Sri Lanka Buddhist art

buddha statue in sri lanka.

according tradition, buddhism introduced in sri lanka in 3rd century bce indian missionaries under guidance of thera mahinda, son of mauryan emperor ashoka. prior expansion of buddhism, indigenous population of sri lanka lived in animistic world full of superstition. assimilation , conversion of various pre-buddhist beliefs slow process. in order gain foothold among rural population, buddhism needed assimilate various categories of spirits , other supernatural beliefs. earliest monastic complex mahāvihāra @ anurādhapura founded devānampiyatissa , presented mahinda thera. mahāvihāra became centre of orthodox theravāda doctrine , supreme position remained unchallenged until foundation of abhayagiri vihāra around bc 89 vaţţagāmaņĩ.

the abhayagiri vihāra became seat of reformed mahāyāna doctrines. rivalry between monks of mahāvihāra , abhayagiri led further split , foundation of jetavanarama near mahāvihāra. main feature of sinhala buddhism division 3 major groups, or nikāyas, named after 3 main monastic complexes @ anurādhapura; mahāvihāra, abhayagiri, , jetavanārāma. result in deviations in disciplinary rules (vinaya) , doctrinal disputes. other monasteries of sri lanka owed ecclesiastical allegiance 1 of three. sri lanka famous creations of buddhist sculptures made of stone , cast in bronze alloy.