Traditional Drumming in Sri Lanka: It’s Contribution to Communication in the Buddhist Context
AUTHORS
W.M.H.G.U.I.T.B. Weerakoon,University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
W.K.D.S. Wijenayaka,University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
ABSTRACT
The proud land of Sri Lanka has a rich and colorful heritage of religious and cultural traditions of the world. The cultural basis of this is the complex relationship between the Sinhalese people and their deep Buddhist heritage. The traditional art of drumming is very strongly connected to building the correlation between the people in the performance of Buddhist religious rituals and social needs. Sri Lankan drumming, an ancient art form based on Sinhala Buddhist rituals, is prominent among them. This study reveals the amazing role of drumming as a mode of communication for the spiritual well-being of the Sri Lankan nation. It aspires to bequeath to the world the harmony between drumming and sacred rituals that have resonated through the ages, creating a unique symphony of culture and spirituality within the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka. The main objective of this research is to understand the role of traditional drumming as a unique form of communication in the Buddhist context and how drum rhythms and beats convey messages and meanings. In this research, as the research methodology, I based the study on Buddhist and drumming-related scholarly works, historical documents, and cultural records. Interviews were conducted with traditional drummers, religious leaders, and community leaders. Here, I can introduce the research method using the knowledge I have gained as a researcher and a lecturer at the university related to drumming. The problem of this research can be stated whether there is any importance of using drums in the performance of Buddhist religious rituals. Drumming has been deeply intertwined with Buddhism since time immemorial and is a fundamental part of religious rites and rituals, emphasizing how it goes beyond mere auditory expression and serves as an essential means of conveying messages and building cultural and social cohesion.
KEYWORDS
Cultural customs, Ethics, Sinhalese people, Buddhist religion, Drumming culture, communication
REFERENCES
[1] M. Disanayaka, Sinhala Narthana Kalawa, Colombo, 1993
[2] B. Sumangala, Maha Wansaya, Colombo, 1946
[3] P. Buddhadaththa, Unapurna sahith Maha Wansaya.
[4] S. Hevawitharana, Samanthapasadika, Colombo, 1970
[5] G. Saranankara, Thupawansaya, Colombo, 1955
[6] M. Piyarathana, Saddharmalankaraya, Colombo, 1971
[7] B. Piyarathana, Samanthapasadikanama Vinayatta katha, Colombo, 1928
[8] S. Wijewardhana, "Panchangika Thurya Sankalpaya," Kala Sangarawa, 1991
[9] https://srilankatravelhub.com/," [Online]
[10] observation of temple rituals in Sri Maha Bodiya. [Performance]. 2022
[11] observation of temple rituals in Sri Dalada Maligawa. [Performance]. 2023
[12] observation of temple rituals in Ruwanwali Stupa. [Performance]. 2022.
[13] Y. H. G. Traditinal Drum Player, Interviewee, Background of Drumming. [Interview]. 16 11 2015
[14] P. B. G. Traditional Drum Player, Interviewee, Peculiarities of temple drumming. [Interview]. 15 05 2009
[15] S. Suraweera, "Sri Lankan, Low-Country, Ritual Drumming: The Raigama Tradition," 2009. [Online]. Available: https://ir.canterbury.ac.nz/items/fd1d277d-a46f-49d4-b6a2-fe51c6eac3da
[16] B. S. Premarathne, "Percussion music education in Sri Lanka: Special reference to traditional drumming education," in International Journal of Advanced Research in Education and Society, 2019.09.01