The Management of the Devata ̅bali ̅ Ritual through Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

The study had the following objectives: 1) to investigate the context, problems, and needs for the management of the Devatābalī ritual, as well as concepts related to the practice of the Devatābalī ritual; 2) to explore the Buddhadhamma that supports the management of the Devatābalī ritual; and 3) to present the management of the Devatābalī ritual through Buddhist peaceful means. The study employed a qualitative research method, collecting data from documents, in-depth interviews with 15 participants, and a focus group discussion with 8 experts. The data obtained were analyzed using content analysis.

The study found the following results: 1) The Devatābalī ritual in the present era has changed from its original form, with a tendency to promote wrong beliefs, tie to superstition, prioritize material values over spiritual ones, and fail to protect the environment. The concepts surrounding the practice of the Devatābalī ritual reflect human beliefs in the supernatural or sacred things, which people worship to show gratitude, ask for blessings, and build positive relationships. This ritual is rooted in personal belief, as well as the traditions and cultures of each group. The objectives of the ritual are mainly: (1) to ask for blessings; (2) to show gratitude; (3) to make offerings; (4) to protect oneself from danger; and (5) to build morale. 2) The Buddhadhamma that supports the management of the Devatābalī ritual includes the following: (1) Bhoga-ādiya, which refers to five reasons for earning and having wealth; performing the ritual allows one to worship the deities according to one’s faith; (2) Anussati, which refers to recollection; performing the ritual allows one to recollect the deities and contemplate the virtues that enable people to become like gods, as can be found in oneself; and (3) Tisikkhā, or the threefold training, which refers to dāna (giving), sīla (morality), and bhāvanā (development). 3) The management of the Devatābalī ritual through Buddhist peaceful means includes the following five principles: (1) preserving the core of the ritual; (2) adapting; (3) building understanding and participation; (4) using modern technology and media; and (5) integrating with the threefold training.