Courtesy of Chula Wickramasinghe, Hiran Cooray and Asoka Kuruppu
Here atop the Kudumbigala Rock experience first hand the ascetic’s tranquil way of life. Wrapped in an atmosphere of calm, Buddhist monks, who have renounced even the austere comforts of the village temple, lead an isolated existence absorbed in mediation, seeking the all elusive inner peace. They follow in the steps of their religious brethren who continuously made this rocky habitat their forest hermitage for over two thousand years. Cloistered from external distractions, ensconced amidst rocks and trees and balmed by a soothing breeze they strive to attain Nirvana, which Buddhists hold as the spiritual kingdom where freedom of the mind reigns supreme.
Leave behind your emotional baggage, conditioned thoughts, prejudices and perceived notions at the foot of this rock, steeped in history. And begin to take the first step on a pilgrim’s progress to explore the serenity of an entirely different world. The long and winding path to the top of the rock is placidly beautiful with each step inviting you to take the next, which inexorably you do. The soil on the ground is sandy white, clean and pure. Tall trees and even taller boulders flank the enchanting path as it twists and turns leading toward the summit where the ambience provides one with the opportunity to discover the joys of losing one’s ego. At one point in the trek, you find the path taking you through two giant boulders, a rocky canyon. Rocks rise on either side and some slope away.
