The Sinhala migrated from India to Sri Lanka as early as the 6th century B.C. where they became known as Sinhalese. Some of them left their island during the three decades long Sri Lankan civil war (1983-2009) and settled in many other countries, including Hong Kong.
The Sinhalese in Hong Kong speak their language of Sinhala among themselves. They also speak English which allows them to communicate with others in this land where English is one of the trade languages. The Sinhalese people continue traditions that have been passed from their ancestors in Sri Lanka, while of necessity obeying the laws of the local government. Most of the Sinhalese traditions on marriage center on a single nuclear family, consisting of a married couple and their children.
The Sinhalese practice Buddhism, the major world religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha, who lived in the 6th and 5th century BC in ancient India. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths by which one can gain spiritual knowledge and escape the endless cycles of reincarnation. Theravada, one of the two major branches of Buddhism, declares that by following the Noble Eightfold Path of right intentions and right actions that a Buddhist can achieve nirvana or a state of freedom and salvation. Mahayana Buddhism, the other main branch of Buddhism, asserts that by following the six perfections that a Buddhist can move along the path to Enlightenment. Tibetan Buddhism falls within the Mahayana school.
To most Buddhists, however, these things have far less meaning than their traditional beliefs, which are usually animistic. In animism, evil spirits must be appeased through prayers, sacrifices and rituals. Buddhism allows people to mix Buddhist teachings with traditional religion.
Two of the important Buddhist yearly holidays are Vesak, the Buddha's birthday celebrated in May or June and Bodhi Day, the holiday which commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.
There are so few Sinhalese Christian believers that they must depend on outsiders to take them the gospel. Fortunately, there are thousands of strong Christian believers in Hong Kong who can take the life-changing gospel to the Sinhalese among them.
Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Buddhist Sinhalese people in Hong Kong.
Pray for a movement of Buddhist Sinhalese households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Sinhalese people to the arms of Jesus.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Sinhalese people.
Scripture Prayers for the Sinhalese in China, Hong Kong.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
