There is no better field to study the coexistence between the two religions than in the field of popular beliefs and attitudes. Religion can be practised at different levels and among different groups. Some such are those who dedicate their lives to them. Others are academics and research scholars who dwell on their deeper aspects. But what is most relevant is the binding force that religions exercise on the vast majority of the population. This is what most produces peace and harmonious coexistence among the adherents, and contribute towards the prosperity of the country they live in. Sri Lanka is a model of coexistence between Buddhists and Hindus.
The text quoted earlier from the Mahavamsa legitimizing the role of Sri Lanka as the homeland of Buddhism is worth consideration. The text states that the Lord Buddha while on his death bed was surrounded by gods. These gods are of Hindu origin. How is it, one would ask, that the Buddha is surrounded by gods of another faith? Firstly Hinduism is not 'another faith' in the sense that Christianity and Islamism are. Buddhism arose within the context of Hinduism. It is oftensaid that the Buddha was born a Hindu.
This is not a matter of discussion for this essay. What is certain is that Buddhism came to being as a reaction against some Hindu beliefs and practices. Buddhism is a permissive religion. It does not reject whatever its adepts think is useful for their spiritual advancement. One such is the belief in gods, hence the reference to 'Sakka' (Brahma) and the god 'of the colour of the lotus' (Vishnu). These are two of the gods forming the Hindu trinity (Trimurthi). It was to 'Sakka' that the Buddha addressed his words.
At his demand, the Island of Lanka was confided to the protection of Vishnu. It is obvious that the two gods concerned and the other Hindu gods venerated by Buddhists are considered converts to the teaching of the Buddha which applies both to gods and men. It is therefore not a matter of surprise that temples have been constructed for the veneration of Vishnu.
A most ancient example is the temple of Devinuwara or 'Dondra' in the south. The most tangible and concrete proof of this statement is available to anyone who travels by the commonest transport this country provides which is the bus. Take your seat and look above the front windscreen. What you see will convince you, Enthroned in the center is a statue or picture of the Lord Buddha. On both sides of him are images and icons of Hindu deities. Sometimes one even finds images of Jesus Christ and symbols of the Muslim,
