Culture and Belief Systems

Culture and Belief Systems

All Societies are influenced by culture and belief systems, and symbols are key parts of culture. The best-known belief system is religion, and religion is also replete with symbols. These symbols are valuable as they bring people together and provide a sense of harmony. I think that the majority of people adhere to a religion because of cultural influences which make them feel that religion is important for mental and psychological well being. I doubt whether many choose a religion because they grappled with difficult questions such as how did life originate, what is the purpose of life, is there is a life after death etc. For most people, any religion would provide some stability and a sense of belonging as acceptance immediately provides a sense of security and belonging. 

I remember a true story I read about a devout Christian woman who studied science and philosophy and came to the conclusion that there is no God and she stopped being a Christian. What she found was that she became rudderless and isolated. She missed going to church on Sundays, missed all the Christian social groups she belonged to and the various charitable activities she indulged in. After 2- 3 months (can't remember exactly), she embraced Christianity again and rejoined her church and all her previous activities.... and happily lived thereafter (the last bit being mine! But she did become happy.

That is why I do not ridicule rituals, symbols and belief systems, although I don't need them. But the beauty of culture is that it is dynamic, and always changes. Extending it to a Buddhist society, if people who matter and are respected set patterns of behaviour, the flock will follow. If more and more eminent priests suggest that there is no need for more dagobas but a big need for homes of old people or for disabled people and that is the best way to help your way through samsara, then they will follow. 

However, a dynamic culture can go the other way too, as Politicians are only too aware. The culture now in Sri Lanka is for Politicians to bend over and worship the Mahanayakes and pamper them with titles, cars and comfy abodes. The citizens are influenced by this and a vicious circle forms. My contention is this. Yes, there is such a thing as cultural Buddhism but it is dynamic and could be influenced to change by wise people who are true adherents of Buddhism through realisation and not for use as a vehicle for personal gain. If there is multi-religious cooperation, especially led by religious leaders, to advance the belief that religions should respect each other and work for the common good, that belief will eventually become part of that Society's culture.  I have seen enough instances of this recently in Sri Lanka to make me optimistic. But the biggest danger is the Politician manoeuvred belief that Buddhism somehow deserves a place above all other religions and especially so in the chosen land of Sri Lanka.