Chakmas follow
Theravada Buddhism as their religion. The word Theravada was originated from
the Sanskrit word sthaviravada which means – ‘the teaching of the older
people’.
Chakmas are predominantly Buddhists, with the influence of Hinduism and Animism in their rituals. Beside following Buddhist rituals they also worship Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Shiva, Kali, Durga, Laxmi (they call it Lakkhi) etc. They also follow animist rituals like appeasing harmful spirit by sacrificing animals.
In spite of many attempts by Christian missionaries to make them follow Christianity, they could not succeed. Similarly, even after several tortures and tyranny by rules of Pakistan and Bangladeshi rulers, they failed to convert them to Islamism. They remained stubborn Buddhists as before.
In every Chakma
village there is a Buddhist temple, which they call as ‘kiyong’ and a few
monks. Every temple has either an image or statue of Buddha, where the Chakmas
bow their heads with respect and devotion for prayer. Monks are the most respected
persons in the society who live and chant Buddha sutras (hymns) in the
temple. Some common sutras are – ‘Panchashila’, ‘Ashtashila’, ‘Dashashila’,
‘Mangalasutra’ etc., besides explaining the scriptures like ‘Binay’,
‘Abhidharma’ and ‘Sutras’. They are invited on various occasions such as
marriage ceremony, funeral and home prayers in respective families.
(This post about the Buddhism followed by Chakma tribe will be updated very soon with more detailed and relevant information.)
