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Stress is one of the main complaints among the young and old generation in the world. Prolonged stress is causing numerous mental and physical effects such as depression, anxiety, a problem with sleep, headaches, susceptibility to illness and many more. People in those parts of the world are realizing that meditation is one of the best solutions to cope with stress. Meditation, the mind and body complementary medicine can produce a relaxing tranquil mind which enhanced the physical and emotional well-being. Buddhist temples are the main place to get guidance and instructions to practice meditation. 

Due to the present Covid – 19, pandemic situations the stress, grief and anxiety have become higher among people and meditation is

key to keep healthy and keep continuous concentration during this situation. 

Meditation is the main tool in Theravada Buddhism which emphasizes attaining self-liberation through individuals own efforts. Theravada Buddhism that remained closest to the original teaching of Lord Buddha is strong in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was the centre for Theravada Buddhism since its’ introduction in the 3rd century BC.

Meditation is the main tool in Theravada Buddhism

The hermit monks who engaged in deep meditation were a characteristic feature of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. They are called the “Aranyavasikas” or the “Forest Dwellers”. The locations such as Ritigala, Situlpawwa, Hattikuchchi viharaya, Arankele and the western monasteries in Anuradhapura have identified as the places inhabited by the Aranyavasika monks in ancient times.

Ruins of ancient meditation centres used by Aranyavasika monks. 

The notable feature of most of those locations are the Drip-ledged early cave shelters used as monasteries by the Aranyavasika monks. A short inscription inedited under the drip-ledge of cave expressing the individuality of the donors of the cave to the monks is a common feature of those caves.

Truly even today Sri Lanka is a centre for engaging meditation in calm, quiet and serene locations. Some of those locations are known since ancient times. As in the ancient practices accommodation, other services and meals are offered free of charge on those meditation centres. Today those centers have received food from donors every day as donation. The meditators can stay weeks or months according to their willingness at those meditation centres.

Karambagala Forest Retreat

Sri Lankan society has considered that offering food to a Buddhist monk is one of the main modes of showing respect to the monks by the laity. Offering food to the large group of Buddhist monks were organized in a professional manner since ancient time in Sri Lanka. The refectory room at the Abhayagiri monastery complex was called “Lahabat Ge”. The ruins of that refectory room can still be seen today. It is said that around 5,000 monks attended regularly at mid-day alms on the Abhayagiri monastery in the 5th century AD.

If you are interested to stay a few weeks or months at the meditation centre in Sri Lanka and/or willing to witness ancient monastery complexes and ruins that are nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites while relaxing your mind, soul and body contact FantAsia Tours (https://www.fantasiatours.com/). We guaranteed you to organized a tailor-made vacation as per your requirement.