Sri Lanka is bestowed with beautiful Buddhist monasteries from centuries ago. When we visit these amazing venues, we realize the architectural genius of these ancient engineers. We can also observe the strong influence of Buddhism, in guiding the composition of the spectacular cities and monastic complexes. Monks designed their own ritual spaces with the goal of allowing forth mediation of worship by ritual specialists.
Meditation is a means of transforming the mind. Buddhist meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things. By engaging with a particular meditation practice you learn to cultivate new positive ways of being.
Ancient records indicate that as the secular head and defender of Buddhism it was the main duty of the king to look after the well-being of the Sasana.
Ancient kings were the defenders of the Buddhist faith. The first duty a king engaged in after being crowned was to display his keen interest in Buddhism, by repairing or building monasteries, donating alms or conducting grand religious festivals.
Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is the site of a meeting between the prudent Buddhist monk Ven. Mahinda Thera and King Devanampiyatissa which marked the presence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is now a vast site of several religious monuments and historical structures. From ancient times, large steps were constructed to climb Mihintale.
It is stated that King Devanampiyatissa constructed a Vihara and 68 caves for the Bhikkhus to reside in.
At Mihintale there gradually grew a number of Buddhist monasteries with all the dependent buildings characteristic of the monasteries of that period. Caves found in places like Vessagiriya, Mihinthale, Sithulpavva, Ritigala and Rajagala have provided shelter for Buddhist monks. It is recorded that Arahant Mahinda Thera and his disciples spent their first vas retreat in the caves of Mihintale. The first monastery built in ancient Ceylon was the Tissarama, in the Mahameghavahana of Anuradhapura. It was established by King Devanampiyatissa. Although monasteries were built, later some monks desired to meditate and live in caves, within a forest atmosphere. The solitude of the cave was ideal for a life of meditation.
Kaludiya Pokuna (black water pool) is one of the famous ponds at Mihintale. The word “Kalu” means black. The word “diya” means water, and the word “Pokuna” means pond. The name is derived from the fact that the water in the pool appears to be black in colour from the shadow of the flora and rocks. It is said the large pool measures 200 feet by 70 feet. The water is scented with the herbal stain of many indigenous trees.
Naga Pokuna, means “Serpent Pond.” Its name is derived from the figures of snakes with their hoods spread out in the background; it is one of the most famous ponds at the site. Passing Ambasthalaya on the Western side is a flight of steps. When descending the steps the Naga Pokuna is visible.
The Mahavamsa mentions a pond named Nagacatuska connected with the information regarding the arrival of Mahinda Thera to Sri Lanka. The chronicle records much later that King Aggabodhi I (575-608 AD) built a pond named Nagasondi. From this information it may be assumed that the natural pond, known as Nagacatusca, was converted to a man-made pond by King Aggabodhi. Filled by rain water, this pond supplied water to the Lion Pond, alms hall and for the daily needs of the Mihintale monks.
Singha Pokuna translates as “Lion Pond,” the name was derived from the image of the rampant lion. Water was collected here for the use of Buddhist monks. Water was supplied from the Naga Pokuna through a tunnel.
Kaludiya Pokuna consists of a vast complex nestled among dense foliage. It includes a Stupa, chapter house, promenade and residential cells.
The Chief Monk Ven. Kaala Buddharakkita Thera and his disciples are supposed to have lived here. The complex was built for them by King Kassapa 1V. We observed the cave dwellings used by ancient arahants. There is a process by which a cave is prepared for a religious recluse. The cave is filled with firewood, and this is burnt. It takes away any odours. Some opine that substances like bear oil (obtained from wild bears) were applied on the walls to keep insects away. Brick walls were built on the exposed sides.
At Kaludiya Pokuna there is a fully intact cave dwelling. It has door frames and windows cut out of solid rock. The bed and pillow are cut out of rock, which shows the genuine act of renunciation. This cave was cool in the afternoon heat. According to the Chinese monk, FaHien during the 5th Century, there were 2,000 monks at Mihintale. Further he adds there were 5,000 monks at Abhayagiri and 3,000 monks at Mahavihara. We walked for almost two hours exploring this amazing complex. The resident guide pointed to a large hill, some metres away.
Apparently when you climb the hill there is a cave large enough to hold a bus. Due to safety reasons access to this high cave was not possible.
Along this path we noticed monkeys, chattering and eating fruits. Tropical birds were seen in abundance. We also met the resident monk Ven. Thappuwane Saddhajivi Thera, an amiable young priest. His abode is nestled amidst trees. The vast complex at Kaludiya Pokuna has many moats, which direct the flow of water from the pond. One can imagine the vibrant community of monks who once lived and meditated in this wilderness oasis. The well designed site met all their needs for a monastic existence. The noble Buddha adopted the term Arahant to denote one who had attained the highest stage in the realization of Nirvana.
Nirvana, according to Buddhism, is the state in which the mind is at complete peace and the soul is merged with the universe. It is reached when a person’s desires and suffering all go away. The Arahant is a person whose defilement has been destroyed. Offering oneself as a servant to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha was considered highly religious and meritorious. Many Buddhist monks and sages resided at Kaludiya Pokuna. A visit to Kaludiya Pokuna is refreshing and induces peace. It is a captivating Buddhist oasis that must be explored.
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