Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Meditation on your trip to Sri Lanka

Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the third century B.C and become an integral part of the country’s culture with a majority of Sri Lankans following the Buddha’s teachings. Meditation is an integral part of Buddhism, practiced to achieve a balance of mind which helps alleviate the stresses of modern life. Meditation is conducted at most Temples and Buddhist centres across the country while some of the Ayurveda and Yoga retreats conduct guided meditation sessions as an integral part of their holistic wellbeing programmes.

Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the third century B.C. when Emperor Asoka of India sent his son, Mahinda, to the island and introduced Buddhism to the reigning Sinhalese king Devanampiya Tissa (250BC – 207 BC). The king eventually became a powerful patron of Buddhism and established temples and the monastery of Mahavihara, which became the historic center of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka. King Devanampiya Tissa followed the Indian emperor’s strategy of merging the political state with Buddhism. As a result, Buddhism became an integral part of Sinhalese culture and civilisation. Buddhism also had a great effect on the literary development of the island. It was in Sri Lanka that the oral teachings of the Buddha – the Tripitaka – were committed to writing for the first time. The language of these Buddhist scriptures, Pali, influenced the development of the Sinhala language. Since the third century B.C. to date, Buddhism continues to play an integral part in the lives of a majority of Sri Lankans in the country. In addition, the island’s Buddhist monks play a significant role in spreading Buddha’s teachings worldwide.


Ayurveda & Yoga retreats offering meditation
There are several Ayurveda resorts in Sri Lanka that emphasises positive health and the balance between mind and body through a combination of ancient philosophies such as - Ayurveda, Yoga, and meditation. Meditation sessions at these resorts are usually conducted by a Buddhist monk and if interested, guests can also participate in discussions on Buddhism and visit a nearby Buddhist temple. Some of the hotels offering meditation include:

Ayurveda Pavillions, Negombo
• Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort, Weligama
• Paradise Island Health Resort, Bentota
• Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort, Wadduwa
• Villa de Zoysa, Boosa
• Muthumuni Ayurveda Health Resort, Beruwala
• Secret Garden, Unawatuna
• Tree of Life, Kandy
• Ulpotha near Anuradhapura
• Ranweli Holiday Village, Waikal


Meditation Retreats & Buddhist Centres in Sri Lank
If you wish for a more indepth understanding into the Buddhist philosophy and meditation, there are several centres across the island that conducts programmes over an extended period of upto two weeks. These are serious meditation retreats located in tranquil settings that follow an intensive routine of meditation and Buddhist discussions.
The Nilambe Meditation Centre in Kandy, the Vipassana Meditation Centers in Kaduboda and in Colombo all offer basic accommodation and vegetarian meals. Some centres also have books shops to purchase Buddhist literature. We have provided direct links to these Meditation Retreats & Buddhist Centres so that you can contact them directly and make your own arrangements.

Holiday Itineraries with meditation
We have put together several journeys that will give you a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage which includes ancient ruins dating back to the 3rd century B.C. as well as Buddhist temples and shrines that are very much a vibrant part of today’s life. We have chosen hotels and wellness retreats that offer guided meditation sessions to improve your concentration and mindfulness. If you wish, we will be happy to alter the existing itineraries to incorporate a longer stay at an indepth meditation retreat of your choice. Some of our itineraries that offer meditation include:

• Ayurvedic Rejuvenation
• Healing Wisdom
• Tranquil Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Yoga Retreat
• Serenity

you can find out more from the original article at reddot tours.

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