HomeDev's TourThe real Buddhism may change your life
Buddhism For You
The Real Buddhism May Change Your Life
Tour Introduction
Initially I had a wrong conception where I believed that happiness is a phenomenon which you receive from the world outside, but with the time the more I understood the doctrine more I developed a better comprehension about my life. None is able to grant your happiness but only you yourself are able to create your happiness. This great philosophy of the lord Buddha gives me the strength and courage to live the life without getting disturbed, hurt or disappointed over the accusations and blames leveled by people. I experienced the comfort and the relaxation of mine not hurt by outside forces where the stress and anxiety cannot hugely disturb your inner peace of mind. Also by practicing meditation steeply, you will have the courage of maintaining your metal relaxation despite the hard times that you experience which is a great boon in your life. In this package I am deemed to make you aware of the teachings of the true doctrine of the Buddha. Read More
The present day life of the people is massively engulfed with a cast of complexities. You are not stunned to accept in the fact that you find yourself running a race where you struggle to reach at unending destinations. Your lust for the accumulation of wealth, pride, prestige and academic credentials gives you an enormous degree of stress and anxiety surrounded by an alarming sense of fear. As preached by the enlightened one you take vigorous unending efforts amidst a vast of difficulties and hard feelings to achieve the success in all your endeavors. Once your goal is achieved your interest in your achievement gradually recedes and afterwards your mind arouses your interest which struggles to reach at another destination behind which you start running where you eventually conquer it. Once again your interest in your hardly achieved goal vanishes and you find yourself getting interested in another.
This is a never ending phenomenon. None of us lives until eternity and our death is certain on one ill-fated day. During this short span of your life there is nobody who is exempted from this unending phenomenon of trying to achieve the goals in life. At times you may struggle in life as if you are immortal. Albeit you have treasure of wealth, properties, money and prestige, as you go down the memory lane and recall as to what you have achieved, you may truly feel that they are only materialistic but hardly spiritual.
In that light, I designed this specific travel package with the genuine intention of giving you an opportunity where you can try comprehending the nature of life with the teachings of the enlightened one. I believe that you are already aware that Buddhism is a philosophy. Regardless of your religious faith, you can effortlessly understand the very basic principles of Buddhism and I believe that it would give you a tremendous degree of mental solace, strength and energy in your struggle of achieving the life targets. In a fraction of a second, your life may transform into circumstances which you have neither thought of nor wished for, where you understand that the actual, true and real situation of your life should be well comprehended.
The doctrine preached by the Gautama Buddha, currently remains in the different parts of the world with different definitions given on the original doctrine. You may find that the essence of the doctrine preached more than 2500 years ago has now been slightly added or fabricated with some novel definitions which contradict with the actual philosophy originally preached by the lord Buddha. In that context I expect to explore the origin of the doctrine while being with you during our visits made to different Buddhist shrines where you can pay the homage. Also, I am looking forward to giving you a first-hand experience of trying to convince yourself with the true essence of the teachings of the Buddha. I believe that you would make it an opportunity where you may at least try to absorb and inculcate the basic teaching of the Buddha into your life as well. The majority of Sri Lankans comprises of Buddhists. I also come from a Buddhist background. Since childhood we are taught Buddhism as a subject discipline in our school curriculum. Also it is mandatory for the school children to attend to the ‘Dhamma School’ conducted every Sunday at the village temple where the Buddhist monks teach the village students the stanzas recited at the homage, the Buddhist civilization and that of the life of the Buddha as well. If I am broadly outspoken with you, when I was quite young I was not much interested in learning about Buddhism. You will not believe as a child how mischievous I was and my love was to avoid attending to the lessons taught at the ‘Dhamma School’ and getting to the nearby thickets with my friends, fishing in the streams around, climbing up to the top of the huge trees and tasting the bitter but savory fruit and swinging through the branches of tall trees.
Can you just imagine how many times that I got punished by the chief incumbent of the village temple to have gone out of the classroom without permission. As I recollect those beautiful memories involved with a lot of mischievousness surrounded by a feeling of adventure, I tend to be humbly proud of myself. Later on following my thorough studies on the Sri Lankan history I was able to get the true and actual picture of the original doctrine of the Buddha. We, the typical Sri Lankans being in love with nature have an inborn knack of comprehending Buddhism both as a religion and a philosophy. Currently, Gautama Buddha is introduced as a religious leader. But certainly he has a character of a philosopher, meditator, mendicant and a spiritual leader. The proper understanding of the doctrine preached by him drastically changed the way of my life into a better path.
We will start our journey from the beautiful southern coast of Sri Lanka. You will also be able to listen to the sermons delivered by the Buddhist monks and whereby you can take an attempt to learn a bit about the methods of Bushiest mediation. The temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy will be another destination. Also you will be visiting the shrine at ‘Mahiyanganaya’ where the Lord Buddha has visited. Meanwhile, you will be taking little time off from the regular schedule and during which you can practice the basics of meditating methods in the historic temples situated in the inner side of the forest. As we getting to the cave temple of Dambulla, I hope to give you an account of the spread of Buddhism in the island during different eras. During your visit to the city of Anuradhapura where Buddhism was inducted in the island, I will tell you in detail as to how the right sapling of the sacred ‘Bo tree’ under which the ‘Ascetic Siddhartha’ achieved the enlightenment was ceremonially planted. You will find time to pay your homage to the sacred ‘Bo tree’, popularly known as ‘Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi’ among the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, you will be visiting to the ‘Ruwanweliseya’, the stupa in which a considerable portion of the sacred relics of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. Afterwards, you will have a little bit of a strange experience where you will get an opportunity of offering meals prepared by you to the monks residing at the temple there. The last two days of your journey will be spent in Colombo. I need to make you aware of the essence of true Buddhist doctrine and as to how you can practically apply those basic Buddhist principles with your day-to-day life. I also have a plan to give you an interesting, exciting and amusing kind of feeling while travelling through different geographical regions of the island which I believe will be an unforgettable lifetime experience for you.
Arrive and heading to down south coast
On behalf of all the Sri Lankans I have such an enormous pleasure in receiving you very warmly to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka which is enriched with the Buddhist traditions spanning into more than 2500 years. At the first instance, we will be travelling towards the south coast of Sri Lanka. It will be your pleasure to come to know each other during the tour. I will give you a basic account of my country during the journey which will take around two hours. Our destination will be a beautiful hotel located along the costal belt of the Matara town where we will be staying. Once you check-in, please have a little bit of a rest time. In the afternoon we will be getting to a temple situated in a tiny island where there is a serene atmosphere. You can pay your homage to the Buddha Statues in this temple and enjoy the scenic beauty of the island. Afterwards we will be heading towards the beautiful beach along the coast of Weligama. Following dinner you will enjoy the thrilling experience of walking along the brilliant white ashore while letting your eyes falling in love with the serene beauty of the atmosphere which would quench your travel fatigue and wake you up at the crack of dawn in the next day morning.
Overnight stay at Marriott Resort
Heading to UVA
During this morning we will stay at the hotel and I will be pleased to give you an account of the route of our journey as well as some of the guidelines which you may follow. Following lunch we will be leaving the hotel for my hometown. En-route you will be visiting Kataragama, one of the most popular shrines in the south of Sri Lanka. This specific place of worship where people make a wow and get the blessing of deity at crucial junctures of their life, regardless of their religious faith and belief is quite popular among the Sri Lankans who come from different walks of life. Like the Sri Lankan devotees themselves, you also can offer feel the excitement of offering a properly prepared a basket of fruit to the shrine and get its blessing. It has been a habit of devotees to share the fruit with the people around and taste its deliciously, following the offering. Afterwards, we will be vising the giant ‘Kiri Wehera’ a stupa constructed by an ancient king of Sri Lanka. This place of worship where many local devotees are regularly seen will give you a clear picture about the Buddhist spirituals. Leaving the Stupa, we will be going to my hometown. We will be staying at a small hotel nearby my home during the first few days of the tour. A delicious dinner will await for you as you get my home. Following dinner you will have some time during which you can have a powwow where you can get more clarifications on the places that you visited.
Overnight stay at Hotel near by My Village
Offering alms to the monks
Following breakfast I hope to give you an experience of which you can never imagine on an ordinary tour. On an assigned day of every month, every family in the village gets an opportunity of offering alms to the monks. Today, we all join together and enjoy preparing the lunch at mine and take it to the beautiful ‘Dematamal Viharaya’ where you will be so excited to offer the alms to the Buddhist monks. As per Buddhism you accumulate a great deal of merit as alms are offered to the monks. Our today’s lunch will be taken at the village temple. In the afternoon we will be visiting to the historical temple of ‘Maligawila’ the tallest free-standing Buddha statue in the world which is around 2000 years old where you get very few foreign tourists. The environment is clam there. Therefore we can sit under a huge tree and meditate for a while. We will also getting towards the river nearby and be back at that hotel. In the evening your dinner will be at mine and following which we will sit around for a simple powwow.
Overnight stay at Hotel near by My Village
Heading to the Kandy
In the morning we will be leaving to Kandy, the second largest city in Sri Lanka. En-route we will get to the historical temple of ‘Mahiyangana’ where the lord Buddha had visited. Travelling through the very famous 18-bends in Sri Lanka, we will be reaching at Kandy, a world heritage living city across which the longest river of Sri Lanka flows while being encircle by a cluster of mountains. Here in Kandy our most significant destination is the temple of the Tooth Relic, venerated by the Buddhists around the world. As you get into the temple of the Tooth Relic you normally carry ‘jasmine’ flowers to be offered to the Relic casket. Inside the temple premises you can light the oil lamps in honor of the lord Buddha. Meanwhile, I will accompany you to the museum inside where there are Buddha statues of different styles donated by different countries in the world. Also, you will see several shrines and the ‘Magul Maduwa’, the premises where the ancient monarchy of the Kandyan kingdom held their court. Also I hope to give you an account of the facts surrounded by the bringing up of the Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka and the most significant historical events happened from that time up to now. In the evening we will be roaming along a couple of streets in the beautiful city of Kandy while returning to the hotel for dinner. Afterwards as usual I will give you a brief account on a selected subject for half an hour.
Overnight stay at Suisse Kandy
Travelling the North Central Province
In the morning we will get to the view point at the hotel to meditate for a while. Back at the room following the breakfast we will be leaving Kandy and will be travelling the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The first place we are going to visit is Dambulla Cave Temple, which is another World Heritage site. While you picking up a pot full of flowers from the village damsels who are a frequent sight selling flowers along the way side to the temple, let me tell you a little bit about the glorious history of this unique temple which is located inside a cave guarded by a giant rock. I wonder whether you have seen around 158 Buddha statues, the statues of the royals, gods and goddesses crafted by the Sri Lankan artists during different eras of the tenure of different kings. Ancient paintings which are of 2000 square feet are a source of inspiration for the upcoming artists. Following several hours of journey passing through few small towns, thickets and waterways, we will be heading to the hotel where we hope to stay for the next two days. I will make it a point to give you a simple idea on the places of significance in the North Central Province.
Overnight stay at The Lake Forest Hotel
Explore the Buddhist Capital Anuradhapaura
In the morning we will get to the view point at the hotel to meditate for a while. Back at the room following the breakfast we will be heading towards the Mihintale Rock. The Mihintale Rock which is venerated by the Buddhists is few kilometres away from Anuradhapura, a World Heritage City. I will explain you the historical background of the Mihintale Rock on which the ‘Arahath Mahinda’ preached the doctrine of Buddhism to the then King of ancient Ceylon. ‘Arahath Mahinda’ brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka where he had ascended on the mountain summit with his psychic power. Mihinthalaya is considered as the world's first declared sanctuary and also the place where the world's first test of intelligence was conducted.
Late evening you will get the opportunity of having a look at moonstone, the watchtower and the ‘Kuttam Pokuna’ carved on the hard stones by the artists of ancient Sri Lanka. In this very same evening we will be visiting the ‘Maha Viharaya’ of which history spans into more than 2000 years. You find that ‘Maha Viharaya’ is situated within the ambience of the World’s Heritage city. You can see the sapling of the scared ‘Bo tree’ under which the ascetic ‘Siduhath’ attained the enlightenment. The scared ‘Bo tree’ is the oldest living plant in the world which is worshiped by the Buddhists around the world for more than 2000 years.
Overnight stay at The Lake Forest Hotel
Meditation at Forest Monastery
Following breakfast, we will arrive to Ritigala Forest Monastery which is an ideal place for meditation and also to learn Buddhism. The environment changes are much greater in a small area and landscape is quite different in this location compared to the area. It has a mythological story with Ramayana way back in the past. Also in certain areas you may notice that some are practising Angampora an ancient unique self defence technique. This is visible only in two or three locations in Sri Lanka. There are many Buddhist monks practice meditation inside this Jungle for many years. Today you will learn the techniques of meditation and practice some mediation lessons.
Overnight stay at The Lake Forest Hotel
Arrive to Colombo
Toady our journey slightly long. We will be directly travelling to Colombo and will have lunch on the way. Following a journey of 04 hours straightaway we will be getting to the hotel. In the afternoon following a short rest time we will get to the historical temple of ‘Kelaniya’ where the lord Buddha had visited. The paintings in the temple are quite unique. You can see a large number of devotees visiting the ‘Kelaniya’ temple which is situated within close proximity to Colombo. Following the evening ‘pooja’ at the Viharaya we will be heading to the city of Colombo.
Overnight stay at Galle Face Hotel
Explore Commercial Capital
Following breakfast, we will travel around Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, where you will be able to see some unique places which include the independence square, the town hall, the ‘Viharamaha Devi Park’ and many other places. In the evening we will be getting to the main trade centers in the city from where you can buy gifts or souvenir for your loved once. Evening you will enjoy experience of walking along the Galle Face ocean side urban park.
Overnight stay at Galle Face Hotel
Colombo to Airport and Departure
Following breakfast, we will be leaving Colombo for the Katunayake International Air Port. With a deep sense of thankfulness, I appreciate your time spent in Sri Lanka. With the expectation of meeting you once again I remain here.
Day 01
Mathara
Southern coast
One of the best kept secrets in Asia
Paravi Duwa Temple
Sri Lanka's sacred Buddhist temples
Day 02
Monaragala
Kataragama
Pilgrimage town sacred to Buddhist, Hindu and indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka
Kiriwehera
Ancient stupa situated in Kataragama
Day 03
Monaragala
Offering alms
One of the most common practices spiritual among Buddhists
Maligavila
The tallest free-standing Buddha statue in the world
Meditation
practice Basic mindfulness meditation
Day 04
Kandy
Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
Site of Gautama Buddha's first visit to the country
18 bends
Famous asphalted road located on the Kandy
Kandy
A city surrounding with mountains, and the last capital of the ancient kings. UNESCO world heritage site
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha
Day 05
Anuradhapura
Golden Cave Temple
More than 80 documented caves, a living Buddhist site. UNESCO world heritage site
Day 06
Anuradapura
Mihintale Mountain Peak
Birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura
Early kingdom in north central region in Sri Lanka. UNESCO world heritage site
Sri Maha Bodhi
Branch of the tree under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment Oldest living tree of the whole world with a written history
Ruwanweli Stupa
Gothama Buddha's relics are enshrined which is the largest collection of his relics anywhere
Mahavihara Monastery Complex
Large Buddhist monastery for Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Day 07
Anuradhapura
Meditation
Practice meditation at Ritigala Forest Monastery
Day 08
Anuradhapura
Kalaniya Temple
The temple visited by Lord Buddha eight years after gaining enlightenment
Day 09
Colombo
Colombo City Tour
Exploring the commercial capital of Sri Lanka
Rawana Waterfall
One of the widest waterfalls in the world.
Day 10
Depature
These packages include the leading and luxurious hotels in the Island and the transport will also be given in luxurious vehicles. The entire package is decided on the star class of the hotel and for any clarification, you may kindly contact me. These rates are initially decided for two tourists and as the number of the tourists increases, the rates will decrease. Upon the booking of your tour, 50 % should be paid and the rest can be paid three days before your arrival.
Payment Options & Policy
50% at the Time of Confirmation
Balance 50% three days before your arrival
$ 2600
These rates are initially decided for two tourists and as the number of the tourists increases, the rates will decrease.