Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge M.D. PhD
Professor Gananatha Obeyesekere was a distinguished scholar from Sri Lanka, and his writings stand out for their originality and depth, offering profound scholarly insights. His influence extended far beyond the confines of the small island where he originated, allowing him to disseminate his knowledge on a global scale. Through his extensive body of work, which includes numerous books and research papers, he has become a pivotal figure in academia. Institutions of higher learning across various continents frequently reference his contributions, integrating his insights into their curricula and research initiatives.
I had the distinct honor of participating in an intellectual dialogue with Professor Obeyesekere via email, which provided me with valuable insights into his scholarly contributions. In 2017, I further explored his work during an extensive conversation with Dr. Eric Smadja, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who is also one of Professor Obeyesekere's academic associates, while I was in Paris. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to meet Professor Obeyesekere face-to-face, a regret that lingers in my mind as I consider the depth of knowledge and perspective he could have shared in person.
Professor Gananatha Obeyesekere has made a profound impact throughout his academic journey by consistently questioning and critiquing established anecdotal beliefs. His work often includes innovative interpretations that not only challenge conservative opinion but also ignite substantial intellectual debates within the scholarly community. By examining cultural narratives and their implications through a critical lens, he has positioned himself as a transformative thinker, reshaping the discourse surrounding the intersection of culture, religion, and science. His ability to provoke thought and inspire dialogue marks him as a revolutionary figure in contemporary thought, encouraging others to reconsider and reevaluate long-held assumptions.
In his seminal work, "The Work of Culture: Symbolic Transformation in Psychoanalysis and Anthropology," he provides an in-depth analysis of the Sinhabahu myth, drawing intriguing parallels between it and the Freudian Oedipus complex, while also exploring themes of patricide and incest within the narrative. Additionally, he elucidates how the lion emerged as a totemic figure and ultimately became a national symbol for Sri Lanka.
In "Dutthagamani and the Buddhist Conscience," he delves into the complexities surrounding the historical figure of Dutthagamani (Dutugemunu), a king of ancient Sri Lanka, examining the moral and ethical challenges he faced. Furthermore, in "The Doomed King: A Requiem for Sri Vikrama Rajasinha," Obeyesekere critically assesses the life and legacy of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last king of Sri Lanka, highlighting the myths that depict him as a tyrant and revealing how British colonial forces employed psychological tactics and propaganda to tarnish his reputation. The legacy of such psychological warfare continues to shape historical narratives and public opinion, illustrating the profound impact of colonial propaganda on the collective memory of a nation. As a result, the echoes of these tactics can still be felt today.
In his insightful work, Medusa's Hair: An Essay on Personal Symbols and Religious Experience, Gananath Obeyesekere discusses significant anthropological and psychological themes. He intricately examines the connection between religious symbolism and the diverse psychopathologies that influence individual behaviour and societal interactions. He discusses the interplay between traumatic experiences within Sri Lankan society and the emergence of dissociative disorders. The book explores how these mental health issues are often interpreted through a spiritual lens, with cultural factors framing them as manifestations of divine blessings. Obeysekare's analysis stands out in the field, as no other psychiatrist or psychologist in Sri Lanka has examined the psychological, anthropological, sociological, and cultural dimensions of this phenomenon with such depth and rigour. His insights shed light on the intricate ways in which societal trauma is processed and understood, revealing the profound impact of cultural narratives on individual psychological experiences.
In his notable publication, Karma and Rebirth: A Cross-Cultural Study, Obeyesekere presents a comprehensive sociological and anthropological examination of the concept of rebirth as it is expressed in diverse cultural contexts. His investigation into reincarnation is particularly noteworthy, as he approaches the subject from a neutral standpoint, avoiding the biases of specific religious frameworks. This impartial analysis reveals that numerous human societies share fundamental beliefs regarding the cycle of rebirth. Obeyesekere challenges the
notion that rebirth is a singularly Indian idea, suggesting instead that
similar beliefs in cycles of life, death, and renewal have emerged in diverse
contexts. By examining how different civilizations interpret the notion of
rebirth, Obeyesekere highlights the universality of this theme, indicating that
it resonates with fundamental human experiences and existential questions.
In his 2005 book, Cannibal Talk: The Man-Eating Myth and Human Sacrifice in the South Seas, Obeyesekere critically addresses the Western European narrative surrounding cannibalism. He challenges the prevailing depiction of the white man as a civilizing force, emphasizing that his critique is not rooted in anti-Western sentiment. Instead, Obeyesekere's work reflects a sophisticated understanding of cultural dynamics, engaging thoughtfully with Western narratives to explore the complexities of cultural identity and colonial history. His analysis scrutinizes the racial hierarchies, pseudo-scientific ideologies, cultural assimilation, and the degradation of indigenous knowledge that characterized the colonial era, alongside the legal and economic exploitation that accompanied it.
In his influential work, The Cult of the Goddess Pattini (1984), Gananath Obeyesekere explores multifaceted dimensions of the Pattini cult in Sri Lanka, offering a comprehensive analysis that encompasses historical, sociological, and psychological perspectives. He scrutinizes the syncretic characteristics of the goddess, challenging traditional interpretations of South Asian religious practices. Obeyesekere's exploration extends to the psychological underpinnings of the myths surrounding Pattini, as well as the rituals associated with her worship. He emphasizes the interplay between psychological factors and the cult's syncretic nature, examining how these elements relate to broader sociocultural transformations and the process of Sanskritization. Furthermore, he addresses the intricate gender dynamics embedded within the Pattini myth, revealing how these aspects contribute to the cult's significance in contemporary society.
Professor Ganatha Obeyesekere stands as a distinguished figure in the field of anthropology, celebrated not only in Sri Lanka but also on the global stage. His contributions to the discipline have established him as the foremost anthropologist that Sri Lanka has ever produced, a fact that is widely acknowledged and accepted without contention. He is one of the foremost scholars of his era, possessing an extensive breadth of knowledge that spans sociology, anthropology, psychology, history, and various other disciplines. His unique ability to integrate diverse fields of study allows him to distill complex ideas into their essence, making his contributions invaluable to the academic community.
