Sri Lanka is a beautiful country where the majority (70%) of the population are Buddhists of Theravadan tradition. However, Sri Lankan Buddhism is unique because, in addition to focusing on the practice of attaining self-liberation through one’s own effort, they adopt the practice of Bodhisattva of Compassion, Avalokiteshvara. Within the Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition, Avalokiteshvara is also identified as Natha Deviyo or Lokeshvara Natha (Natha), who lives in Tushita heaven and is destined to become the future Buddha Maitreya. Natha is believed to possess omniscience and come to earth from time to time to help those in need regardless of their religious denomination.   The adoption of Avalokiteshvara Worship in Sri Lanka The adoption of Avalokiteshvara worship within the Sinhalese Buddhist tradition originated from the ruling Sinhalese monarchs. The kings were given the power to take the necessary measures to create conducive conditions for the spiritual well-being of the sangha (lokottara) and the material well-being of his lay subjects (laukika). Therefore, due to the compassionate nature of Avalokiteshvara, he was perceived as the source of protection for the Sinhalese kingdoms of the past. According to John Clifford Holt, the Professor of the Humanities in Religion and Asian Studies at Bowdoin […]