"Religious Hub – Nuwara Eliya"

Sri Lanka serves as the stronghold of Theravada Buddhism. In the religious enclave of Nuwara Eliya, located in the central part of the island, numerous temples stand tall, hosting dedicated practitioners engaged in constant spiritual refinement. The Buddhism practiced here served as the source for the spread of the faith to Thailand and Burma in the 12th century.

Situated at an altitude of around 1,600 meters, Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England,' features British-style hotels, post offices, and various other structures. With a cool climate ranging between 12 to 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year, the surroundings boast lush natural forests and expansive tea plantations. Upon arriving via a diesel locomotive through the mountainous terrain, one encounters stray cows, freely roaming dogs, and even monkeys and squirrels within the temple premises. The vibrant teachings of Buddha, emphasizing harmony with nature, are deeply ingrained.

Not exclusive to Nuwara Eliya, the awe-inspiring size of Buddha statues and pagodas – Buddhist stupas – across Sri Lanka is remarkable. Large Buddha statues are enshrined at every street corner. The devout faith of the people, transcending age and gender, is evident in pilgrimages to renowned temples. Families, whether on agricultural machinery, trucks, or small cars adorned with colorful flags, traverse mountain roads to pay homage to these sacred sites."

Right View 3 / The Illness of a Follower

Recently, one of our devoted followers, Mrs Akashi passed away. She was 86 years old. She had undergone surgery for subarachnoid hemorrhage ten years ago. The surgery was successful, but her recovery was not as expected. A shared his experience from that time.

At that moment, I had an excruciating headache, and I had to call an ambulance for help. I was rushed to St. Mary's Hospital for emergency treatment. My life was saved, but the doctor told me, 'While we were performing the surgery, two other blood vessels in your brain ruptured, causing significant bleeding. That's why the surgery took a long time. Honestly, I thought it might not work out.'

Then, several years later, A was hanging laundry in the yard and stumbled, becoming immobilized. She had broken her leg. She had to endure the pain for several hours until his son came home. In the evening, her son arrived, called an ambulance, and took him to the hospital. The doctor's diagnosis was a femoral bone fracture. 

She described the situation like this:

'I couldn't move for about six hours in the yard. If it had rained at that time, I would have died.'

People barely survive in life. However, understanding this truth is difficult, even if we know it intellectually. 'Life is suffering' is a teaching of the Buddha. She conveyed this teaching to her family through her own experiences.

Written: Giken Yoshitomi

Translated: ChatGPT

坐禅会　毎週土曜日午前6：25～8：00　
久留米市宮の陣町大杜1577-1　圓通寺　
初心者歓迎　参加費無料　詳細は電話でお問い合わせください。
℡0942-34-0350
初回参加のみ千円。二回目以降つづけていただければ無料です。
●学校やクラブなど団体研修 坐禅申し込み随時うけたまわります。
出張も致します。費用はご希望に応じます。宿泊はありません。

 Understanding life as suffering is called 'Right View.'"