Today after we finished some of our paper work. We had Brother Shantha take us to a few more sights. First stop was Monte Fano Monastery.
FIRST FOUNDATION IN SRI LANKA: 14th August 1845
The Benedictine presence came to Sri Lanka when the Sylvestrine monks came as missionaries under the auspices of Propaganda Fidei in August 1845. The first monk to set foot in Sri Lanka was Fr.Giuseppe Maria Bravi who was soon joined by other confreres.
The southern vicariate of Colombo was entrusted to the monks in 1857 and Mgr.Bravi became the first European Vicar Apostolic. At the request of the monks, the Colombo vicariate was divided and the monks took charge of the new diocese of Kandy in 1883. The monastery church in Kandy became the Cathedral of the new diocese.
The monastery of Monte Fano was established in 1927 primarily as a formation house. in 1972 the responsibility for the diocese was handed over to the diocesan clergy and the monastery church in Kandy was given to the diocese. This left Monte Fano as the main monastery of the Sylvestro Benedictine Priory in Sri Lanka. Today the Congregation has five monastic communities - three in parishes and the remainder are engaged in various types of apostolic activities.
Holy Shroud. Explanation below.
Some thoughts for the day.
Beautiful area. Very peaceful!
The Imacculate Conception!
Ranawana Rajamaha viharaya is located about 900 meters away from Colombo - Kandy highway between Peradeniya and Pilimathalawa...
The ancient temple belong to the reign of king Buwanekabahu the 4th in Gampola era, which consist with two ancient cave temples. The walls of the cave temples are decorated with frescos. One cave contains a shirine and the other and ancient stupa(pagoda). It is believed that the relics of Buddha are in shrines in this stupa. This was built by an Indian Brahmon named "Sri Rama"....Ranawana purana rajamaha viharaya is most probably one of the most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka. Except ordinary characteristics of a temple, Ranawana Viharaya has a amazing trail in to the forest through rocks and trees. Many of important incidents Lord Buddha's life has made in forest attractively.
At the entrance of the temple. This lady wanted a photo with us.
Heading up the stairs!
Stopped to take this picture before you enter the temple. Beautiful flowers!
Statues of someone bringing Buhdda gifts.
This warrior is bringing a necklace made of thumbs from people he killed in battle.
Prince Siddhartha left all material comforts in order to find the truth of life. He abandoned his home to devote himself entirely to spiritual pursuits. The place was given by a minister of the kingdom Channa and his horse Kanthaka.
Climbing between the rocks.
Very twisted branches!
A man giving his children to Buddha.
Elephant in the woods along with more twisted branches.
The moment were Buddha passes away at the age of 80. Parinirvana implies a release from Karma and rebirth as well as the dissolution of the Skandhas.
When Lord Buddha chose this thick forest to meditate he was helped by a tusker and a monkey. The elephants name was Parileyya.
Women bringing milk rice to Buddha in hopes they would soon have a baby.
80 Feet Statue of Lord Buddha in walking position. It is the world's tallest statue of its kind.
Going through another hole in the rock.
Monk always carries a cooking pot.
80 Statues of Buddhist Monks in walking position symbolizes the great 80 Bhikkus (Monks) at the time of Lord Buddha.
Once Bosath Siddhartha tried to learn the truth of life by giving endless pains to the body. As a result of that his body was very thin.
Some more steps to climb.
Man jumping into the mouth of a devil.
Bring the tooth of Buddha from India.
Monk Devdath tried to kill Lord Buddha by rolling rocks from the top of a mountain in order to get the leadership among the monks.
Lord Buddha's very first preach.
Outside a teaching room.
Over 400 years old is a cave temple.
Some great views!
Ended the day having dinner at the Bandaras home.
Thank you for a wonderful dinner!
The orange papaya is from their own trees. Tastes better than the dark orange papaya bought from the store. Always like the watermelon.
A good day with no problems!
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