So Spiritual

Introduction

Sri Lanka, which is known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, has a land area of 65,610 km 2 . Its population is around 22.7 million. “Sinhala” is the main language used in Sri Lanka and many languages such as English, Tamil and Hindi are also used by Sri Lankans.

Sri Lanka, which is surrounded by an enchanting beach, has a mild weather and environment. Sri Lanka, which is an attractive paradise for tourists with a historic heritage, has been respected by many foreign tourists / travellers / explorers / scholars. Sri Lankans are famous for their hospitality and the country flourishes as one of the top countries in the list of world heritages. Agriculture sector plays a key role in the country’s economy and tea, coconut and rubber are among the main crops cultivated in Sri Lanka

There are no ethnic / religious issues in Sri Lanka, where people belonging to various ethnic groups such as Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher live together in peace. All the Sri Lankans, who are related to a multi religious culture, enjoy the right to observe their own religion. This is a country where there is a wonderful religious harmony, which is depicted through practices such as Buddhists visiting Christian churches and Christians visiting Buddhist temples. Therefore, temples, churches and Kovils are common religious centers open to everyone..

When the spread and establishment of Buddhist philosophy or concept in the world is observed, it is evident that Sri Lanka secures a prominent place. Sri Lanka is the place where Theravada Buddhist philosophy is most practically used in the world. The history of Sri Lanka, the apex of Theravada Buddhism, which has been confirmed by the Archeology, goes back to the Prehistoric era. Archeological evidences of the Stone Age and Iron Age have been found from Archeological excavations. Clear evidences related to religious history date back to 03 B.C. It has been proved by many inscriptions written at that time.

Sri Lanka is a country where the traditions of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism are well blended. It is evident from Anuradhapura Maha Vihara and Abhayagiri Vihara. Thousands of student monks studied at these renowned institutions at that time and those institutions promoted Buddhist philosophy. They have studied Pali and Sanskrit in addition to Buddhist philosophy.

Practicing meditation was essential for the Monks as religious mentors as well as Buddhist devotees. It was also a main feature of the daily routine.

The leaders, who ruled the country at that time and the officers in lower positions, were affected by the above teachings through the monks. The amazing creations such as Kuttam Pokuna, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Isurumuniya, Avukana and massive creations such as Abhayagiriya, Jethawana, Mirisawetiya were made by craftsmen and leaders, who have achieved mindfulness. Large ambulatories can be observed at famous historic places in Sri Lanka such as Ritigala and Rajagalathenna. In general, ambulatory is a common feature among the ruins of historic monasteries.

One can increase the intelligence by studying the Buddhist philosophical concepts and achieve mindfulness as well as physical and mental wellbeing through a meditative life.