VAJIRARAMA BUDDHIST MEDITATION CENTRE (FOREST SOLITUDE) – KANDY, SRI LANKA – By Leelananda Ihalagamage in Melbourne
A few years ago, before I moved to Melbourne, I walked along the gravel path with the Care Taker, who looks after this 8 acre giant forest and the little cottages, slowly humming and breathing, listening to how the nature responds, enjoying the colours and scents the forest sends to us, the sounds of nature; chirping of birds, wind whispering on the leaves and singing of the glistening water falls. During my walk, I stepped into every cottage located in the small hills, which in my conclusion was very amazing.
Natural sounds, such as sound of the waterfalls, noise of birds’ singing, make the forest solitude with pretty feelings where the heart is muttering. This is an amazing place to meditate, which is really true that cannot be explained until you visit this amazing place and the cool environment.
The Vajirarama Forest Solitude at Bowalawatte, Kandy, is such an Aranya established by Venerable Ampitiye Sri Rahula Maha Thero in the Hantana Forest Range, adjoining the University of Peradeniya.
The Ven. Maha Thero after establishing Vajiragnana Dharmayathanaya at Maharagama for the progress of the Sasana and spiritual well-being of Sangha and laity, leads a life meditating seclusion after retirement as Director of Studies of the Institution. He left to Maha Oya, but had to return back to Maharagama on the insistence of his Dayakas.
However, in 1986, the Ven. Maha Thero was invited by the Chancellor of Peradeniya University T.B. Panabokke to observe Vas Season at the University for which the closed down exchange building was refurbished and equipped for his stay during the three months rain retreat. It was during this Vas observance that the Ven. Maha Thero got the idea to establish a Forest Solitude in the Forest Reserve adjoining the refurbished room he was staying. He foresaw that the forest to be surveyed was ideal for a monastery. The forest he visited was part of the University property and the Ven. Thero was determined to go ahead with the project. After contacting the Minister of Higher Education, Ven. Maha Thero obtained his approval and later requested the University Senate to release ten acres of the forest to establish a Meditation Centre and a Monastery.
Immediately after the Vas retreat, the Ven. Maha Thero shifted to a temporary wooden kuti (cottage) constructed in the surveyed forest reserve. Gradually permanent kutis were constructed on a well laid out plan. The objectives of the establishment of The Forest Solitude, as stated by Ven. Sri Rahula Maha Thero was to promote the welfare of the threefold Sasana: Pariyapthi – the Teachings of the Buddha to be studied, Patipatti – the practicing of the teachings of Dhamma and Pativedha – the realization of the Marga Pala and Nibbana. The main objective is to provide educational and spiritual assistance and guidance to local and foreign Bhikkus in Monastery life compatible to discipline (Vinaya) established by Buddha.
In pursuance of these objectives there are meditation programs, religious discourses, library facilities and other religious activities well patronized with much enthusiasm.
Ven. Ampititye Sri Rahula Maha Thero fulfilled one of his life’s ambitions and as the Chief Incumbent, laid down rules and regulations to follow by both Sangha and the laity and presented to the Maha Sangha. There are many Kutis and almost all are occupied by Bhikkus in various periods and the laid down rules and regulations are being followed up to this day.
The Kandy International Buddhist Organization that manages the Forest Solitude is an approved Charitable Organization. During the tenure of Dr. Nihal Karunarathne as President of the Buddhist Organization, Ven. Maha Thero was gifted with another ten acres of land by the then Minister of Mahaweli Development in Ambakotte about 20 kilometers away as a monastery and for the propagation and promotion of Dhamma study and practice, with the assistance of devoted Dayakas and guidance by Ven. Maha Thero. He named it as Ambakotte Vajirarama Thapovana. The management of this Monastery too came under the Buddhist Organization and Dr. Nihal Karunaratne was the person rendered invaluable service to its development.
Our special thanks to the Incumbent of Vajirarama Forest Solitude Kandy who gave fullest cooperation and assistance to gather information and allowed to get the photographs.
Pix by Leelananda Ihalagamage
