Community Music Therapy in Action: Healing Through Pirit Chanting in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Pirit is an important Buddhist ceremony with healing aims in Sri Lanka. Centered on chanting provided by monks, this communal event can take place in a variety of environments and remains open to everyone. This article provides an insight into the history of pirit, and its aims and functions in contemporary circumstances. It discusses its therapeutic potential and its presence in and applicability to a modern city environment.