Trying for enlightenment in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka 9/2023 (Stop 3)

21 September 2023 After seeing Sigiriya, I rode a tuk-tuk for 18 km to Dambulla, then a bus to Anuradhapura which was a further hour away.

Anuradhapura was once the old capital of Sri Lanka when it was invaded by South India. It was then abandoned and overrun by jungle until it was rediscovered in the 19th century.

I rented a bicycle and rode it into the jungle. Roads have been paved to make it easier to find these ancient treasures. I found these ancient remains: Twin Ponds, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Samadhi Budha Statue, Moon Stone, Elephant Pond, Thuparamaya, Ruwanweliseya, Mirisawetiya, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree. Some of the huge ancient ponds were equally impressive. They served as reservoirs or bathing tanks for the monks in the old times. The stupas were like massive call bells, sacred and secretive. Some were painted totally white. No hats and footwear were allowed in the compound of these religious places. Women could be seen pressing their palms together muttering prayers.

Under the sun I toiled around these ancient remains; I felt like an archaeologist. But I left the digging to others while I enjoyed the discoveries.

This is where Buddhism has affected lives and continues to do so, where the hopeful is still hoping. We wish them the best.