stated that there’s something special and unique about the religious experience. The religious ritual of Perahera is a ceremonial religious experience. It is one of the biggest Buddhist celebrations of the year and it is a ritual where devotees get together and pray for the rains to fall bountifully so that they will be able to cultivate their crops. It is a ceremony that is no more than a grand parade, wherein the sacred tooth, which is one of the most precious and sacred relics of Buddhism, is removed from the Temple of the Tooth and is paraded through the streets of the various cities of Sri Lanka, along with the Kandy Perahera. Following the Kandy perahera are several other festive events and included among the crowds wh o are following the Kandy perahera will also be jugglers, dancers, and fire breathers. It is an experience that is profoundly moving for most of the devotees who follow in the parade and they express their devotion and religious solidarity by following the Kandy Perahera. Pirith chanting is also an essential part of the Buddhist religious dharma. Music is believed to be closely related to physical health so that the chanting of pirith is believed to have a very soothing effect. Chanting of the pirith is also believed to invoke the blessings of the gods. Thus, it may be noted that there are very strong spiritual and religious connotations associated with both of these religious ceremonies, which are an essential part of Buddhism.