02/27/13
Filed under:
General
Posted by:
site admin @ 5:19 am
21 to 27213 WEDNESDAY LESSON 849
Senior Swimmers gather medals in RAINBOW AQUATICS MASTERS INTER - CLUB
SWIM GALA 2013 & 1KM SURF TO MOUNT OPEN WATER SEA SWIM -2013 in
COLUMBO
J Chandrasekharan including Brigadier Siddhappa, Mohan Reddy Sawkar,
Kumar, Mohan Rao, Muthu Krishnan, Chengappa, Rajini, Aiyappa, Lalitha,
Sita Rao, and others from India and Sri Lanka participated in the above
meet held on 22nd & 23rd February at the NCC Swim Complex and
completed the 1km surf to Mount Sea Swim held on February 24th and
achieved the following mens/womens different age categories jn events
100m Butterfly Stroke, Back Stroke, IM, Breast Stroke, Free Style and
were placed First, second and third places.
RAINBOW AQUATICS
MASTERS INTER-CLUB SHORT COURSE SWIMMING GALA AND
1km SURF TO MOUNT OPEN WATER SEA SWIM
2013
Total Athletes that Participated - 184
Male athletes - 125
Female Athletes - 59
Number of athletes participated for the sea swim - 71
Male athletes - 58
Female Athletes - 13
A Total of 21 swimmers from India Participated for this meet
Swimming champions and Sea swim .
Winners
Women’s Category
20-24
Individual Swimming Champion - Shari Amarasuriya - SSC
Sea Swim Winner - Cristeen Perera - OAC
25-29
Individual Swimming Champion - M.T.D Fernando - SL Navy
Sea Swim Winner - M.T.D Fernando - SL Navy
30-39
Individual Swimming Champion - Tehani Samarasekara – Rainbow aquatic club
Sea Swim Winner - A.C. Shiranthi Perera
40-49
Individual Swimming Champion - Suman Mahedra Kumar Singhi - India
Sea Swim Winner - Suman Mahedra Kumar Singhi - India
50-59
Individual Swimming Champion - Rajini Lakka - India
Sea Swim Winner -Rajini Lakka - India
60-69
Individual Swimming Champion - Sita Rao - India
Sea Swim Winner -Sita Rao - India
Men’s Category
20-24
Individual Swimming Champion - Rasith Chalanha and Shaan Dias - SL Navy
Sea Swim Winner - Shehaan Dias - RAC
25-29
Individual Swimming Champion - Akshayan Rajasingam - Otter Aquatic Club
Sea Swim Winner - W.P.L Fernando - Police
30-39
Individual Swimming Champion - R.P.M.P Daminda - Navy
Sea Swim Winner - R.P.M.P Daminda - Navy
40-49
Individual Swimming Champion - J.A. Ranathunga - Bolling Swimming Academy
Sea Swim Winner - K.D.H. Susantha - Police
50-59
Individual Swimming Champion - Mohan Rao Lingasugur – India and Roger Kanaka - Otter Aquatic Club
Sea Swim Winner -R.M. Kantha Karunarathna - SSC
60-69
Individual Swimming Champion - Edward Vandriesen - SSC
Sea Swim Winner -Edward Vandriesen - SSC
70-79
Individual Swimming Champion - BRG Vijayakumar - India
and J Chandrasekharan came second
Sea Swim Winner -BRG Vijayakumar - India
We thank each and every swimmer who participated for this meet to make
it a memorable one.
we also take this opportunity to thank our head coach mr. julian bolling
along with the swimming committee of RAC and also the old thomians
swimming club for organizing this meet for everyone to come together. a
special thank you to Sathish Kumar for leading the indian team which
added color to this event and also for the medals sponsered. a big thank
you goes out to the Rainbow academy Coaches who helped immensely to
make this event a succesful one. finally a big thank you for all the
Rainbow swimming volunteers (Kanitha, Chandula, Shaan, Dimuth, Yahiya,
Shenali, Pasindu) who helped make this event success by managing the
technical side of the meet.
Thank you Guys, Hope everyone enjoyed the experience and hope to see
everyone next year.
Mayawati terms Railway Budget anti poor and anti middle class
Bahujan Samaj Party supremo and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati slammed the railway budget presented by Union Railway Minister Pawan Bansal and described it as disappointing, anti poor and anti middle class.
Rail Budget 2013: Fare has been hiked through the back door, says Mayawati
Mayawati, Chief, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): The poor and middle classes will not benefit much from it…Fare has been hiked through backdoor.
Coming down heavily on the UPA government for the ‘anti-people’ policies like increase in petroleum products and railway fares, Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) Chief Mayawati today said the ruling alliance might advance Lok Sabha polls after presenting a populist budget. In fact these increases in the prices of commodities affecting the common man were a preparation for a soft budget which might be the last budget of this government, Ms Mayawati told reporters here. The BSP Chief, whose party is giving support to the government from outside, demanded that they should have a rethink over its ‘anti-people’ decision of deregulating diesel prices which allowed the oil marketing companies to revise diesel prices from time to time. Asked why the BSP party was not withdrawing support to the government in the wake of these measures, she said her party wanted to allow the UPA its full term so that they could not take refuge under the alibi that they could not give results for lack of time. “Let them have full term and perform the miracle,” Ms Mayawati said. She also demanded that the cap of nine subsidised cylinders a year per connection should be raised to 12. These decisions would deeply hurt the poor and farmers as increased prices of diesel would push up input cost of agriculture and cost of transportation, she said. More UNI MCN/NAZ PA1339 NNNN
– (UNI) — 18DI7.xml
Bahujan Samaj Party Sarvjan Hitay Sarvjan Sukhay
Miss. Mayawati demanded a rollback of the hiked train fares.
Terming the rail fare hike as anti-people, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati demanded its immediate rollback. “Hike in railway fares was one of the many anti-common man policies of the government. We demand immediate rollback of the government decision,” Miss. Mayawati Ji said. “After hiking the price of petrol, diesel and LPG the UPA […]
Mayawati demands immediate roll back of rail fare hike
Lucknow: Terming the rail fare hike as anti-people, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati demanded its immediate rollback.
“Hike in railway fares was one of the many anti-common man policies of the government. We demand immediate rollback of the government decision,” Mayawati said. In the pre-budget measure, the government had announced an across-the-board increase in rail passenger fares with effect from January 21 to net an additional Rs 6,600 crore a year, the first such increase in a decade.
02/19/13
Filed under:
General
Posted by:
site admin @ 10:12 pm
20213 WEDNESDAY- LESSON 848-India VS Sri Lanka Masters Swimming meet at Nondescripts Cricket Club Swimming Pool Colombo 07 from 22 Feb to 24 Feb 2013. 24 Feb 1Km Ocean Swimming.
Tourist info at Colombo airport - recommended-To and From the Airport-Early Colombo mini buses to Intl Airport
sonystravellines@gmail.com
Tourist info at Colombo airport - recommended
Helpfulness
socheid 277 reviews
There is a tourist info desk at Colombo airport that I recommend of you don’t have a transfer arranged for when you land. The tourist info people can give you info on the bus services from the airport (the public buses cost peanuts) and also on taxis. When you step past the barrier outside arrivals you will be met with people after your business for the best price they can get. Use the tourist info desk so that you are equipped with the right info to make the best decision for yourself in the face of prospective rip offs.
To and From the Airport
Helpfulness
explore_discover 227 reviews
The most cheapest way to get to the City from Airport is the BUS.
Turn left after coming out of the arrival lounge and walk until the end of the shades passing the TAXI Booking counters, and wait just few minutes, or you may find a red color shuttle bus already there, its free of cost and will take you to a nearby Bus Stop, take Bus Number 187 (This is not special Airport Bus and there is no Space for Big Luggage) if you take the second last seat on the left side there is enough space to put your luggage. Travel Time is around Hours and a half or little more.
This Bus will take you to Pettah (Fort Railway Station) the standard fare is SLR31.00 but but some time they charge extra if your luggage occupy another seat.
From Pettah to Airport or vice versa, there are Air conditioned VANS 22 seater (Same Number 187) If you have big luggage, yo may have to buy 2 seats, cost SLR 75 each, this Van will take you to the transportation center near the airport from there you have to get the Free Shuttle Bus (as mentioned above)
Metered Taxi’s are non existence and what they call Taxi is rented automobile and may cost around SLR2000 to 2500 to get to the city which is just 35 kilometer.
Early Colombo mini buses to Intl Airport
BobF7 1 reviews
For early morning flights from Colombo Airport (Sri Lanka), wait on the main road outside Central Bus Station.
Mini buses pull in here, before 06:30am, to pick up passengers.
They display the number 187, and charge 200 Rupees, and link up with the free shuttle, which then goes to the airport terminal. A tuk-tuk would charge 1500, private vehicles 2000 Rupees. Trip takes around an hour, as many locals get on & off along the way.
011-2581758
Ahangama Ananda Ven Thero
50 Fredrica Road, Colombo 06
Phone : (+94)(011)2581758
Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC)
NCC | Nondescripts Cricket Club
29, Maitland Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
94 11 2695293
Hotel Windsurf
15-A. De Souza Avenue
http://www.mountlaviniahotel.com/front/index.php
Mount Lavinia
Colombo - Ph. 011 2732299
Kandy
Laxmi Guest House
Anuradhapura
Sri Sarananda Perivemi
Colombo to Kandy by Train
Kandy to Dambulla by Bus
Dambula to Anuradhapura - by Bus
Anuradhapura to Colombo - by Train
Important Monasteries
KELANIYA
GANGARAMA
www.hotelscombined.com
http://www.go-lanka.com/Colombo/windsurf/hotel_windsurf_colombo.html
Hotel Windsurf -
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Hotel Windsurf is very centrally located in Mount Lavinia, the beach resort suburb of Colombo.
Only 50 m away from the Mount Lavinia beach and
close enough to the Galle Road, Colombo’s main road, for easy access
without the noise and traffic that comes with it.
A
perfect place for your stay in Colombo as well as a ideal gateway for
your explorations of Sri Lanka’s Coasts and hill country.
The Hotel Windsurf consist of 18 rooms and a idyllic beach hut.
All rooms are en-suite with hot water and air-conditioned.
The owner of the Hotel
Windsurf, Mr. Rajapakse, offers a lot of indoor and outdoor activities
for his guests including access to the adjoining tennis court and, as
the name indicates, windsurfing facilities.
http://www.go-lanka.com/Kandy/lakshmi/lakshmi_guesthouse_kandy.html
Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II)
Kandy, Sri Lanka
The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) is a favorite place for the young and/or independent travelers to Kandy.
Located close to the city center, the Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) is an ideal starting point to explore Kandy and the sourrounding hill country.
French and English speaking management.
The eleven rooms of the Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) cater for all needs and budgets.
The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm
Garden II) offers many services including an in-house Internet cafe,
motor bikes rentals and a full range of tours and excursions. The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) restaurant is well known for their local and Western cuisine.
view rooms
view details
view pictures
view rates
book now
The Lakshmi Guesthouse, Kandy is 136 km from Sri Lanka’s international airport and 116 km from Colombo.
Colombo to kandy
The roof-top beer garden of the Hotel Windsurf offers great views over the Mount Lavinia beach.
All travel arrangements can be planned and booked with the friendly help of Mr. Rajapakse.
view rooms
view details
view pictures
view rates
book now
The Hotel Windsurf, Colombo is only 30 km from Sri Lanka’s international airport and 3 km from Colombo’s main railway station.
http://www.brandbihar.com/english/religion/buddhism/buddhist_temple/sri_lanka_buddhist_temple_list.html
http://slr.malindaprasad.com/index.php?from=KDT&to=FOT
Sri Lanka Railway Time Table - Train Schedule: Mobile Edition
If your Destination not here, Click Here to Request it
5.7
Score from 52 reviews
Ranveli Beach Resort
Mount Lavinia • Show map
Located next to Mt. Lavina Beach, Ranveli Beach Resort is a 5-minute drive from Odel Mt. Lavina Shopping Centre. It offers free parking, a restaurant and rooms with an en suite bathroom. More
Latest booking: February 18 Book now
Standard Double or Twin Room with Fan Breakfast included
Only 2 left
INR 1,734.40
Standard Double or Twin Room Last one! Breakfast included
Last chance! Only 1 left
INR 2,222.20
Standard Double or Twin Room with Fan Breakfast included
Only 2 left
INR 1,463.40
Standard Double or Twin Room Last one! Breakfast included
Last chance! Only 1 left
INR 1,734.40
Check your 3G Speed from Check My 3G Speed
iPhone iPod, Android App Available for This Site
You can get a train from Colombo to Anuradhapura.
22:00…arrives 03:17
08:45…arrives 14:10
13:45…arrives 18:48
16:20…arrives 20:10.
Cost is 1st class ….520 rupees.
……. 2nd class…..290 rupees.
……..3rd class…..160 rupees.
I don’t know if there’s a direct bus from Negombo but you can get
either a bus or train from Negombo to Puttalam and another bus from
there to Anuradhapura.
Again, I don’t know the bus fare but much cheaper than the train.
Safety,,,, many people swear off the buses because of safety worries
and I know rthere are a lot of bus related incidents on the roads but
I’ve used them for years and never
http://www.ihatetaxis.com/airport/CMB-Bandaranaike-Airport/Bandaranaike-Airport-taxi-service
sonystravellines@gmail.com
011-2581758
Ahangama Ananda Ven Thero
50 Fredrica Road, Colombo 06
Phone : (+94)(011)2581758
Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC)
NCC | Nondescripts Cricket Club
29, Maitland Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
94 11 2695293
Hotel Windsurf
15-A. De Souza Avenue
http://www.mountlaviniahotel.com/front/index.php
Mount Lavinia
Colombo - Ph. 011 2732299
Kandy
Laxmi Guest House
Anuradhapura
Sri Sarananda Perivemi
Colombo to Kandy by Train
Kandy to Dambulla by Bus
Dambula to Anuradhapura - by Bus
Anuradhapura to Colombo - by Train
Important Monasteries
KELANIYA
GANGARAMA
www.hotelscombined.com
http://www.go-lanka.com/Colombo/windsurf/hotel_windsurf_colombo.html
Hotel Windsurf -
Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Hotel Windsurf is very centrally located in Mount Lavinia, the beach resort suburb of Colombo.
Only 50 m away from the Mount Lavinia beach and
close enough to the Galle Road, Colombo’s main road, for easy access
without the noise and traffic that comes with it.
A
perfect place for your stay in Colombo as well as a ideal gateway for
your explorations of Sri Lanka’s Coasts and hill country.
The Hotel Windsurf consist of 18 rooms and a idyllic beach hut.
All rooms are en-suite with hot water and air-conditioned.
The owner of the Hotel
Windsurf, Mr. Rajapakse, offers a lot of indoor and outdoor activities
for his guests including access to the adjoining tennis court and, as
the name indicates, windsurfing facilities.
http://www.go-lanka.com/Kandy/lakshmi/lakshmi_guesthouse_kandy.html
Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II)
Kandy, Sri Lanka
The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) is a favorite place for the young and/or independent travelers to Kandy.
Located close to the city center, the Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) is an ideal starting point to explore Kandy and the sourrounding hill country.
French and English speaking management.
The eleven rooms of the Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) cater for all needs and budgets.
The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm
Garden II) offers many services including an in-house Internet cafe,
motor bikes rentals and a full range of tours and excursions. The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) restaurant is well known for their local and Western cuisine.
view rooms
view details
view pictures
view rates
book now
The Lakshmi Guesthouse, Kandy is 136 km from Sri Lanka’s international airport and 116 km from Colombo.
Colombo to kandy
The roof-top beer garden of the Hotel Windsurf offers great views over the Mount Lavinia beach.
All travel arrangements can be planned and booked with the friendly help of Mr. Rajapakse.
view rooms
view details
view pictures
view rates
book now
The Hotel Windsurf, Colombo is only 30 km from Sri Lanka’s international airport and 3 km from Colombo’s main railway station.
http://www.brandbihar.com/english/religion/buddhism/buddhist_temple/sri_lanka_buddhist_temple_list.html
http://slr.malindaprasad.com/index.php?from=KDT&to=FOT
Sri Lanka Railway Time Table - Train Schedule: Mobile Edition
If your Destination not here, Click Here to Request it
Check your 3G Speed from Check My 3G Speed
iPhone iPod, Android App Available for This Site
You can get a train from Colombo to Anuradhapura.
22:00…arrives 03:17
08:45…arrives 14:10
13:45…arrives 18:48
16:20…arrives 20:10.
Cost is 1st class ….520 rupees.
……. 2nd class…..290 rupees.
……..3rd class…..160 rupees.
I don’t know if there’s a direct bus from Negombo but you can get
either a bus or train from Negombo to Puttalam and another bus from
there to Anuradhapura.
Again, I don’t know the bus fare but much cheaper than the train.
Safety,,,, many people swear off the buses because of safety worries
and I know rthere are a lot of bus related incidents on the roads but
I’ve used them for years and never
http://www.ihatetaxis.com/airport/CMB-Bandaranaike-Airport/Bandaranaike-Airport-taxi-service
http://srilanka.travel-culture.com/tours/fullday_kandy_tour.shtml
Full Day Colombo Kandy Tour
Spending an extra day in Colombo? Take a trip to Kandy the garden city of Sri Lanka. Our full day tour of Kandy is a great way to see the city of Kandy and Pinnawala Elephant orphanage. This tour is available on any day of the week and lasts about 8 hours.
We will pick you up at 8AM from your hotel or airport if you are transiting at airport and drive to to Kandy enroute we will stop at Pinnawala Elephant orphanage where you can see the elephants being raised with great care and affection. You can take pictures of elephants as they take bath at the nearby river.
Later we will continue to Kandy this royal city, sheltered by the hills and looped by the Mahaweli the longest river of Sri Lanka. We will take you straight to the temple of the tooth relic. Later you will visit the botanical gardens of Kandy and spice and fruits market.
While visiting Royal Botanical Gardens located at Peradeniya you may like to stop at the University of Peradeniya - the spacious green campus laid out near the banks of the Mahaweli is a must for any visitor to Kandy.
Stop for lunch at the Round Tour Restaurant. Afternoon a drive thru the hills of Kandy and head back to Colombo. Arrive Colombo around 4PM
Cost US$ 140.00 Per person minimum 2 people Including entrance fees Lunch and private car and English speaking driver, special discounts available for groups and larger .
For more details or booking requests please contact us
Above Price Includes:-
Private Air-conditioned Car or coach.
Entrance fees for Temple Of The Tooth, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Services of a English Speaking Chauffer Guide.
15% Value added tax (Vat) and 1% tourism development levy.
contact us to book now.
Colombo Kandy Route map
Elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage
The Temple of tooth in Kandy
How to buy tickets…
You cannot book online*, but it’s easy to buy tickets when you get to Sri Lanka, there is a special ticket window for tourists in the 1st & 2nd class advance booking office at the east end of Colombo Fort station. Reservations for trains with reserved seating such as InterCity Express trains open 10-14 days in advance. Other trains (shown as having ‘unreserved’ seats) don’t require a reservation, you just buy a ticket on and hop on. Seats in the 1st class observation car from Colombo to Kandy can get fully-booked from time to time, so book a few days ahead if you can, but you may well find seats available on the day of travel.
If you really want to pre-book a train before you get to Sri Lanka, and are prepared to pay a booking fee, try contacting a local travel agency (and let me know if you find a good one!) or even asking your hotel to arrange tickets for you. If you want to book some hotels or tours as well as train tickets, reputable agency www.reddottours.com will book train tickets for you if you’re also booking £300 or more of other tours and accommodation with them.
* The special deluxe ExpoRail carriage Colombo-Kandy can be booked online, at www.exporail.lk.
http://www.travelindochina.com.au/small-group-tours/sri-lanka/sri-lanka-discovery
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Sri_Lanka/Western_Province/Colombo-1428803/Transportation-Colombo-TG-C-1.html
Early Colombo mini buses to Intl Airport
BobF7 1 reviews
For early morning flights from Colombo Airport (Sri Lanka), wait on the main road outside Central Bus Station.
Mini buses pull in here, before 06:30am, to pick up passengers.
They display the number 187, and charge 200 Rupees, and link up with the free shuttle, which then goes to the airport terminal. A tuk-tuk would charge 1500, private vehicles 2000 Rupees. Trip takes around an hour, as many locals get on & off along the way.
When an SC/ST is harassed like this, that means he is treading the right path. Ultimately he/she will reach the ultimate goal.As per Presidential directive non of the SC/ST could be made unfit with out informing him and without training him to become fit. grading is always one step higher. If it is unsatisfactory, it is satisfactory, if it is very good for others it is excellent for SC/ST. If suitable candidates are not found among SC/STs for an higher grade he must promoted and trained.
Such harassements are taking place in all govt. departments to deny protions to SC/STs to promote junior manuvadis. Now that Ms Mayawati has become eligible for her higher post of PM for PRABUDDHA BHARATH, you will see a few such manuvadi elements trying to curb it. Ultimately we will win because we are on the right Constitutional path. All that we have to do is go to every street and convince the people the ills of becoming saleable commodities and work hard to hand over the MASTERKEY to BSP. soe sarvajan hithay Sarvajan Sukhay i.e., for the peace,welfare and happiness for the entire people.
When an SC/ST is harassed like this, that means he is treading the right path. Ultimately he/she will reach the ultimate goal.As per Presidential directive non of the SC/ST could be made unfit with out informing him and without training him to become fit. grading is always one step higher. If it is unsatisfactory, it is satisfactory, if it is very good for others it is excellent for SC/ST. If suitable candidates are not found among SC/STs for an higher grade he must promoted and trained.
Such harassements are taking place in all govt. departments to deny protions to SC/STs to promote junior manuvadis. Now that Ms Mayawati has become eligible for her higher post of PM for PRABUDDHA BHARATH, you will see a few such manuvadi elements trying to curb it. Ultimately we will win because we are on the right Constitutional path. All that we have to do is go to every street and convince the people the ills of becoming saleable commodities and work hard to hand over the MASTERKEY to BSP. soe sarvajan hithay Sarvajan Sukhay i.e., for the peace,welfare and happiness for the entire people.
02/18/13
Filed under:
General
Posted by:
site admin @ 3:43 am
18213 MONDAY LESSON 847-I want to give the Independence Day speech from Red Fort as Prime Minister: Mayawati
http://www.ndtv.com/topic/mayawati
VOICE OF SARVAJAN
One has to shed the traditional, venomous, angry, hateful, dominating jealousy, chamcha, chela, bootlicking, slavery attitude to make Ms Mayawatiji equivalent to Obama by becoming broad minded. Is SP, Congress, BJP, the corporates and TOI not playing Caste politics? Not only the SC/STs but also the Sarvajan Samaj believe her.Only when Maha mayawatiji becomes the next PM of PRABUDDHA BHARATH caste system will be removed. Now we have st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th rate athmas and the untouchables without any athma. so that they do whatever they wished to do to them. Buddha never believed in any athma. He said all are equal. Instead of all the abobe mentioned people propagating caste system let them elect her as the PM.As though the Congress, BJP ex PM Vajpayee’s son-in-law the SP and TOI are not corrupt and have not made lot of money by looting the country and country men, she is blamed for taking money for her birthday from many common men. Actually the common men and women wanted to present her with 33lakh crores of Budget money by electing her as PM to enable her to distribute equally among all sections of the society for their peace, welfare and happiness. And also to build mental asylum for people who are suffering from mental disorder like hatred, anger, intolerance, jealousy etc.
02/16/13
Filed under:
General
Posted by:
site admin @ 11:34 pm
17213 SUNDAY LESSON 846-Make sure I can deliver I-Day speech as PM from Red Fort: Mayawati to BSP workers-Mayawati lashes out at Congress, BJP-Mayawati keen to expand BSP base Maharashtra, addresses rally in Nagpur-Governments pitting SC/STs against OBCs: Mayawati
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Maharashtra/Make-sure-I-can-deliver-I-Day-speech-as-PM-from-Red-Fort-Mayawati-to-BSP-workers/Article1-1012928.aspx
Make sure I can deliver I-Day speech as PM from Red Fort: Mayawati to BSP workers
Making clear her prime ministerial aspirations, BSP supremo Mayawati
today asked party workers to ensure a big victory for BSP in the next
general elections and warned them against becoming a “saleable
commodity”.
Addressing a rally of party workers here, the former UP Chief
Minister asked her party workers to ensure a big victory for
BSP in the next general elections so that she can “deliver Independence
Day speech as Prime Minister from the Red Fort”.
Mayawati cautioned her party cadre to remain alert against forces
that might “try to corrupt them” during the Assembly and Lok Sabha
elections.
“Don’t become a saleable commodity,” she warned.
She accused Congress and BJP of conspiring to stall the bill on quota
in promotion for SCs/STs in government jobs and promised that if her
party comes to power at the Centre, it would ensure that it is
implemented.
Congress-led UPA government could also have filed a review petition
in the Supreme Court, which had quashed UP government’s decision on
reservation in promotions for SC/STs, but it did not, Mayawati alleged
while addressing a state-level rally of party workers in Nagpur.
Congress could have also asked a competent legal counsel to defend
the case of continuing the reservation quota in promotions, but it did
not do so, she said.
Both Congress and the BJP conspired to deny the rights to lakhs of
government employees, she alleged and asked the cadre to remain
equidistant from both the parties.
BSP had to take the fight to streets and finally to Parliament, she
said, adding “though we have succeeded partially as the Rajya Sabha has
passed the Amendment Bill, but it is still pending in the Lok Sabha.”
She also demanded stringent punishment to those involved in the VVIP helicopter scam.
Opposing the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail, Mayawati said
the UPA government should adopt developmental policies which would
benefit the general public.
She also supported creation of Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh and favoured statehood to Vidarbha.
She also criticised the direct cash transfer in subsidy schemes saying it would not help the poor.
She also demanded stringent punishment to the persons involved in the VVIP helicopter scam.
Alleging that the central government was reluctant to release the
full Indu Mills land in Mumbai for Dr BR Ambedkar’s memorial, she said
if BSP comes to power (at the Centre), the required 100 acres of land
would be parted with.
Suitable museums and memorials of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Dr Ambedkar would be constructed in Maharashtra, she promised.
She also said they will construct a memorial of late BSP supremo Kanshiram in Punjab.
She also supported creation of Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh and favoured statehood to Vidarbha.
Party stalwarts Satish Mishra and state president Vilas Garud also spoke on the occasion.
http://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a360620.html
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati Sunday lashed out at the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their “pro-corporate” policies and described both parties as “anti-people”.
“Both, the Congress and the BJP, have pro-corporate, anti-people
policies. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the centre
and the Congress government in Maharashtra have failed to address the
concerns of a common man,” she said while addressing a rally here.
She urged the local party leaders and functionaries to work hard to expand the party’s base in the state.
“The interests of the people belonging to backward classes of the
society have been ignored. I urge the local leadership to unite and
engage these people under the BSP banner,” she said.
Criticising the foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail, Mayawati
said this and other government policies have pushed inflation, poverty
and unemployment at an all-time high.
“The poor and middle class people are the worst affected by such
policies. We (BSP) have always raised our voices to oppose such policies
and come out in support of the marginalised sections of the society,”
she said.
Thousands of BSP workers from across Maharashtra gathered here to participate in the rally.
http://truthdive.com/2013/02/17/Mayawati-keen-to-expand-BSP-base-Maharashtra-addresses-rally-in-Nagpur.html
Nagpur, Feb. 17 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president and former
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati addressed a rally at Kasturchand
Park here on Sunday and asked the local party leaders and workers to
work hard to expand the party mass base in the state.
Accusing regional parties as well as the Congress and the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) of ignoring the interest of the people belonging to
backward classes of the society, Mayawati told to the local leadership
to unite and engage these people under the BSP banner.
Lashing out at the Congress and the BJP over their ‘anti-people’ and
‘pro-corporate’ policies, Mayawati said that the UPA Governments at the
Centre and in the state have failed to address the problems of the
common people.
“Inflation, poverty and unemployment are at all time high at present due
to the anti-people and pro-corporate policies of the UPA Government
like FDI in retail sector. And the poor and middle class people are the
worst affected by such policies. BSP has been consistently opposing such
policies and raising voice in support of the people belonging from
marginalized sections of the society,” said Mayawati.
She urged the people to support and elect the BSP to power in the upcoming general elections and state assembly elections.
A large number of BSP workers from Nanded, Pune, Mumbai, Thane, Nashik,
Aurangabad, Latur and adjoining districts, gathered here to hear their
party supremo. (ANI)
http://newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article1458892.ece
Governments pitting SC/STs against OBCs: Mayawati
Maintaining that SC/STs and OBCs hold the key to come to power at
both the Centre and states, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and former
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati requested them to remain united
and struggle for their Constitutional rights.
Addressing a party
convention attended by party workers from five southern states,
including host Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and
Puducherry, the BSP chief alleged on Sunday that the Congress, which has
ruled the country for the most number of years since Independence, has
ignored the oppressed classes.“Successive governments both at the Centre
and states have strategically divided society, pitting SC/STs against
OBCs with an ulterior motive to remain in power,” she added.
Strongly
advocating the need to forge an alliance between the SC/ST and OBCs,
the BSP supremo said that religious minorities and OBCs must come
together on a single platform and assert their rights.
Alleging
that some political parties and media houses are spreading propaganda
that BSP has an apathy towards upper castes, Mayawati said: “We are
struggling only for the rights which are guaranteed in our
Constitution.”
She urged the Centre to take immediate measures to
provide reservation in the promotion of government staff. Opining that
aggressive riding on FDI would result in diluting the rights and
privileges guaranteed by the Constitution, she criticised both the
Central and state government policy of uprooting the tribal people and
making way for capitalists.
Exhorting her partymen not to fall
prey to the Congress and BJP which are luring them with money and other
offerings, the BSP chief appealed to them to work hard to strengthen the
party.
State BSP presidents of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry also attended the rally.
VOICE OF SARVAJAN
Siddharth Tandon (Delhi) replies to Dev.
Mayawati !! Thats it .
Haters
will never understand !! I agree with vbsravi (banglore) We want her as
the PM of our Country. Have you ever seen media talking about the cost
of BJP’s or Congress election missions or rallies !! Just going on
commenting Racist people.
It’’s being used for them only. Dont be hippocrit
Om Bansal (Prenton UK)
Money would be better spent on uplifting SC/STs.
biplop (Delhi)
This is doing out of unity and love of dalit rising. People will be jealous and make lot of story for this also. How funny?
rvijay (pimpri) 9 hrs ago
2014 election rally for future SC/ST P.M
Bahen Ms Mayawatiji is sure to become Maha Mayawatiji, the next Prime Minister of PRABUDDHA BHARATH
as she is the only hope of the Nation for Peace, Welfare and Happiness of the
Entire People through the policy of Sarvajan Hithay Sarvajan Sukhay by
distributing the wealth of the country equally among all sections of the
society as directed in the Constitution. Some of the critiques must
start becoming broad minded like the people of USA who elected Obama as
their president for the second time. People must shed their castiest
mentality to prove that they too are no way less than Americans in this
regard. Now the scribes have awakened to prove that they are fearless and
neither the Congress nor the BJP can ever face the scribes as once
Napolean said” I can face two battalions but not two scribes”. Scribes can certainly expose the people who have become saleable commodities during elections forgetting that for a small amount they are selling their own selves loosing all benefits of the government for five years and becoming responsible for price rise and so on.
VOICE
OF SARVAJAN
Bahen Ms Mayawatiji is sure to become Maha Mayawatiji, the next Prime
Minister of PRABUDDHA BHARATH as she is the only hope of the Nation for
Peace, Welfare and Happiness of the Entire People through the policy of
Sarvajan Hithay Sarvajan Sukhay by distributing the 33 lakh Crores
wealth of the country equally among all sections of the society as
directed in the Constitution. Some of the critiques must start becoming
broad minded like the people of USA who elected Obama as their president
for the second time. People must shed their castiest mentality to prove
that they too are no way less than Americans in this regard. Now the
scribes except a few such asTOI have awakened to prove that they are
fearless and neither the Congress nor the BJP can ever face the scribes
as once Napolean said” I can face two battalions but not two scribes”.
Scribes can certainly expose the people who have become saleable
commodities during elections forgetting that for a small amount they are
selling their own selves loosing all benefits of the government for
five years and becoming responsible for price rise and so on.
Jagatheesan Chandrasekharan (Bangalore) 1 min ago
vbsravi (Bangalore)
Many
people of country want mayawati address the nation from Redfort on Aug
15, this is one more manifestation of that desire, it is very strange
when it comes to BSP media talks about money, when it comes to BJP and
Congress it will say silent on money matter, where these parties spend
much more then BSP on any instance.
Shivdas Kale (Bangalore, India)
1 hr ago
Bronze: 39
39 Points
is always highlighting the issues regarding what mayawati wears,where she
stays, how much money spent on garlands, stage, banners etc , they
never highlight what the content of her speech, how many people
attended the rally etc .Every party is spending on such big rallies, why
then only Mayawati is targetted.Here that Manuwadi soch works.People of
Nagpur erected the model of Red fort and they hope that Mayawati will
address the nation from the real red fort.
The Entire Sarvajan i.e., people will hand over the MASTER KEY only to mayawatiJi like the US did by electing Obama for the second time. It is only the rule of Congress and BJP responsible for creating Black money and for the Price rise. Better question Vajpayee’s son-in-law and other congress leaders for the prevailing corruption. remember that whenever a Scheduled caste/Tribe, OBC/ Minority or the poor becomes eligible for their promotion to their higher promotion they are issued false charge sheets by the mad manuvadis to curtail their higher promotion to elevate a junior mad manuvadi. Now Ms Mayawati has become elegible to become PM, therefore, these false charges. the very same people who elected Indira Gandhi, MGR, NTR and so will now elect Ms mayawatji as the PM.
Jagatheesan Chandrasekharan (Bangalore) replies to zuzu
Once
you come to know that a person belongs to Scheduled Caste then you
start hating, get angry and jealousy. These are defilement of the mind
and nothing but a mental disease. Overcome this disease and become broad
minded like the people of US who elected Obama as President for the
second time and avoid getting hospitalised in a mental asylum.
Filed under:
General
Posted by:
site admin @ 10:25 am
16213 SATURDAY LESSON 845
Questions Answers on
swimming fitness
swimming
IN BRIEF: Moving through water by the motion of hands and feet.
I often think that we are like the carp swimming contentedly in that pond. — Michio Kaku, Source: Hyperspace : A Scientific
Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the 10th Dimension,
The Dream Encyclopedia:
Bodies of water are natural symbols of both the unconscious and the emotions. Dreaming about swimming can thus be related to the emotions or to an exploration of one’s unconscious (a natural dream image for someone undergoing therapy). Also, because we spend the first nine months of our lives in a liquid environment, swimming is also a symbol of birth or rebirth.
Swimming
Swimming and Diving - swimming: racing contest in which swimmers propel themselves across surface of water over designated distance, usualy. in one of four strokes
Swimming may refer to:
Movement and sport in water
http://www.active.com/swimming/Articles/Breathing-Tips-for-Swimmers.htm
When it comes to breathing, new swimmers often struggle to master their technique, while veteran swimmers continually strive to perfect it. Use this guide to get the air you need in the water.
Proper Breathing Technique for Swimming
Learn how to get comfortable in the water and find a rhythm to your breathing, even through a stressful triathlon swim start.
Bilateral Breathing
Many swimmers use only one side to breathe on, especially those who log a lot of freestyle yards. One of the most common questions in the
swimming world is should you breathe on one side only or use bilateral breathing?
4 Steps to Easy Breathing in Freestyle
For beginning swimmers, learning to breathe is as important as discovering your stroke. Here are four ways to gradually build your confidence in the water.Breathing Mechanics That Will Help
Your Freestyle
If breathing breaks your stroke’s rhythm, the solution isn’t to hold your breath. Use these tips to put air in your lungs without compromising your technique.
Extra Air and Fast Turns in Distance
Swimming
Long pool sets mean lots of flip turns. For some swimmers, not breathing in and out of the turn can leave them gasping for air. Next time
you’re short of breath, try this method.
Mastering the Top 5 Freestyle
Breathing Challenges
The most common questions I hear about the mysteries of swimming efficiently usually involve breathing. Here are the top five challenges in learning how to breathe in freestyle.
Breathing Basics: Getting Comfortable
Until your swimming breath becomes routine, effectively focusing on other aspects of your stroke is impossible. Try this unique out-of-the-pool exercise to help you get comfortable.
Inside-Out Breathing: Get the Air You
Need
There’s probably a greater range of breathing skill in swimming than in any other activity. Elite swimmers can breathe effortlessly while
maintaining perfect form at maximum exertion and world-record pace.
Perfect Your Breathing With a Better
Body Position
Do you get fatigued easily in the water because of lack of air? Improve your breathing by balancing your body position.
Q & A With Natalie Coughlin:
Breathing and Hand Position Tips
Olympic gold medalist Natalie Coughlin answers your questions on maximizing your freestyle breathing and fine-tuning your hand position.
Q & A With Natalie Coughlin: Flip
Turns and Better Breathing
Olympian Natalie Coughlin answers questions about improving your flip turns and having greater control over your breathing.
What is the definition for
swimming ?
In recreation and sports, the propulsion of the body through water by combined arm and leg motions. Swimming is popular as an all-around fitness routine and as a competitive sport. It has been included in the modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896. Events include freestyle (crawl-stroke) races at distances of 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1,500 m;
backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly races at 100 and 200 m; individual
medley races at 200 and 400 m; freestyle relays, 4 ´ 100 m and 4 ´
200 m; and the medley relay, 4 ´
100 m. Long-distance swimming competitions, usually of 15 – 37 mi (24 – 59 km),
are generally held on lakes and inland waters.
Swimming is one of the most popular recreational sports that can be enjoyed by all ages. The ability to swim enables people to participate in a wide variety of water sports such as snorkelling, water skiing, jet skiing, wind surfing, sailing, boating, fishing, rowing, and canoeing, without the fear of getting into trouble, and reduces the risk of drowning. Fear of water, particularly if a person suddenly gets out of
their depth, prevents a lot of people going into a swimming pool or enjoying beach holidays. Many of the newer water sports require expertise in handling a craft as well as swimming proficiency.
Water is a very dangerous place for non swimmers, particularly if it is cold and an excessive amount of alcohol has been drunk. Unfamiliar
surroundings, and no knowledge of local tides, can be lethal to careless individuals. Water-related fatalities are the second leading cause of
accidental death in the UK and Australia, and the third in the US. The risk of drowning is 2.5 deaths per 100000
in USA and 1 per 100 000
in the UK.
Babies are taught to swim at a very young age in some countries; this enables them to learn to swim without fear of the water. They should have had their first two combined immunizations, unless they are being breast-fed. The water temperature should be higher than normal, a minimum of 86°F or 27°C. The time spent in the water should be carefully monitored; this can vary from 10 minutes to 30 minutes but babies should not stay too long in the water as they lose heat rapidly.
Swimmers are usually taught the four swimming strokes used for competitions; the front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, which are swum either as a single stroke or in combination over various distances.
There are four phases of each stroke; the reach, catch, pull, and recovery. The arm action during the pull phase provides 75% of the
propulsion in all strokes except the breast-stroke, where the contributions from the upper and lower limbs are equal. During reach or entry the arm reaches forwards to enter the water. In backstroke the arm entry occurs with the shoulder in the fully elevated position. Catch is similar in all competitive strokes except backstroke; the elbow flexes, the arm extends forwards at the shoulder and moves outwards in the horizontal plane whilst rotating towards the body. The pull is the propulsion phase and can vary; the swimmer either sculls or pushes the water. The arm action starts at maximum elevation and ends in extension except in breast-stroke. Recovery is the out of water phase (except breast-stroke), and the arm then returns to start position.
In breast-stroke the arms move together in pull and recovery phase and the arms do not pull below the waistline.
Swimming is a sport that attracts participants of all ages although it is largely a young sport. Competitions are organized by clubs,
schools, and national associations. Short course competitions take place in a 25-metre pool, long course in a 50-metre pool. Olympic swimming competitions are over a variety of distances and strokes, and they take place in 50-metre pools. Synchronized swimming, water polo, and diving are also included in the Olympic program
. Swimming
in the sea may be part of a triathlon race, and open sea races, including
Channel swims, are also held. ‘Masters’ swimming competitions are held for
those over 24 years of age whereas ‘veteran’ sports competitions in athletics
are for the over 40s. Competitions for different age groups are held in most
countries, and world championships also take place.
Competitive swimming is a high-intensity training and
performance sport. During the school year swimming training is divided into two
sessions: the first session is in the early morning before school and the
second session after school. The competitive swimmer usually does an average of
12
000-18 000 metres per day. The competition programme
for the season should be planned well in advance so that the swimmer can peak
for a specific competition, i.e. the swimmer reduces the amount of training to
get the best result.
Swimming is a relatively injury-free sport and was found to be
the safest of eleven sports surveyed by Weightman and Brown in 1975. It is
non-load-bearing and does not involve antigravity work, resulting in fewer
injuries. The injuries that do occur are usually due to overuse, doing too much
too quickly, or breaking the rules.
To ignore warning signs of strong currents, king waves or rip
tides may have lethal consequences. Diving into the shallow end of a pool or
into a wave or sea where rocks are submerged may result in severe injuries.
Pools should have the depth clearly marked so that swimmers do not dive into
shallow water. Pools used for competition should be marked 2 metres from the
wall at each end to judge when to turn. Flags are placed above the pool 5
metres from the end of the pool for the backstroke turn. There are rules
against running around the pool. Pool discipline should be maintained,
particularly out of the pool to prevent people slipping or jumping into the
pool on top of other swimmers. There should also be strict discipline in the
pool when swimming lengths.
Hyperventilation before
trying to swim a long distance under water should be forbidden, as it increases
the risk of hypoxia
(lack of oxygen), and may result in loss of consciousness and
death by drowning. The hyperventilation removes carbon dioxide and hence delays
the stimulus to breathe when breathholding.
Swimming programmes are helpful for both the mentally and the
physically handicapped as they weigh less in water, and this makes it easier
for them to move their muscles, enabling them to improve muscle tone and
co-ordination of movement. Pregnant women can swim during their pregnancy while
many other sports are not suitable. Swimming is also useful in rehabilitation
of injured athletes. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can improve their
aerobic capacity by swimming in warm water. Asthmatics should be encouraged to
swim, as swimming is the sport that is least likely to precipitate an asthmatic
attack, and the fitter they are the fewer attacks they have; swimming improves
their breathing. Asthma is not a handicap in achieving excellence in sport as
shown by the number of Olympic gold medal swimmers who were asthmatics.
Water aerobics is becoming a popular method of keeping fit, with
less potential for injury than high impact aerobics. Running in the water is a
useful method for athletes to keep fit, if they are injured and unable to cope
with full weight-bearing on hard surfaces. Hydrotherapy is also an effective
rehabilitation after injury. Swimming is thus a sport that can be enjoyed by
many different groups.
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/swimming#ixzz1TqUeuPf1
Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/swimming#ixzz1TqTTVV9g
Q: What is Avantouinti?
Avantouinti
is the Finnish word for “winter swimming”. It may sound to many like
masochism taken to ridiculous lengths, but it is becoming increasingly popular
in Finland where 10% of the population have tried it and there are more than
80,000 regular winter swimmers who tout the therapeutic benefits of winter
swimming. The
typical swimmer is not some grizzled macho-type, but a middle-aged woman with a
clerical job.
Q: What Happens When You
Jump Into Cold Water?
Sudden
immersion in ice cold water can result in an involuntary
gasp followed by 1 - 3 minutes of involuntary hyperventilation. Specific data are: 2.0 liter gasp in 82o
water and 3.0 liter gasp in 50o water (i.e. nearly your entire lung
volume), and in 50o water a 600 - 1,000 percent increase in
ventilation (air in and out) in the first minute. This hyperventilation results
in a profound lowering of blood carbon dioxide levels and a raising of blood pH
levels.
Q: Is Winter
Swimming Dangerous?
The strain placed on the heart are not likely to be a problem
for a healthy, fit person but may be dangerous for those with underlying heart
disease or hypertension.
Professor William R. Keating from the University of London
indicates that there is little health risk in cold-water swimming unless a
person starts suddenly at an old age.
Q: What is Cold Water
Shock
Rapid
cooling of the skin triggers various heart and breathing responses. The heart
rate can increase by 50% and blood pressure increase can increase to 175/93.
Although a substantial strain on the heart, these changes are not likely to be
a problem for a healthy, fit person but may be dangerous for those with
underlying heart disease or hypertension.
Q: Why is Cold Water
Swimming Becoming a Fitness Fad?
The number of people who swear by the therapeutic qualities of outdoor winter swimming have increased dramatically of late. Clubs have sprung up across the country for the reason that it the ideal form of gentle health care. The benefits can be very great, it can stimulate mental processes, produce hormones which make the body able to cope with physical stresses and can increase the level of mental awareness and a feeling of well-being. It can also release stress, remove aches and pains, increase vitality and keep skin
looking younger. Apparently the frost is a great preserver! Many even
treat their asthma or arthritis with cold water swimming.
02/14/13
Filed under:
General
Posted by:
site admin @ 7:44 pm
15213 FRIDAY LESSON 835- Nondescripts Cricket Club Swimming Pool
Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC)
NCC | Nondescripts Cricket Club
29, Maitland Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
94 11 2695293
Hotel Windsurf
15-A. De Souza Avenue
http://www.mountlaviniahotel.com/front/index.php
Mount Laninia
Colombo - Ph. 011 2732299
Kandy
Laxmi Guest House
Anuradhapura
Sri Sarananda Perivemi
Colombo to Kandy by Train
Kandy to Dambulla by Bus
Dambula to Anuradhapura - by Bus
Anuradhapura to Colombo - by Train
Important Monasteries
KELANIYA
GANGARAMA
http://www.go-lanka.com/Colombo/windsurf/hotel_windsurf_colombo.html
Hotel Windsurf -
Colombo, Sri Lanka
|
|
The Hotel Windsurf is very centrally located in Mount Lavinia, the beach resort suburb of Colombo.
Only 50 m away from the Mount Lavinia beach and
close enough to the Galle Road, Colombo’s main road, for easy access
without the noise and traffic that comes with it.
|
|
A
perfect place for your stay in Colombo as well as a ideal gateway for
your explorations of Sri Lanka’s Coasts and hill country.
|
|
|
|
The Hotel Windsurf consist of 18 rooms and a idyllic beach hut.
All rooms are en-suite with hot water and air-conditioned.
The owner of the Hotel
Windsurf, Mr. Rajapakse, offers a lot of indoor and outdoor activities
for his guests including access to the adjoining tennis court and, as
the name indicates, windsurfing facilities.
http://www.go-lanka.com/Kandy/lakshmi/lakshmi_guesthouse_kandy.html
Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II)
Kandy, Sri Lanka
|
|
The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) is a favorite place for the young and/or independent travelers to Kandy.
|
Located close to the city center, the Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) is an ideal starting point to explore Kandy and the sourrounding hill country.
French and English speaking management.
|
|
|
|
The eleven rooms of the Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) cater for all needs and budgets.
The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm
Garden II) offers many services including an in-house Internet cafe,
motor bikes rentals and a full range of tours and excursions.
|
The Lakshmi Guesthouse (Palm Garden II) restaurant is well known for their local and Western cuisine.
The Lakshmi Guesthouse, Kandy is 136 km from Sri Lanka’s international airport and 116 km from Colombo.
Colombo to kandy
|
|
The roof-top beer garden of the Hotel Windsurf offers great views over the Mount Lavinia beach.
All travel arrangements can be planned and booked with the friendly help of Mr. Rajapakse.
The Hotel Windsurf, Colombo is only 30 km from Sri Lanka’s international airport and 3 km from Colombo’s main railway station.
|
http://www.brandbihar.com/english/religion/buddhism/buddhist_temple/sri_lanka_buddhist_temple_list.html
http://slr.malindaprasad.com/index.php?from=KDT&to=FOT
Sri Lanka Railway Time Table - Train Schedule: Mobile Edition
| Arrival to KDT |
Departure from KDT |
Reaching to FOT |
Train Starting from |
Train Runs to |
Available days of the week |
Type of the Train |
Train No |
Other Name |
| 02:36:00 |
02:36:00 |
05:17:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
DAILY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1046 |
|
| 05:10:00 |
05:10:00 |
08:23:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
SUNDAY ONLY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1040 |
|
| 05:10:00 |
05:10:00 |
08:17:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
MONDAY TO SATURDAY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1040 |
|
| 06:15:00 |
06:15:00 |
08:52:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
DAILY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1030 |
|
| 06:30:00 |
06:30:00 |
09:47:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
DAILY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1036 |
|
| 10:40:00 |
10:40:00 |
14:02:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
DAILY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1024 |
|
| 15:00:00 |
15:00:00 |
17:36:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
DAILY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1010 |
|
| 15:30:00 |
15:30:00 |
18:55:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
DAILY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1020 |
|
| 16:50:00 |
16:50:00 |
19:25:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1032 |
|
| 17:30:00 |
17:30:00 |
20:05:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS |
LONG DISTANCE |
1032 |
|
| 18:35:00 |
18:42:00 |
21:27:00 |
KANDY |
COLOMBO FORT |
DAILY |
LONG DISTANCE |
1008 |
|
| Telephone Contact Number and Distance |
|
| Kandy |
081-2222271 |
120.737 Km from FORT in Matale Line |
| Colombo Fort |
011-2434215 |
0.000 Km from FORT in Main Line |
Telephone Contact Number of Stations
-by Crescle
-Source Sri Lanka Railway and Railway Stations
-For Sri Lanka Bus Service Online Schedule
-Contact us For Request Your Station Time Table or Correction
Colombo Fort Railway Station: Timetable
| Train No |
Name |
Departure Station Time |
Arrival Station Time |
Frequency |
Service |
| 5 |
Podi Menike |
Colombo-Fort 5:55 |
Badulla 16:20 |
Daily Runs via Kandy |
A, B, E |
| 6 |
Podi Menike |
Badulla 9:10 |
Colombo-Fort 19:45 |
Daily Runs via Kandy |
A, B, E |
| 9 |
Inter City Express |
Colombo Fort 7:00 |
Kandy 9:35 |
Daily |
C, E |
| 10 |
Inter City Express |
Kandy 15:00 |
Colombo-Fort 17:35 |
Daily |
C, E |
| 15 |
Udarata Menike |
Colombo-Fort 9:45 |
Badulla 19:05 |
Daily |
A, B, E |
| 16 |
Udarata Menike |
Badulla 5:55 |
Colombo-Fort 15:30 |
Daily |
A, B, E |
| 19 |
Express |
Colombo-Fort 10:30 |
Matela 16:15 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 20 |
Express |
Kandy 15:40 |
Colombo 18:55 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 23 |
Express |
Colombo-Fort 12:40 |
Hatton 20:00 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 29 |
Inter City Express |
Colombo-Fort 15:35 |
Kandy 18:05 |
Daily |
C, E |
| 30 |
Inter City Express |
Kandy 6:25 |
Colombo-Fort 9:00 |
Daily |
C, E |
| 35 |
Express |
Colombo-Fort 16:55 |
Kandy 20:00 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 36 |
Express |
Matale 5:15 |
Colombo-Fort 10:10 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 39 |
Express |
Matale 13:15 |
Kandy 21:00 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 40 |
Express |
Kandy 5:25 |
Matale 13:15 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 45 |
Night Mail |
Colombo-Fort 19:40 |
Badulla 6:30 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 46 |
Night Mail |
Badulla 17:45 |
Colombo-Fort 4:40 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 47 |
Night Mail |
Colombo-Fort 22:00 |
Badulla 8:45 |
Daily |
A, B, D, F |
| 48 |
Night Mail |
Badulla 19:50 |
Colombo-Fort 5:50 |
Daily |
A, B, D, F |
| 50 |
Night Mail |
Matara 18:30 |
Trincomalee 8:45 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 51 |
Night Mail |
Trincomalee 17:00 |
Matara 7:15 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 56 |
Gaalu Kumari |
Maradana 13:40 |
Matara 18:40 |
Monday to Friday |
A, B |
| 57 |
Gaalu Kumari |
Matara 7:25 |
Maradana 11:50 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 58 |
Ruhunu Kumari |
Maradana 15:50 |
Matara 19:30 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 59 |
Ruhunu Kumari |
Matara 5:40 |
Maradana 9:20 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 77 |
Yaldeve |
Colombo-Fort 5:45 |
Vavuniya 11:50 |
Daily |
A, B, G |
| 78 |
Yaldeve |
Vavuniya 13:15 |
Colombo-Fort 19:20 |
Daily |
A, B, G |
| 81 |
Express |
Colombo-Fort 6:15 |
Trincomalee 14:10 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 82 |
Express |
Trincomalee 9:45 |
Colombo-Fort 17:45 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 85 |
Rajarata Rajini |
Matara 9:15 |
Vavuniya 20:25 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 86 |
Rajarata Rajini |
Vavuniya 3:15 |
Matara 14:15 |
Daily |
A, B |
| 89 |
Night Mail |
Colombo-Fort 21:30 |
Vavuniya 4:25 |
Daily |
A, B, D, F |
| 90 |
Night Mail |
Vavuniya 21:30 |
Colombo-Fort 4:50 |
Daily |
A, B, D, F |
| 94 |
Intercity Train/Express |
Colombo-Fort 16:45 |
Galle 19:15 |
Daily |
C |
| 95 |
Intercity Train/Express |
Galle 7:40 |
Colombo-Fort 10:00 |
Daily |
C |
| 96 |
Express train |
Colombo-Fort 15:55 |
Vavuniya 20:40 |
Daily |
A |
| 97 |
Express train |
Vavuniya 5:45 |
Colombo-Fort 10:25 |
Daily |
A |
Service Codes:
A – Unreserved 2nd and 3rd Class
B
– Restaurant/Buffet
C
– Reserved 2nd Class
D
– Reserved 2nd and 3rd Class Reclining Seat (Sleeperette)
E
– Reserved 1st Class Observation
F
– Reserved 1st Class Sleeping Berth
G
– Reserved 1st class Air-conditioned coach
Kandy to Dambulla
Getting there & away
Dambulla is 72km north of Kandy on the road to Anuradhapura. The Colombo to Trincomalee road meets this road 2km north of the cave temple, then splits off from it a couple of kilometres further north, leading to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
Because Dambulla is on so many major routes, plenty of buses pass
through with varying frequency. However, the nearest train station is at
Habarana, 23km to the north, from where you can catch a Kandy-bound bus to get to Dambulla.
By bus it takes 1½ hours to get to Polonnaruwa (Rs 40, 66km), two hours to Anuradhapura (Rs 40, 68km), and two hours to Kandy (Rs 40). There are buses to Sigiriya
(Rs 14, 40 minutes) roughly every 30 minutes. Touts will tell you
otherwise to get you into a three-wheeler. The bus takes four hours to
get to Colombo (normal/air-con Rs 85/170).
You can flag buses plying this busy route to go between the two parts of Dambulla, or take a three-wheeler for Rs 50.
http://distancebetween.info/dambulla/kandy
Distance between Dambulla and Kandy
Dambulla
is one of the Sri_Lanka city. It is located at the longitude of
80.637655 and latitude of 7.837655. Kandy is a Sri_Lanka city located
at the longitude of 80.617655 and latitude of 7.277655 . The total
distance between Dambulla and Kandy is 62 KM (kilometers) and 325.74 meters. The mile based measurement distance is 38.7 miles
Dambulla direction from Kandy:
Dambulla is located nearly north side to Kandy.
Traveling from Dambulla to Kandy is connected by more than one
route. Soon you may expect those different routes to reach Kandy,
hotels in Dambulla etc. Dear Dambulla peoples you are welcome to
publish more detatil alike dambulla hotels, dambulla bus and related
information to this page.
dambulla travel guide provides the travel distance guide from dambulla and the following cities; distance between Dambulla and Anuradhapura, distance between Dambulla and Colombo, distance between Dambulla and Galle, distance between Dambulla and Kandy, distance between Dambulla and Sigiriya.
Dambulla is a city in Central province of Sri Lanka.
[edit] Understand
[edit] Get in
Buses from Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya and other places arrive regularly at the Dambulla bus station located 1 km outside of the town on Kandy road.
Dambulla cave temple (Golden Temple), (Entrance on Kandy Road). The
main if not the only attraction of the town. Caves are accessible after
10 minutes of stone stairs climbing. These caves contains well
conserved statues and paintings. The entrance
is 1300 LKR for foreigners. Note that the Cultural Triangle ticket does
not include access to the caves, and is valid only for the Dambulla
museum. Ticket is checked only right at the entrance of the caves, and
if you are not having the proper ticket, you will have to go all the way
down to get one. The ticket counter is not very obvious, so ensure you
have a proper ticket before starting your climb.
- Kassapa Lions Rock, Digampathana , Kimbissa, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, ☎ + 94 66 5677440, [1]. Kassapa
Lions Rock is located at Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Some of the famous
trourist spots that you can visit while staying here are Sigiriya Rock,
and Minneriya National Park. It offers 31 superior rooms with a veranda
that opens to a mini garden, all of which have air-conditioning,
satellite TV, and and mini-bar. Fill your senses by dining at their
Sakya Bar. It has local and international cocktails and spirits while
enjoying the scenery of Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rocks. edit
- Amaya Lake, Kap Ela, Kandalama, Dambulla, ☎ +94 66 4461500, +94 66 2286823/5 (amayalake@amayaresorts.com), [2]. 120
Room Hotel On the shores of enchanting Kandalama Lake, discover a
lifestyle defined by tradition and natural splendour. Nestled amid 40
acres of lush forest, Amaya Lake preserves the aura of local historical
treasures, creating a feeling of old-world Sri Lankan charm matched with
modern luxury. Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle,
the resort is the ideal base for exploring nearby wonders such as the
ancient city of Anuradhapura and the Dambulla cave temples. After days
filled with exploration, return to rooms that awe and inspire. Unique
village-style accommodation allows guests the traditional experience of
Sri Lankan village-life, while private lodges, chalets and suites create
locally inspired spaces with touches of luxury. At our two scenic
dining venues, savour traditional Sri Lankan flavours made fresh with
homegrown ingredients. Indulge in treatments at the Ayurvedic Spa,
immersing yourself in a full range of natural remedies as old as the
hills. edit
- Heritance Kandalama Hotel, ☎ +94 66 5555000 +94 773043554 (kandalama@heritancehotels.com), [3]. edit
- Brook Boutique Hotel & Spa, Madahapola Road, Alipallama, Melsiripura, ☎ (+94) (0) 667 500 500, [4]. Their
boutique hotel in Sri Lanka offers rooms equipped with 300 count
Egyptian cotton bed-linen, over-sized beds with soft cushions &
pillows, mini bar, free internet connection, air conditioner, DVD
player, satellite TV, bathroom with hot and cold water. Some of its
facilities and services are reception, restaurant, bar, lounge, swimming
pool, spa, jacuzzi, 24 hour room service, 24 hour on call doctor,
laundry service and free use of internet. Rates start at USD 212.50.
There are several buses to Colombo from the bus station, it would cost you about 140 LKR in non A/C buses.
- Buses to Kandy are approximately 190LKR (AirCon small bus) or 100LKR by regular bus.
- Dambulla cave temples would take you only an hour or two, so
you should be visiting Sigiriya the same day. Bus to Sigiriya can be
obtained from the Dambulla bus station.
http://www.feelsrilanka.com/travel-plan-cultural-triangle-tour.html
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Day 01 - Airport-Dambulla or Habarana
Arrival at the Airport. You will be met by our National Tour
Guide and Airport Staff and offered assistance. Thereafter leave for Habarana with a comfort stop en route.
Travel time: Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
Habarana - the central point of Sri Lanka’s
cultural triangle and the most convenient base for excursions to our
ancient historical cities – Anuradhapura 60 minutes, Polonnaruwa 45
minutes, Sigiriya/Dambulla 30 minutes, Ritigala 10 minutes and
Minneriya National Park 15 minutes (site of the renowned “Gathering” of
over 300 Elephants witnessed between July and September).
The area is awash with picturesque lakes and reservoirs
providing some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery and habitat
for Sri Lanka’s incredible bio-diversity.
Activities available include village and forest walks, bird
and wildlife watching, Elephant Back Safari, cycling, trekking and
boating.
Habarana is also the location of two of the country’s best hotels - The Cinnamon Lodge and The Chaaya Village, idyllically located by a peaceful lake with extensive landscaped gardens.
PM: At leisure, OR optional Elephant Back Safari through the jungles of Habarana
Hotels:
Category A: Chaaya Village Cinnamon Lodge
Category B: Sigiriya Hotel
Dinner & Overnight in Habarana
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Day 02 - Dambulla or Habarana - Anuradhapura - Optional Jeep Safari
Breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter, proceed to Anuradhapura the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka.
Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Anuradhapura - a UNESCO World Heritage
Site located in the north central part of the Island is renowned as the
centre of Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of
ancient Sri Lanka. In interest and in antiquity, it is the equal of any
ancient ‘buried city’ in the world.
Among the main attractions is the Sri Maha Bodhi, the
oldest historically documented tree on earth, over 2,200 years old and
other impressive monuments embellished with handsome stone carvings or
sculpture, pleasure gardens, beautifully executed stone baths and
ponds.
PM: At leisure, OR Optional Jeep Safari to Minneriya National Park to witness Wild Elephants.
Minneriya National Park - A good
alternative to other busier wildlife parks, this sanctuary is well known
for its large colony of Elephants, numbering over 200 at times. These
gentle giants visit the Minneriya tank to laze around, graze on the
grass, while intently watching over their cubs at play.
The Minneriya tank is also home to Sambar, Deer, Leopard,
Sloth bear and birds such as Jungle fowl, Grey Herons, White Pelican,
Grey hornbills and more.
Dinner & Overnight in Dambulla
Hotels:
Category A: Chaaya Village Cinnamon Lodge
Category B: Sigiriya Hotel
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Day 03 - Dambulla or Habarana - Polonnaruwa – Sigiriya
After breakfast, climbing the Sigiriya rock fortress
Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes
Sigiriya – the beautiful rock fortress
celebrated as the palace in the sky stands majestically for visitors to
explore. Elaborate landscaped gardens, beautiful maidens known as the
Sigiriya Frescoes and the lion platform are just a few of the
attractions that will leave you awe struck.
PM: Clients will travel to Polonnaruwa which is another ancient city and later visit a wood carving factory.
Travel time: Approximately 45 minutes
Polonnaruwa - this medieval city is also a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Several man-made reservoirs dot the region, the
most famous is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama which is
larger in size than the Colombo harbor.
Evincing Sri Lanka’s glorious past are monuments and
buildings well preserved. These include the spectacular Gal Vihare
complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of
granite - a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving, the Royal
Palace complex including the Kings Palace, the Audience Hall and the
Quadrangle.
Some of the best examples of the Hindu influence in the
country are also seen through the Temples of Shiva and the intricate
statues of Hindu Gods.
Other fascinating and impressive sights are the
Lankatileka and Watadage temples, the Galpotha, the Lotus bath and the
Kiri Vihare Dagoba.
Return to the hotel and relax by the poolside, enjoying the beautiful landscaped nature resort.
Dinner & Overnight in Dambulla
Hotels:
Category A: Chaaya Village Cinnamon Lodge
Category B: Sigiriya Hotel
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Day 04 - Dambulla or Habarana - Matale Spice Graden – Kandy
After breakfast, leave for Kandy via a visit to the popular Dambulla cave temple.
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Dambulla Cave Temples - dating back to
the 01st century BC, this caves complex was used as a refuge by an
ancient king who commissioned magnificent carved images within the rock.
Thereafter, proceed to Kandy via a visit to the Spice Garden in Matale Spice Garden, Matale
– experience exotic spices such as cinnamon, cardamoms, pepper plants
and many others. Visitors will have the opportunity to gain knowledge
on different spices and its relevance to local cuisine, especially in
the preparation of Sri Lankan rice and curry dishes. Spices can also be
purchased.
PM: Arrive in Kandy
Kandy – this exotic city in the hill
capital retains an aura of royal grandeur. The city’s charming setting
including a tranquil lake is the site of the renowned temple that
enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Another popular attraction in
Kandy is the Royal Botanical gardens – home to one of the world’s finest
collections of Orchids.
A cultural sanctuary where many legends, traditions and
folklore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages
are the centre of the islands handicraft industry which comprises
items of wood, brass, exquisite silver or gold jewellery and precious
gems of many varieties including the world’s famous blue and star
sapphires.
In Kandy, travellers can check into the hotel and relax
by the poolside. Thereafter, enjoy a cultural show and later visit the Temple of the Tooth popularly known as the “Dalada Maligawa”
Temple of the Tooth Relic - The
famous Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic in
Kandy is one of the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists
throughout the world.
Built in the 16th century, this temple houses the sacred
Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th
century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by
successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner
shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. Originally the Temple was
within the King’s palace complex and recognized as the symbol of Royal
Authority.
Dinner & Overnight in Kandy
Hotels:
Category A: Chaaya Citadel Hotel
Category B: Swiss Hotel
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Day 05 - Kandy - Royal Botanical Gardens and Visit of 3 Temples of Kandian Era (Gadaladeniya, Lankathilka, Embakke)
Early breakfast at the hotel.
Thereafter, will leave the Hotel in the morning and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Royal Botanical Gardens -
admired as one of the most beautiful gardens in South Asia this
tropical paradise houses thousands of varieties of tropical and
temperate trees and flowers.
A special house for orchids and e cacti are also on
display. Visitors will be amazed by the Orchid House which exhibits an
outstanding collection of Sri Lankan orchids, the fernery, spice garden,
and the many trees planted by distinguished visitors to the Island.
Gadaladeniya – the Gadaladeniya Temple is
situated at Pilimatalawa on the Kandy-Colombo Road and is famous for
its beautiful stone carvings. This temple was built on a flat rock in
the 14th Century.
Attractive to visitors are the faded paintings providing
many clues as to the manner in which the temple was built. The South
Indian influence is also reflected in the designs.
Lankathilka - The large Gedige Lankathilaka (ornament of Lanka)
known as the image house with a Buddha statue, had 5 stores. This
impressive structure is essentially a shrine and its architectural
style will be of interest.
Embakke – the Embekke Devale is famed for its
elaborate woodcarvings, pillars and other structures to the extent that
UNESCO has identified these marvellous but elaborate carvings on
wooden pillars to be the finest products of woodcarvings to be found in
any part of the world.
PM: Return to Kandy and indulge in a city
tour and visit a popular gem mining factory together with visits to
market places where vegetables and fruits from other parts of the
country are distributed.
Late in the afternoon visitors can enjoy a Cultural show
Dinner & Overnight in Kandy
Hotels:
Category A: Chaaya Citadel Hotel
Category B: Swiss Hotel
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Day 06 - Kandy – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and later check out and leave for the Airport for Departure
Travel time: Approximately 3 hours.
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End of Program
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List of Buddhist Temples in Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura
- Atamasthana, Anuradhapura
-
- Report images
- Sri Maha bodhiya, Anuradhapura
- Report images
Lovamahapaya, Anuradhapura
- Report images
- Maha Viharaya, Anuradhapura
- Report images
- Report images
- Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura
- Report images
- Mirisaveti Stupa, Anuradhapura
- Report images
- Thuparamaya, Anuradhapura
- Report images
- Report images
- Jetavanarama, Anuradhapura
- Report images
- Abhayagiri Dagaba,Abhayagiriya, Anuradhapura
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click
on photo to enlarge
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- Kuttam Pokuna,Anuradhapura
- Report images
- Samadhi Statue, Anuradhapura
- Report images
- Sri Sarananda Pirivena, Anuradhapura
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_rdi27wrc
Jan 3, 2012 - Uploaded by praveen4498
sri sarananda pirivena. … You need Adobe Flash Player to watch this video. … Sri Dharmodaya Pirivena …
Watch Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_rdi27wrc
- Vijithapura Rajamaha Viharaya, Vijithapura, Kalawewa
- Auwkana Rajamaha Viharaya, Auwkana
Dambulla
- Dambulla cave temple, Dambulla
Kandy
- Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy
Kelaniya
- Rajamaha Viharaya, Kelaniya
Madampe
- Senanayake Aramaya,Madampe
Panadura
- Rankoth Viharaya,Panadura
- Report images
Colombo to Kandy by train
Understand
This is the last kingdom of the country. Since it was conquered by the
British only around 1815 you can still see the living traditions.
Kandyans are usually proud of their heritage. Since the western elements
has played a comparatively little role in the city most Kandyans are
upholding Buddhist values. Since it is in the cultural triangle the
authorities try to retain this values as much as possible. Situation had
changed recently because of many immigrants coming from other parts of
the country. So don’t expect to find the honest Kandyans they describe
in the colonial literature now. Be careful with your belongings and the
people whom you associate with. But this is a peaceful city compared to
most other parts of the country with a lesser crime rate.
- Air Conditioned Tourist Car From Colombo/Airport or Kandy. Excellent Service. Competent Drivers. Fair Rates. [1]
- Train (from Colombo) - Intercity express train are
hassle free and scenic. Reservation are needed for these trains, it can
be done just before the departure depending on the period but is best
done in advance especially if you are traveling on a weekend or holiday.
There is a great observation saloon (first class) in this particular
train. Other trains are overly crowded and late. The trip from Colombo
to Kandy costs 220 LKR in second class.
- Taxi. If you’re just arriving in Sri Lanka, heading for
Kandy, you can hire a taxi from one of the stalls in the arrivals hall
at Colombo airport for about R6000/-. The journey takes about 3 hours.
This saves the hassle of going into Colombo, and is a lot quicker.
- Bus from the airport. Take the free shuttle bus to the
bus terminal, where the friendly locals will direct you to the bus to
Kandy (3.5h, 136 LKR as of January 2013).
- Hired mini-vans with a driver are available from Colombo
through travel agencies and hotel concierges. The road to Kandy is
astonishingly chaotic and frightening even for seasoned travelers. Be
prepared for a long slow slog in traffic, or, if your driver decides to
make the journey at a more practical speed, a hair-raising adventure
replete with passing around blind corners and games of chicken with the
ubiquitous intercity buses. A day trip from Mt.Lavinia to Kandy,
including seeing the sights in Kandy, costs around LKR 10,000 [May
2011].
- Intercity air-conditioned bus (from Colombo) is the next
best option to the train. If you are female and traveling alone it is
best to either sit next to another female or try to sit as close to the
conductor as possible (i.e. up front) to avoid any unnecessary
surprises.
- Air Taxi [2]
(from Colombo) is the latest option to travel to Kandy. The De
Havilland Twin Otter float planes operated by Sri Lankan Airlines leave
Colombo at 9AM (currently from Kelani River) and touch down at Mahaweli
River in Polgolla, Kandy at 9.30AM The travel time between Colombo and
Kandy is just 30 minutes. It costs Rs. 4,900 for a one-way fare and Rs.
9,800 for a return fare.
Get around
- The local “Three-Wheelers” (’Tuk-Tuk) are an amazingly cheap and exciting way of seeing the city, and they run virtually all night long.
- Walking is also recommended - the centre is not that
large - as a way of seeing temples, shops, shopping area and other
sights around the lake.
Kandy Express ( Metered Taxi Company In Kandy)
See
The Temple of the Tooth Relic
- The Temple of the Tooth, ☎ +94812234226 (maligawa@sltnet.lk, fax: +948112236201), [3]. The temple is open from dawn to dusk. It
houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, and is consequently considered
one of Sri Lanka’s most holy shrines. Although you may not view the
actual tooth itself, the casket within which it is said to be is
displayed twice a day. The best time to view this ornate casket is
around 6.30PM. Foreigner entrance: 1000 LKR. edit
- The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage has about seventy
semi-tame elephants roaming freely around this wonderful sanctuary.
Feeding and bathing times are especially enjoyable. You can either hire a
taxi to take you there or, if travelling on a budget, get a bus to
Kegalle (about an hour away) for about R40/-, asking the driver to drop
you off at the turn for Pinnewala which is 3 miles or so before you
reach the town, and catch another local bus for the last 6 km or so.
Alternatively, take a train to Rambukkana and walk from there. It’s
about 2km. Follow the road through the village back in the direction the
train has just come from and then turn right at the large sign for the
Elephant Orphanage. Rambukkana is on the main line to Colombo and the
journey is quite scenic, passing through jungle drenched mountains.
Definitely worth the trip especially if you have children.
- The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya [4]
is the best botanical garden in Sri Lanka and one of the best in the
region. It dates back to the ancient kings of the country although the
British changed the look of it. The British are said to have used the
gardens to grow trees that could not be grown at Kew gardens. The large
banyan tree, the orchid house, the suspension bridge, and the bats are
some of the main attractions. Foreigner entrance: 1100 LKR. Drive there
through the University of Peradeniya [5] the most scenic and the largest university in the country.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
- New Ranweli Spice Garden [6]
located in close proximity to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden is a
place to see and learn about sri lankan spices and herbs.After seeing
around the garden,spices can also be purchased as a souvenir,but there
is no obligation to buy.(Entrance free/free pick up service from any destination within kandy and peradeniya for foreigners)/T.P 94-77-1351931
- Bahirawakanda temple. The ominipresent Buddha statue
seen from everywhere in Kandy city. Take a tuk tuk ride to the Temple or
walk, just 1 km away from the Kandy city. The way to the temple may not
be easy to locate, you might have to take a three wheeler or ask a
local, when in doubt just walk up and follow the colourful Buddhist
flags over the road. Entrance fee 200 LKR. This Buddha statue is best
viewed from far away. Once you get onto the premises it is no longer
easy to see. Plus it is not a very peaceful place as temples go.
- The Tea Museum, Hantane, Kandy. The ancient Tea Factory
of Hantana Estate is converted into a Museum dedicated to the history of
Sri Lankan Tea. Run by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.
- Udawattakele Royal Forest Sanctuary, the forest located
“in the Kandy city”, was planned and maintained as the part of the Royal
palace complex of the Sinhala Kings. A patch of tropical rain forest
still survives and if you don’t come across it it is still a wonderful
walk. You are guaranteed to come across plenty of monkeys and some
tranquil ponds. Wear long trousers after rain, and take some salt as
there are lots of leeches about.
- Temples situated around Kandy are some other popular
tourist attractions. The most famous temples are: Gadaladeniya,
Lankathilaka Viharaya, Embekke Devalaya, Dodanwala Devalaya,
Degaldoruwa, Hindagala Viharaya, Madawala Viharaya and Galmaduwa
Viharaya.
- Visit Athur’s seat for a panoramic view of the Kandy city.
- Commonwealth War Cemetery is located at Deveni (2nd)
Rajasinghe mawatha down by the Mahaweli riverside. Formerly known as
Pitakande Military Cemetery, it is one of the most beautifully
landscaped and maintained war cemeteries in the world. There is one
Commonwealth burial of the World War I and a further 196 Commonwealth
burials of the World War II commemorated in the cemetery. In addition
there are four Foreign National and two non world war burials. The range
of nationalities laid to rest comes from the records of the War
cemetery, and include 107 Britons, 35 East Africans, 26 Sri Lankans, 23
Indians, six Canadians, three Italians and one Frenchman.
- Kandyan Art Association., No. 72, Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy (almost
at the rear end of the Maligawa – Temple of the Tooth Relic and can be
reached by walking along the lake road from the “Ulpenge” situated at
the Southern entrance.Only five minutes walk from the Temple of the
Sacred Tooth Relic. (Sinhala: ශ්රී දළදා මාළිගාව)), ☎ 094 81 2223100, [7]. from 9. 00 a. m. to 5. 30 p. m.. A center for traditional arts and crafts
with a government-sponsored sales room and fixed prices. The building
in which the Kandyan Art Association is currently housed is over 175
years old. Despite its varied uses over the years, the building has
retained its unique character over the last two centuries and today
serves not only as the Association’s art gallery and sales outlet, but
also a site for the demonstration of a range of production activities,
including hand loom weaving, dumbara mat weaving, and wood carving. Entrance free. edit
Do
The Kandy district has large number of known treks. Within the
Kandy city the short walk of Asgiri Maha Viharaya via Bahirawakande
hill is an interesting. Udawattakelle forest reserve in within the city
limit, gives valuable walking in nature. The secret Walkers Forest upper
Hantane trek is on special permission from the Municipal Council of
Kandy. The famous Western Shrines of Kandy Gadaladeniya, Lankathilake
temples and Embakke shrine are connected by a very scenic footpath.
Other part of the west of Kandy, a part of Portuguese War Route, via
Ihalakotte railway station to Dodanwala Devale shrine is passing forest
reserves, Alagalle Mountain, tea estates and kandyan traditional
villages. East of Kandy city the temples Gangaramaya, Galmaduwa,
Degaldoruwa temple are well known for paintings, sculptures and
architectural techniques.Knuckles mountain range and its forest trails
are the most suitable for trekking in Sri Lanka. It has many nature
trails cleared trough the forest by forest department with campsites.
For example Mini world’s end trails in the west and east, Pitawala
pathena trail, Ash cave trail, Nitre cave trail, Knuckles summit trail
are very exciting. Also there are interconnected footpaths of cardamom
planters, toddy tappers, tea plantation workers, farmers and villages.
Traditional villages of the Knuckles foothills with so mach of treks and
short walks such as Last King of Kandy, Sri Wikrama Rajasinhe’s
(1798-1815) hideout place, Rathna water fall trek, Sitakotuwa limestone
cave and waterfall trek, etc.South of Kandy the longest rice field
scenery of the island, Lamasuriyagama the rice field was belonging to
royal court of Kandy a very spectacular trek. It is undisturbed from
electricity wires for photographs and with terrace rice fields by a
Loggaloya river with watch huts of farmers. Loggaloya riverine forest
trail to Victoria – Randenigala – Rantambe sanctuary is also a very
interesting trekking.
- Perahera is the most famous festival in Kandy usually in
August. It’s a pageant where many elephants participate. You can buy
expensive seats or can see it with the crowd. Buy a seat from the Queens
hotel. This will be around $40. Buy the tickets from the officials or
otherwise through middlemen you will be paying exorbitant prizes.
- Kandyan dancing you can see this traditional form of dancing in the “Kandyan Cultural Center” near the Kandy lake.
- Buddhist Publication Society this is located near the
lake. You can participate in discussions about Buddhism, meditation or
you can buy some introductory materials about Buddhism.
- Nilambe meditation center, [8].
Have to take a “Galaha” bus passing Peradeniya (Get down from Nilambe
“office junction”. Is a Buddhist retreat which offers experiences of a
monastic lifestyle. You can engage in daily activities which involves
yoga classes, meditation and discussions.
- If there’s a cricket match on, spend a day at the Asgiriya Stadium,
possibly the world’s prettiest test match venue, and certainly the only
one that for most of the year is simply a school sports ground (Trinity
College).
Buy
- Laksala is the state owned handicraft shop. You will be
able to buy a lot of genuine handicrafts made by traditional artisans
(don’t be deceived by the fake products available with most tourist
shops). Laksala is by the lake.
- Kandy City Centre opened up in January 29, 2009. It is
an ultra modern shopping complex with space for over 400 shops. By the
time of its opening it is the country’s most modern and biggest shopping
complex.
- Waruna Antiques, 761 Peradeniya Road (10 minutes from Kandy, Old Peradeniya Road), ☎ 0094777710013. 9AM. Kandyan masks, jewellery, coins, plates, textiles, etc. edit
- Upali Jayakody Batiks, No.192/2, Dharmashoka Mawatha, Lewella, ☎ 094777833938, [9]. Exclusive Batiks By Upali Jaykody. You will be able to buy many more high quality uncommon artistic modern batik.
Eat
- Bakehouse, for snacks or traditional Sri Lankan meals.
Scenic view of the City, from its first floor balcony, where they serve a
Sri Lankan buffet, but this tends to sell out by about 7:30PM
- Devon Restaurant is famous for quality snacks. Captain’s table is at Upstairs of Devons. Good Sri Lankan and South Indian food.
- Avanhala, is just in front of the Kandy lake. Good food and best scenery.
- SRIRAM Indian Restaurant located in the Colombo Street offers nice south Indian food.
- The Flower Song Chinese Restaurant on Kotugodelle Vidaya
is just north of the town centre. It sells excellent Chinese food -
with huge portions of rice or noodles. It’s clean, air-conditioned, and
serves beers and wines.
- Dinemore , just opposite to the Anniewatta tunnel. On the top of Nihal’s Super. Quality Mid-Eastern and South-Indian food for affordable prices.
- Lyons restaurant located in front of the Hindu Kovil. Serves quality food, both Western and Eastern.
Budget
There are lots of cheapish guest houses to the south and east of the
lake, all a only a short walk from the town centre, and generally clean
and friendly.
- Rosendale Villa, 85/A Upul Mawatha,Primrose Gardens, Kandy, ☎ 0094771015665 (rosendaleres@gmail.com). Located
in a secluded area of Kandy, Rosendale Villa offers a unique experience
where you can relax, in true up country style! The climate which is
cool mornings and evenings, with fairly warm day times offer a splendid
environment to enjoy the calm ambiance at the Villa and explore the
surrounding sites and other places of interest. Ideally located on the
Primrose Hill with a panoramic view of the famous Mahaveli River with
close proximity to the Historic Kandy City.Facilities offered are Clean
Rooms with Breakfast or Lunch & Dinner,WiFi,Laundry,Tuk Tuk
rides,Telephone,Hot Water etc.. Room from 4500 RS. edit
- Olde Empire, Temple st. Situated next to the temple of the tooth, cheapest rate start from LKR 880. edit
- YMCA, 116A, Kotugodella Veediya. The cheapest option in town. rates start from LKR 600 per person. common bathroom, cold water. edit
- Kandy City Mission, 125, DS Sennanayake Veediya, ☎ +94 77 2 203040 (Contact Tobi); Email; tobias_vishvabaratha@yahoo.com. The
cheapest, safest & best en suite accommodation in the centre of
Kandy. all rooms have bathroom inside. rates start from LKR 550 per
person. edit
- Kandy Cottage, 160 Lady Gordon Drive, ☎ tel. +9477 2 203040 (Tobi) (askus@kandycottage.com), [10]. Eco-friendly
retreat for writers and artists, but it also welcomes regular holiday
makers with facilities from laundry to laser printing. Although it
nestles in a little hollow adjoining a tiny virgin forest ‘Udawatta Kele
Royal Forest Sanctuary’ - it is only ten minutes’ walk from the city
centre. It has two double rooms and one family suite, all of them
enabled with broadband internet. Rates from US$22 to US$ 40 per person, accompanying children free if under 12. Half rate after the second week.. edit
- Peace Haven Guest House, 47/10 Louis Pieris lane and other entrance 44 firstlane Dharmaraja mawatta (near the north-east corner of Kandy Lake), ☎ +94812232584, [11]. Located
a pleasant 20 minutes stroll by the lakeside from the centre of town.
The owners, Mr & Mrs Atapattu, are friendly, knowledgeable and
helpful. Breakfasts include heaps of fresh fruit, all the toast you can
eat, and good rich tea. Rs1250/ to Rs1500room only. edit
Mid-range and Splurge
- Amaya Hills Kandy, Heerassagala, ☎ +94 81 4474022/8, +94 77 77772237, [12]. 100
Room hotel. Nestled among the splendour of the rolling Hantana Hills
discover a new rhythm to life. Amid verdant hillsides high above the
famed city of Kandy, Amaya Hills welcomes you to graceful private havens
with designs recalling the region’s ancient and natural wonders. All
rooms and suites boast private balconies overlooking the sweeping valley
or lush mountainside, with interiors defined by unforgettable details
and natural, modern grandeur. Discover the local lure of Sinhalese
heritage throughout the kingdom of Kandy, exploring traditional markets,
ancient temples, and the region’s renowned natural beauty. After
venturing out, return to the resort to luxuriate in the soothing touch
of Ayruvedic spa treatments, or sample culinary flavours, masterfully
concocted. Spend indulgent evenings in the majestic pool underneath a
canopy of stars, or sipping cocktails at our private club deep in the
hillside. Experience Amaya Hills - the sweep of natural splendour and
the timeless tradition of the Kandyan culture. edit
- Chaaya Citadel Kandy, 124 Srimath Kuda Ratwatte Mawatha, ☎ +94 81 2234365, [13]. Offers
a stay that takes you back in time. The four star hotel is away from
the hustle and bustle of the city but near enough to access the cultural
marvels that Kandy has to offer. edit
- Earl’s Regency, 84 Tenna Kumbura (4km from Kandy), ☎ +94 81 5873305 - 7, [14]. This
100 room five star luxury hotel has restaurants with a variety of
international cuisine, 24 hour room service, a coffee shop, Ayurvedic
health centre, shopping arcade, a sauna and wedding, conference and
banquets facilities. Evening entertainment includes disco, karaoke, live
bands, oriental bands, bingo and cultural shows. edit
- Forest Villa, 185 B, Rajapihilla Mawatha, ☎ +94 081 2234107, [15]. checkin: 12:00PM; checkout: 12:00 PM. Forest
Villa provides the comfortable amenities of an urban lifestyle. It
offers rooms equipped with bathroom amenities, Welcome pack (water, tea,
coffee or juice) and Coffee/tea maker. Some of its facilities and
services are Restaurant, dining areas, business center, housekeeping and
24-hours back-up power supply. Reservation info@forestvilla.lk USD 35. edit
- Gami Seva Sevana, Office Junction, Galaha (25 Km towards Galaha on Galaha Rd), ☎ 0814920790. Located
just at the foot of the hill of the Nilambe meditation center. One
bungalow with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms one living room and a kitchen at 2
floors. Several simpler rooms. Gami Seva Sevana is a cooperative which
is into organic agriculture and education. Recently it started to rent
out its facilities and also offers a scheme to explore local places and
sights that otherwise wouldn’t likely show up on a tourist radar. From 2000 Rps. edit
- Golden View Rest, Saranankara Rd, ☎ 0094 81 2239418 (goldenview@sltnet.lk). View
on the lake and a part of the city. Hot water and very clean rooms. A/C
and non A/C rooms. The breakfast is not included in the price if not
asked. CAUTION: Beware of the owner’s “free” tuk-tuk scam– your driver
will demand an extortionate sum of money once you arrive at your
destination. Room from 1,500 LKR. edit
- Hill Top Hotel, 200/21, Bahirawakande Peradeniya Rd (about 2 km to the city center), ☎ +94 81 2224162, [16]. Two star hotel. The onsite restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes. edit
- Hunas Falls by Amaya, Elkaduwa (about 26 km away from Kandy), ☎ +94 81 4940320, [17]. The
hotel is in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Hunas Falls. The
hotel has nine superior rooms, 19 deluxe rooms and suites. Room
facilities include a mini bar, satellite TV and IDD telephone. All rooms
are centrally air conditioned. The hotel offers conferencing and
banqueting facilities. edit
- The Kandy Samadhicentre, Kukuloya Rd Narampanawa (passing Digana), ☎ +94 777710013, [18]. Nature resort. Double with hot water B&B US$80. edit
- Mahaweli Reach Hotel, 35, P.B.A. Weerakoon Mawatha (a few minutes away from the city), ☎ +94 81 4472727, [19]. Five star hotel. edit
- McLeod Inn, 65A Rajapihilla Mawatha, ☎ +94 81 222 2832 (mcleod@sltnet.lk). The
couple who run the place are all smiles and very helpful. Rooms are
sparkling clean, comfy beds, en suite with hot and cold water. Some
beautiful views across Kandy from their balcony and from a couple of
rooms, room 6 especially has floor to ceiling windows. No A/C, but you
do not need it. 1,300-1,700 LKR. edit
- Queen’s Hotel, 124 Srimath Kuda Ratwatte Mawatha (in the middle of the city beside the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Kandy Lake), ☎ +94 81 81 2233026 / 81 5627620-4, [20]. One of the oldest hotels in Kandy. Offers ideal geataway spots to watch the Maligawa Perahera (the procession). edit
- Randholee Resort, ☎ +94 81 2217741, [21]. The
panoramic view from this resort is one of the better ones in the area,
decked in Kandyan décor, all rooms do not have its own private balcony
and bathrooms. Best rates on official website start at US$68. edit
- Riverdale Hotel, 32, Aniwatte Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka. edit
- Suisse Hotel, 30, Sangarajah Mawatha (right beside the historic Kandy Lake), ☎ +94 81 81 2233024-5, [22]. Colonial hotel. edit
- Swiss Residence Kandy Hotel, 23 Bahirawakanda Lane (1 km to the city center). 40 rooms. edit
- Hotel Topaz. 77
tastefully furnished A/C rooms with piped music and hot and cold
running water. 40 of them include a TV, a mini bar and bath tubs. edit
- The Tourmaline Hotel, Aniwatte, Kandy (Few miles up Aniwatte road), ☎ +94-817-389000-6, [23]. Four star 29 deluxe room hotel with luxurious comfort to make your stay a royal experience edit
- Tourmaline Hotel, 55, 2nd Lane, Pushpadana Mawatha, ☎ +94 81 4473551-5. The hotel has 29 furnished rooms with modern amenities. edit
[edit] Holiday Bungalows
- Holiday Bungalow, Haragama, Kandy (11km’s on Rajamawatha), ☎ +94-777-426321, [24]. 06 deluxe rooms,Ideal for family holidays who like to stay in a relaxed and peaceful area edit
[edit] Hospitals
List of Major Hospitals and health care centers:
- General Hospital Kandy, ☎ +94 81 2222261. edit
- Teaching Hospital - Peradeniya, ☎ +94 81 2388001. edit
- Suwasewana Hospital, 532, Peradeniya Road Kandy, ☎ +94 81 2222404 (fax: +94 81 4476763). edit
[edit] Consulates
-
India, High Commission of India, No. 31, Rajapihilla Mawatha, PO Box 47, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, ☎ (94) 81 2222652 / 2223786 (fax: (94) (81) 2232479), [25]. edit
[edit] Get out
http://www.seat61.com/SriLanka.htm#.URtQroXleS4
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Train
operator:
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Sri Lanka Government Railways.
www.railway.gov.lk. Also try
www.slrfc.org/sri-lanka-railways-time-table.html,
http://colombofort.com or
www.reddottours.com
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Time zone:
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GMT + 5½ all year.
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Dialling code:
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+94.
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Currency:
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£1 = approx 200 rupees,
$1 = 120 rupees
Currency
converter
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Tourist
information:
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www.srilanka.travel
Find hotels in
Colombo, Kandy & Sri Lanka
Recommended guidebooks
Tripadvisor Sri Lanka page
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Hotels:
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Hotel search in
Sri Lanka
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Visas:
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Until the end of 2011, UK, EU, US, Canadian, Australian & NZ citizens do not need a visa
for up to 30 days, see
Sri Lanka High
Commission website.. However, an online visa will be
required from 1 January 2012, which you can get at
www.eta.gov.lk.
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Page last
updated:
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13 January 2013.
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Sea
travel to Sri Lanka
Ferry service to/from India re-started June 2011, suspended again Dec
2011…
After many years of being cut off from each other, a new ferry service
started between Colombo in Sri Lanka and Tuticorin in India
in June 2011, website
www.flemingoliners.com. The modern cruise
ferry ‘Scotia Prince’ started sailing twice a week in
each direction, leaving at
18:00 and arriving at 08:00 next morning, although
sailing days changed from week to week. All
passengers got a sleeping berth in a cabin, fares ranged
from 2,243 Indian rupees (about £47 or $77) in an economy
class single-berth cabin to 2,760 Indian rupees (£58 or
$95) in a super deluxe single-berth cabin, all fares
included a non-alcoholic ‘welcome aboard’ drink and a
fixed-menu dinner. They had aspirations to make
it a daily service in due course. However, due to
a dispute over money owed to the caterers(!), the ferry
was impounded in December 2011,
and isn’t currently running. The operator isn’t sure when
(or if) it
will resume. A second ferry service, between Rameswaram and Talaimannar
was rumoured to be starting by
the end of 2011, but again no details are available and
nothing seems to have happened. So currently no
ferries at all link India with Sri Lanka.
Train
travel in Sri Lanka
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The view from the train: The view from the morning
train from Kandy to
Colombo. Courtesy of Nicola
David.
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Once in Sri Lanka, trains are a cheap, safe and
enjoyable way to get around. Trains link the major
cities and have several classes:
-
1st class sleeper. 1st class sleeping-berths are available on
a few overnight
trains. The cars have lockable 2-berth
compartments with separate toilet and washbasin.
Bedding is provided.
-
1st class observation car. The 1st class
observation car is highly recommended. It’s available on the best
daytime trains on the amazingly scenic route from
Colombo to Kandy and Badulla. The observation car
is normally at the rear of the train (occasionally
behind the locomotive) and has
comfortable (if slightly grubby) armchairs facing a
large window looking back along the track. Seats
must be reserved before departure. Seats can be
reserved within 10 days of departure, but book early as
the observation car is very popular and gets booked up
fast, especially during school holidays. You can
reserve from outside Sri Lanka via
www.reddottours.com.
-
1st class air-conditioned seats car. Only available
on one or two InterCity Express trains between Colombo &
Vavunia and Colombo & Batticaloa.
-
2nd class seats, available on all trains. These come in several versions,
depending on the train: (1) unreserved seats,
where you buy a ticket, hop on and sit in any available
seat, (2) reserved
seats where you must make a reservation and you get an
allocated seat, and (3) reserved ’sleeperette’ reclining seats
which are available on most overnight trains and recline
to about 45 degrees for sleeping.
2nd class seats are the recommended option on trains with no 1st
class.
-
3rd class seats, available on most trains. These come in several versions,
depending on the train: unreserved seats, reserved
seats, and reserved ’sleeperette’ reclining seats.
3rd class is very basic and gets very crowded, and it is not generally
recommended for visitors.
-
New luxury ExpoRail carriage: Two trains a
day on the Colombo to Kandy & Badulla route now carry a
privately-run deluxe car with special fares, WiFi, power
sockets & inclusive meals, see
www.exporail.lk. A similar air-conditioned private carriage is now running on
other trains on the Colombo to Kandy & Badulla route,
and on the Colombo to Galle & Matara route, see
www.rajadhani.lk.
Train times…
Colombo - Kandy -
Nuwara Eliya - Badulla
Colombo - Galle -
Matara
Colombo - Galoya - Polonnaruwa,
Batticaloa, Trincomalee
Colombo - Kurunegala - Anuradhapura
- Vavunia
The timetables on this page show the principal trains on
the most popular routes. There are many other
trains, stations and rail routes in Sri Lanka,
but
note that trains no longer operate to Jaffna or Talaimannar.
You can
check routes and train times at the new Sri Lanka
Railways website,
www.railway.gov.lk. There is also train
information at
www.slrfc.org/sri-lanka-railways-time-table.html
or
http://colombofort.com
or www.reddottours.com. If you visit Sri
Lanka,
feedback would be appreciated!
You cannot book online*, but it’s easy to buy tickets when you get to Sri Lanka,
there is a special ticket window for tourists in the 1st
& 2nd class advance booking office at the east end of Colombo
Fort station.
Reservations for trains with reserved seating such as
InterCity Express trains open 10-14 days in advance.
Other trains (shown as having ‘unreserved’ seats) don’t
require a reservation, you just buy a ticket on and hop
on. Seats in the 1st class observation car from
Colombo to Kandy can get fully-booked from time to time,
so book a few days ahead if you can, but you may well
find seats available on the day of travel.
If you
really want to pre-book a train before you get
to Sri Lanka, and are prepared to pay a booking fee, try
contacting a local travel agency (and
let me know if
you find a good one!) or even asking your hotel to
arrange tickets for you. If you want to book some
hotels or tours as well as train tickets, reputable
agency
www.reddottours.com will book train tickets for you if you’re
also booking £300 or more of other tours and accommodation with them.
* The special deluxe ExpoRail carriage Colombo-Kandy
can be booked online, at
www.exporail.lk.
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Two
views of Colombo Fort Station.
Photos courtesy of Paul White.
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This scenic train ride is the way to reach Kandy,
121 km by rail from Colombo, or the hill station at
Nuwara Eliya.
The ride onwards to Badulla, into the hill country, is
also wonderful, and probably the best train ride in Sri
Lanka. Travel in the 1st class observation car is
recommended, and if possible on an InterCity Express
train.
Colombo
► Kandy ► Nuwara Eliya ► Badulla
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Km
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Notes:
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3
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O,2,3,R,Lux,Raj*
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ICE,Lux
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2,3,R
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O,2,3,R,Raj**
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Sat, Sun.2,3
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2,3
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ICE,Raj
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Mon-Fri,2,3
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2,3
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Sleeper
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0
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Colombo Fort depart:
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-
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05:55
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07:00
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08:10
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09:45
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08:50
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12:40
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15:35
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16:35
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17:45
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20:00
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115
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Peradeniya Junc. arr/dep:
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-
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08:40
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09:21
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10:30
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12:23
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11:17
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15:47
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17:56
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19:27
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20:46
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23:06
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121
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Kandy arrive:
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-
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09:00
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09:31
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10:38
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11:26
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15:58
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18:06
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19:39
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20:58
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121
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Kandy depart:
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03:30
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09:00
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-
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10:50
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-
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17:00
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-
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-
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-
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173
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Hatton (for Adam’s peak)
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07:07
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11:00
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-
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12:53
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14:30
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-
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19:52
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-
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-
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-
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01:35
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207
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Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)
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09:02
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12:27
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-
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14:00
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15:55
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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03:03
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246
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Haputale arrive:
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11:49
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14:09
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-
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15:34
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17:37
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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04:55
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?
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Elle arrive:
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13:05
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15:07
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-
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16:30
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18:31
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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06:05
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292
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Badulla arrive:
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14:10
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16:00
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-
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17:20
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19:25
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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07:10
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* This train is the PODI MENIKE. **
This train is the UDARATA MENIKE.
How to buy tickets
Hotels
in Sri Lanka
Lux = One or two privately-run ExpoRail air-conditioned
carriages are attached to these trains, with at-seat catering & WiFi
see
www.exporail.lk with online booking available.
See this news article with photos. The special
fare from Colombo to Kandy is 1,200 rupees (£7 or $11),
children aged 3-11 900 rupees. Colombo to Badulla
costs 2,250 rupees, children 1,700 rupees.
Raj = One or two privately-run Rajadhani
Express air-conditioned carriages with reclining leather seats are
attached to these trains. Special fare
Colombo-Kandy 950 rupees (£5.50 or $9), Colombo-Badulla
1,750 rupees, see
www.rajadhani.lk for more info & online booking.
It runs daily on the 15:35 Colombo-Kandy & 06:15
Kandy-Colombo. On the 05:55 Colombo-Badulla &
05:45 Badulla-Colombo it only runs on Tues, Fri, Sun.
On the 08:50 Badulla to Colombo it only runs on Mon,
Wed, Sat. On the 09:45 Colombo to Badulla it only
runs on Mon, Thur, Sat.
ICE = InterCity Express, with 1st class observation car with
reserved seats, 2nd & 3rd class reserved seats.
Sleeper = NIGHT MAIL, 1st class sleepers (2-berth compartments), 2nd & 3rd class reserved
sleeperettes (reclining seats), 2nd & 3rd unreserved seats, buffet
car.
O = 1st class observation car with reserved seats.
2 = unreserved 2nd class seats.
3 = unreserved 3rd class seats.
R = buffet/restaurant car.
You can check train times using the official Sri Lanka
Railways website,
www.railway.gov.lk, but please check all times
locally.
Additional Kandy trains on Saturdays & Sundays: Colombo
depart 08:50, Kandy arrive 11:26; Kandy depart
16:50 & 17:30, Colombo arrive 19:25 & 20:05.
Nuwara Eliya (City of
lights) is a colonial hill station 2,000 metres above
sea level, surrounded by tea plantations It’s easy
to reach by train. The station is Nanu Oya, 6 km
from central Nuwara Eliya, with plenty of taxis and
auto-rickshaws available. It’s also possible to
walk.
Peradeniya Junction
is 6km (3½ miles) from Kandy. Take a taxi or tuk-tuk
here to board
trains for Hatton, Nanu Oya, Elle & Badulla if they don’t call at Kandy.
Badulla ► Nuwara Eliya ► Kandy ► Colombo
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Notes:
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2,3,R
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ICE,Raj
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2,3
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3
|
3
|
O,2,3,R,Raj**
|
ICE,Lux
|
2,3
|
O,2,3,R,Lux,Raj*
|
3
|
2,3,R
|
Sleeper
|
|
Badulla depart:
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
05:45
|
-
|
-
|
08:50
|
10:30
|
11:50
|
18:00
|
|
Elle depart:
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
06:43
|
-
|
-
|
09:47
|
11:35
|
12:40
|
19:07
|
|
Haputale depart:
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
07:48
|
-
|
-
|
10:51
|
14:11
|
13:35
|
20:22
|
|
Nanu Oya (for
Nuwara Eliya)
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
09:35
|
-
|
-
|
12:30
|
16:25
|
15:15
|
22:17
|
|
Hatton (for Adam’s Peak)
dep
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
05:10
|
09:00
|
11:01
|
-
|
-
|
13:55
|
18:20
|
16:29
|
23:43
|
|
Kandy arrive:
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
07:59
|
12:16
|
|
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
22:02
|
18:35
|
02:36
|
|
Kandy depart:
|
05:10
|
06:15
|
06:30
|
-
|
-
|
|
|
15:00
|
15:30
|
|
|
-
|
18:42
|
02:36
|
|
Peradeniya Junction arr/dep
|
05:22
|
06:25
|
06:43
|
-
|
-
|
13:03
|
15:10
|
15:48
|
16:40
|
-
|
18:27
|
02:20
|
|
Colombo Fort arrive:
|
08:17
|
08:52
|
09:47
|
-
|
-
|
15:40
|
17:36
|
18:55
|
19:35
|
-
|
21:27
|
05:17
|
Fares
|
|
One-way adult fares..
|
3rd class
reserved
seat
|
2nd class
reserved
seat
|
1st class
observation car
|
1st class
sleeper
|
|
Colombo-Kandy by InterCity Express
|
Rs.150 (£1/$2)
|
Rs.220 (£1/$2)
|
Rs. 360 (£2/ $3)
|
Rs. 360 (£2/ $3)
|
|
Colombo-Kandy by normal train
|
Rs.105 (50p/$1)
|
Rs.190 (£1/$2)
|
-
|
-
|
|
Colombo-Badulla
|
Rs.270 (£2/$3)
|
Rs.450 (£3/$5)
|
Rs.
750 (£5/ $7)
|
Rs.
750 (£5/ $7)
|
Children under 12 pay half
fare, children under 3 travel free.
Traveller’s reports…
Traveller Antony Smith reports “All the
windows in the 1st observation car opened fully so,
though it was a baking hot day, the carriage was
wonderfully breezy and naturally cooled. And yes there
are only two pairs of seats with uninterrupted views
through the rear observation window, but to be honest
the best views are to the sides anyway rather than back
down the track. And there’s a great child-like
pleasure to be had from sticking your head out of an
open side window, which you can’t do in the seats
directly in front of the rear observation window. I do
agree about not wanting to be locked into a ‘tour bus’
environment with only other tourists for company, but
passengers in the 1st observation car on the day we
travelled were a real mix of Westerners and Sri Lankans.
We took a peek at the ExpoRail ‘luxury’ carriage (which
now also does the train we were on, the 05.55 ‘Podi
Menike’ from Colombo). It is undoubtedly
comfortable, though not luxurious in my opinion, and has
the advantage of online booking and on-board catering.
But it lacked the old-fashioned charm of the 1st
observation car and looked to be a 100% tourist only
experience, mostly tour groups.”
Traveller
Graeme Thorley reports “I thought the observation car to
Kandy was okay although it requires you to travel
backwards (in my case at least) which is not to
everyone’s taste. It also got incredibly hot (36°C
at one point) due to the large window and there were
only a limited number of seats that had a really good
view. Rather irritatingly on my outbound trip two of
these were occupied by people who slept for most of the
trip..! The other point is that the carriage was
occupied almost entirely by Westerners - this might be
considered a good thing but personally I felt it left me
more remote from the travelling experience. On the
train to Anaradhapura several locals stopped to chat,
practise their English, exchange complaints about the
delays etc. I also bumped into one of the families I had
met on the train whilst sightseeing (they recognised me)
and we had another chat. I find that sort of thing an
important part of travelling.”
Traveller Paul White reports “Don’t panic if you
can’t get a ticket for the 1st class air conditioned
trains to Kandy. 2nd class is more than adequate,
but do try & get a window seat. The best side to sit on
for scenery is the right hand side as you face forward
from Colombo to Kandy, as this will give you the best
views once you get past Rambukkana. Do be brave
and try the food on the trains! Many vendors will wander
up and down selling cold drinks, fruit, spicy snacks and
so on at reasonable prices.”
Also see
www.bootsnall.com
for a good account of this trip…
 |
|
 |
|
Above:
Travelling by train in Sri Lanka is a great way to
see the scenery…
|
|
1st class observation car at the rear of the train,
its window looking back along the track.
|
|
The photos above courtesy of
Bill Wood of Massachusetts.
A visit to Bill Woods website,
www.billwood.com, is highly recommended to see
more photos of this journey.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Above:
The Colombo-Kandy 1st class observation car at Colombo Fort.
Photo courtesy of
Graeme Thorley
|
|
Ordinary 2nd class seats on a
Sri Lankan train.
Photo courtesy of Ciao Monteiro
|
 |
|
 |
|
Above:
On the train to Kandy.
Photo
courtesy of Marilyn Le Ruyet
|
|
Looking back along the track from the 1st class
observation car.
Courtesy of Marilyn Le Ruyet
|
A great way to reach the cities of
Galle and Matara, by train along the coast… 2nd class
is the recommended option, as 3rd class gets too crowded. The
Colombo-Galle fare is
only about Rs.65 (£0.50/$1) one-way in 2nd class for the
116 km.
Colombo to Matara is about Rs.90 2nd class.
ENGINEERING WORK NOW OVER!
Until April/May 2012, a temporary bus
service replaced the train for part of the journey, while
track was replaced on much of this route following tsunami
damage. However, it’s now reported that the work has
been completed and trains are running normally again all the
way from Colombo to Galle and Matara.
Colombo
► Galle ► Matara
|
|
Km
|
Notes:
|
2,3,Raj
|
2,3
|
2,3
|
2,3
|
2,3
|
Mon-Fri,
2,3
|
3
|
Mon-Fri,
3
|
Sat, Sun,
3
|
3
|
|
0
|
Colombo Maradana depart:
|
06:30
|
-
|
-
|
14:15
|
15:40
|
16:40
|
17:20
|
17:50
|
17:50
|
18:45
|
|
2
|
Colombo Fort depart:
|
06:55
|
08:35
|
10:30
|
14:25
|
15:50
|
16:45
|
17:25
|
18:00
|
17:55
|
19:30
|
|
116
|
Galle arrive:
|
09:26
|
11:49
|
12:42
|
16:31
|
17:34
|
18:37
|
20:03
|
20:23
|
21:26
|
22:55
|
|
159
|
Matara arrive:
|
10:53
|
11:50
|
13:50
|
17:48
|
18:20
|
19:30
|
-
|
21:33
|
-
|
-
|
There’s
no 1st class on this route. Unless shown
otherwise, trains run every day.
How to buy tickets
Hotels
in Sri Lanka
2 = unreserved 2nd class seats;
3 = unreserved 3rd class seats;
Raj = Daily except Thursdays, a privately-run Rajadhani
Express air-conditioned carriage with reclining leather seats
is
attached to this train. Special fare
Colombo-Matara 990 rupees (£5.50 or $9), see
www.rajadhani.lk for more info & online booking.
You can check train times using the official Sri Lanka
Railways website,
www.railway.gov.lk, but double-check train times
locally.
Matara
► Galle ► Colombo
|
|
Notes:
|
Mon-Fri,
3
|
Sat, Sun
3
|
3
|
Mon-Fri
2,3
|
2,3
|
2,3
|
2,3
|
2.3
|
2,3,Raj
|
|
Matara depart:
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
04:55
|
06:05
|
06:10
|
10:15
|
13:35
|
14:10
|
|
Galle depart:
|
03:40
|
04:15
|
05:00
|
05:50
|
06:55
|
07:25
|
10:55
|
14:45
|
15:30
|
|
Colombo Fort arrive:
|
07:00
|
07:46
|
07:47
|
07:51
|
08:43
|
09:30
|
13:30
|
17:20
|
18:05
|
|
Colombo Maradana arrive:
|
06:58
|
07:35
|
07:48
|
07:57
|
08:49
|
09:36
|
-
|
17:25
|
18:12
|
Fares
|
|
One-way adult fares..
|
3rd class
reserved
seat
|
2nd class
reserved
seat
|
1st class
seat
|
|
Colombo - Matara
|
Rs.130 (£1/$1)
|
Rs.230 (£1/$2)
|
-
|
Children under 12 pay half fare,
children under 3 travel free.
2nd class is recommended on this route, as 3rd class is
too crowded. The Colombo-Trincomalee is 296 km.
Colombo ► Trincomalee,
Batticaloa
|
|
Trincomalee, Batticaloa ► Colombo
|
|
Km
|
Daily:
|
2,3,R
|
2,3
|
Sleeper
|
Sleeper
|
Daily:
|
2,3
|
2,3,R
|
Sleeper
|
Sleeper
|
|
0
|
Colombo Fort depart:
|
06:05
|
(06:05)
|
19:15
|
21:00
|
Trincomalee depart:
|
07:00
|
-
|
19:30
|
-
|
|
227
|
Galoya arrive/depart:
|
11:19
|
15:30
|
00:30
|
02:54
|
Batticaloa depart:
|
|
|
07:15
|
|
|
20:15
|
|
260
|
Polonnaruwa arrive:
|
12:08
|
|
|
01:34
|
|
|
Polonnaruwa depart:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22:25
|
|
350
|
Batticaloa arrive:
|
14:20
|
|
|
04:00
|
|
|
Galoya
depart:
|
08:50
|
10:15
|
21:55
|
23:20
|
|
296
|
Trincomalee arrive:
|
-
|
17:20
|
|
05:10
|
Colombo Fort arrive:
|
(15:25)
|
15:25
|
04:05
|
04:52
|
(06:10) = Depart Colombo 06:10, arrive Galoya 11:19,
change trains, depart Galoya 15:30 for Trincomalee.
(15:25) = Arrive Colombo at 15:25, having changed at
Galoya, arrive 08:50, depart 10:15.
ICE = InterCity Express. On this route ICEs have 2nd & 3rd class reserved seats
& buffet car, plus a first class reserved seat
car.
Sleeper =
1st class sleepers (2-berth compartments), 2nd & 3rd class reserved
sleeperettes (reclining seats), 2nd & 3rd
unreserved seats, buffet car.
You can check train times using the official Sri Lanka
Railways website,
www.railway.gov.lk, but please
double-check all train times locally.
Fares
|
|
One-way adult fares
|
3rd class
reserved
seat
|
2nd class
reserved
seat
|
1st class
sleeper berth
|
|
Colombo-Trincomalee
|
Rs.205 (£1/$2)
|
Rs.370 (£2/$3)
|
Rs. 750 (£5/ $7)
|
|
Colombo-Batticaloa
|
Rs.230 (£2/$2)
|
Rs.420 (£3/$5)
|
Rs. 900 (£6/ $9)
|
|
Colombo-Batticaloa by ICE
|
Rs.320 (£2/$3)
|
Rs.500 (£3/$5)
|
Rs. 900 (£6/ $9)
|
Children under 12 pay half
fare, children under 3 travel free.
Trains link
Colombo with Anuradhapura and Vavunia. However, since
1990 trains no longer operate
as far as Jaffna or Talaimannar Pier (previously the ferry
terminal for India) because of the security problems in that
area.
Colombo ► Vavunia
|
|
Vavunia ► Colombo
|
|
Km
|
Daily:
|
2,3
|
2,3
|
2,3
|
ICE,Lux
|
Sleeper
|
Daily:
|
2,3
|
ICE,Lux
|
2,3
|
2,3
|
Sleeper
|
|
0
|
Colombo Fort depart:
|
05:45
|
06:50
|
13:45
|
16:20
|
22:30
|
Vavunia depart:
|
03:20
|
05:45
|
13:30
|
15:10
|
22:00
|
|
205
|
Anuradhapura arr/dep:
|
09:40
|
10:02
|
18:40
|
20:06
|
03:40
|
Anuradhapura arr/dep:
|
05:00
|
06:40
|
14:35
|
16:00
|
23:30
|
|
254
|
Vavunia arrive:
|
11:21
|
10:50
|
20:11
|
21:16
|
05:08
|
Colombo Fort arrive:
|
10:10
|
10:25
|
18:35
|
19:15
|
04:35
|
Lux = A privately-run luxury ExpoRail air-conditioned
carriage is attached to this train with at-seat catering
& WiFi,
see
www.exporail.lk with online booking available. The special
fare is around 1,600 rupees one-way (£10 or $16).
ICE = InterCity Express. On this route ICEs have 2nd & 3rd class reserved seats
& buffet car. The 16:20 from Colombo & the 05:45
from Vavunia also have a 1st class air-conditioned car
with reserved seats.
Sleeper = NIGHT MAIL, with 1st class sleepers (2-berth compartments), 2nd & 3rd class reserved
sleeperettes (reclining seats), 2nd & 3rd unreserved seats, buffet.
1 = 1st class air-conditioned seats car with reserved seats;
2 = unreserved 2nd class seats;
3 = unreserved 3rd class seats;
R = buffet/restaurant car;
You can check train times using the official Sri Lanka
Railways website,
www.railway.gov.lk.
How to buy tickets
Hotels
in Sri Lanka
Sponsored links…
Multi-website hotel search…
|
|
◄◄◄◄ Search all the
main hotel booking sites at once…
I’m a big fan of
www.hotelscombined.com
as it checks all the main hotel booking sites (Opodo, Expedia,
Booking.com, Hotels.com, AsiaRooms, LateRooms etc.) to find the widest choice of hotels
& the cheapest rates. Try it and see!
|
Other hotel sites worth trying…
-
www.tripadvisor.com
is the place to find independent travellers’ reviews of all
the main hotels.
-
www.booking.com is my own preferred hotel booking
system (Hotels Combined being a search/comparison
system). It has a simple interface, a good
selection in most countries worldwide, useful online
customer reviews of each hotel, and decent prices,
usually shown inclusive of unavoidable extras such as
taxes (a pet hate of mine is systems that show one
price, then charge you another!).
Backpacker
hostels…
Use the Skyscanner search tool
to compare flight prices & routes
worldwide across 600 airlines…
Recommended
guidebooks…
To get the best from Sri Lanka, you’ll need a good guidebook.
For independent travellers, the best guides are probably either the
Rough Guides or Lonely Planets.
Buy
Rough Guide to Sri Lanka online at Amazon.co.uk
Travel
insurance
Get travel insurance, it’s essential…
Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable
insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover. It should also cover
cancellation and loss of cash (up to a limit) and belongings.
An annual
multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip
policies even for just 2 or 3 trips
a year (I have an annual policy myself). Here are some suggested insurers.
Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these
links.
In
the UK, try
Columbus Direct or use
Confused.com to compare prices & policies from many
different insurers.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over 65
(no age limit), see
www.JustTravelCover.com.
If
you’re resident in
Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or the EU, try
Columbus Direct’s other websites.
If you’re resident in the USA or Canada, try
Travel Guard USA.
Get a spare credit card, designed for foreign travel with no currency
exchange loading & low or no ATM fees…
It costs nothing to take out an extra credit card.
If you keep it in a different part of your luggage so you’re
not left stranded if
your wallet gets stolen, this is a form of extra travel insurance in itself. In addition,
some credit cards are significantly better for
overseas travel than others. Martin Lewis’s
www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money
explains which UK credit cards have the lowest currency
exchange commission loadings when you buy something
overseas, and the lowest cash withdrawal fees when you use
an ATM abroad. Taking this advice can save you quite a
lot on each trip compared to using your normal high-street
bank credit card!
You can avoid ATM charges and expensive exchange rates with a
Caxton FX euro currency Visa Card, or their
multi-currency ‘Global Traveller’ Visa Card, see
www.caxtonfx.com for info.
Get an international SIM card…
Mobile phones can cost a fortune to use abroad, and if you’re
not careful you can return home to find some huge bills
waiting for you. I’ve known people run up a £1,000 bill
in data charges just by leaving their iPhone connected during a
simple trip to Europe. However, if you
buy a global SIM card for your mobile phone from a company
such as
www.Go-Sim.com you can slash the cost by up to 85% and
limit any damage to the amount you have pre-paid. It
cuts call costs in 175 countries worldwide,
and you can receive incoming calls and texts for free in 75 countries. It’s pay-as-you-go, so no nasty bills
when you get home. It also works for laptop or PDA data
access. A Go-Sim account and any credit on it doesn’t
expire if it’s not between trips, unlike some
others, so a Go-Sim phone number becomes your ‘global phone
number’ for life.
011-2581758
Ahangama Ananda Ven Thero
50 Fredrica Road, Colombo 06
Phone : (+94)(011)2581758
Below is a picture taken in 2008 in Sri Lanka. The monk in the picture
saved those cows from slaughter. And after he saved their lives, this
was what one grateful cow did.
Ven. Porwagama Somalankara
Nayaka Thero.
Ven. P.
Somalankara Nayaka Thero.
Sri Wardanarama Purana Viharaya
Porawagama,
Elpitiya.
Sri Lanka.
Tel : 0094-91 3783802
0094-91 7913524
0094-716648703
On the
Restoration of Bhikkhuni Order (1)
Selected articles
[1] The revival and survival of Buddhist nuns.
Ven Bhikkhuni Gotami.
[2]
A path less travelled. Atiya Achakulwisut
[3]
Her holiness. Atiya Achakulwisut.
[4]
A nun’s life has limited appeal. Sanitsuda
Ekachai.
[5]
The Dhammananda controversy. Sanitsuda Ekachai.
[6]
Women in Buddhism: Planting the Seed of Peace.
Aree Chaisatien.
[7]
A New Dawn for Women’s Rights. Hsi Lai Temple,
California, USA
[8]
Revival of the Bhikkhuni Order in Sri Lanka.
D. Amarasiri Weeraratne.
[9]
Women’s Ordination. Bhikkhu Punnadhammo.
|
02/13/13
Filed under:
General
Posted by:
site admin @ 3:52 am
14213 THURSDAY LESSON 834-SOUTH INDIA CONFERENCE held on 10-02-2013 at Palace Grounds B’lore Full set with Employees- CARAVAN is on the move after 10/2 speech of Ms Mayawatiji and Satish Chandra Mishraji followed by Marasandra Muniappa, Mavalli Shanker, Baragur Ramachandra and BSR representative’s united discussion on Janshree TV to capture the MASTER KEY for peace, welfare and happiness of the Entire People by way of propagation among the masses to educate them not to sell the votes to the virodhis (enimies) of the poor. To be alert on the tampering of the Electronic Voting machines by demanding the source code of the program software to be made public. Convincing the people at the booth level by all the leaders willing to be their representative against muscle and money power.
Napolean said that ” I can face two battalions but not two scribes’
It appears now that the following fourth estate is becoming first estate:
Dr Ambedkar’s Buddha painting with open eye at Chicholi
,
DINASUDAR
Sanjevani,
Press Trust of India,
UNI,
ibnlive,
ndtv.
All the other media will follow suite in the larger interest of common man.
02/12/13
Filed under:
General
Posted by:
site admin @ 9:54 pm
13213 WEDNESDAY LESSON 833 - Many many Thanks.
We thank you for attending BSP South India Conference on 10th Feb 2013 and also Media for reporting this event in their esteemed news paper. We look forward for the same cooperation in future also.
Marasandra Muniappa,
BSP State President
Message sent by R.Muniappa
Jaibheem Sir,
Thanks for your SMS. Always we support our party BSP . You are most welcome for making the Conference a grand success.
S. Manivannan
State Vice-President TN BSP
http://ibnlive.in.com/newstopics/BSP.html
Bangalore: BSP supremo Mayawati on Sunday alleged that the “failure” of
Congress to alleviate poverty and unemployment among the SCs, STs and
OBCs has driven many to Naxalism. “Despite ruling the nation for maximum
number of years since Independence, Congress has failed to alleviate
poverty and unemployment among the SCs, STs and the OBCs, resulting in
many of them becoming Naxalites or taking the wrong path,” she told
BSP’s South Zone convention in Bangalore.
The former Uttar
Pradesh chief minister said, the Congress has not been able to bring
about any change in the “societal or financial status” of these
sections. Blaming Congress for playing in the hands of corporates, she
said, tribals were being dislocated from their traditional dwellings in
forest, their lands encroached upon and sold to big business houses “for
a song”.
“Instead of appeasing the corporate houses, the
government should evolve policies benefitting the common man,” she said.
She also accused the Congress of “destroying” reservations provided to
the SCs, STs and BCs under the Constitution. Inclusion of other castes
under the reservation quota has diluted this provision, she claimed.
Noting that the BSP was concerned about the poor among upper castes and
religious minorities, she said, the Centre has also not responded to
their pleas for reservation. Mayawati said, “wrong policies” of the
Congress and the BJP during their respective rules have led to the
present state of affairs in the country, including rise in corruption.
Urging upon party #mayawati #bsp
http://www.ndtv.com/topic/bsp/news
Bangalore: Bahujan
Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati today alleged that the “failure” of
Congress to alleviate poverty and unemployment among the SCs, STs and
OBCs has driven many to Naxalism.
“Despite ruling the nation for
maximum number of years since Independence, Congress has failed to
alleviate poverty and unemployment among the SCs, STs and the OBCs,
resulting in many of them becoming Naxalites or taking the wrong path,”
she told BSP’s South Zone convention here.
The former Uttar
Pradesh chief minister said, the Congress has not been able to bring
about any change in the “societal or financial status” of these
sections.
Blaming Congress for playing in the hands of
corporates, she said, tribals were being dislocated from their
traditional dwellings in forest, their lands encroached upon and sold to
big business houses “for a song”.
“Instead of appeasing the corporate houses, the government should evolve policies benefitting the common man,” she said.
She
also accused the Congress of “destroying” reservations provided to the
SCs, STs and BCs under the Constitution. Inclusion of other castes under
the reservation quota has diluted this provision, she claimed.
Noting
that the BSP was concerned about the poor among upper castes and
religious minorities, she said, the Centre has also not responded to
their pleas for reservation. Mayawati said, “wrong policies” of the
Congress and the BJP during their respective rules have led to the
present state of affairs in the country, including rise in corruption.
Urging
upon party workers to unite and bring the BSP to power at the Centre
and in the states, “which is necessary for the overall development of
not only the SCs, STs and the OBCs, but also religious minorities and
the poor in upper castes,” Mayawati also supported the demand for a
separate Telangana state.
02/11/13
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Posted by:
site admin @ 10:07 pm
12213 TUESDAY LESSON 832
The revival and survival of
Buddhist nuns
Ven Bhikkhuni Gotami
(Dr Prem Suksawat)
Bangkok Post, 18
February 2001
Making their dreams come true seems all but impossible
for Buddhist nuns, particularly those in the Theravada tradition. After some
women gain experience practising and studying the dhamma, they wish to be
ordained as bhikkhunis (Buddhist nuns). They search for a teacher who will
be able to teach and guide their practice, as well as for a place where they
can be prepared for the future. Many move from place to place, experiencing
great disappointment because they do not receive what they are looking for.
They encounter new traditions,
new languages for chanting, different English dialects and lifestyles. I
remember how an American friend of mine spent about two years with a dhamma
teacher from Asia, and how her friends complained that she was no longer
speaking English. I admired her courage to explore the Buddha’s path, even
though the language and the culture were unfamiliar to her. Being a Western
woman, she was taught to express her opinion, to do what she likes, to be
brave, assertive and individualised. Many Western men, though, still think
men are superior.
As for Asians, teachers may
relax some customs to help such students, but lay supporters and others may
not be as helpful. Asian women who seek ordination also run into
difficulties. For example, there are men who have never seen a bhikkhuni or
who have little or no knowledge of bhikkhuni issues. They think it is wrong
for women to be bhikkhunis. The more that women move about, the greater is
their pool of knowledge and experience - and the keener their
disappointment.
One bhikkhuni I know is a very
highly educated, professional woman, very successful and well known in her
profession and community. She is honest, friendly, patient and down to
earth. She is well accepted by people who interact with her. When she
realised that she really wanted to be a bhikkhuni, a disciple of the Buddha,
she studied, practised and explored ways to achieve this goal.
We don’t always get what we
want, though. Sometimes we have good jobs but no place to study Buddhism as
we would want. And most of the time, women must have a job in order to have
the funds to find an appropriate Buddhist study centre.
Anyway, this bhikkhuni moved
from one dhamma centre to another, from temple to temple, and even from one
ashram to another. She did this because she discovered that either she was
having to spend money to support the business (of that temple or ashram) or
that she had to work so as to have money to demonstrate her gratitude to a
teacher or a place. My friend was ordained and is now waiting for a higher
ordination. Like other Western bhikkhunis, she is struggling to find a place
to live and resources to live on. Almost all her savings have been spent on
shelter and health insurance.
She has difficulty finding
support even within her own sect. When she was told she must be in a temple
for a few years to prepare herself for ordination as a novice, she asked why
so many men were ordained as monks without any preparation at all. When they
wish to become monks, they merely arrange the date and time. They celebrate
the announcement of their ordination as if it were a wedding ceremony.
Some cannot even recite homage
to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Some are drunk and almost unable to repeat
the precepts during their ordination. After ordination these monks stay in a
temple where everything is prepared for them. We never see any monk who has
to a rent place to stay, as bhikkhunis must do. There are always temples for
them.
Things are not the same as they
were 2,500 years ago - things and beings have changed. New innovations and
technology have become a part of daily life. Should we tell monks to stop
using cars, aeroplanes and computers, reading newspapers, answering
telephone calls, watching television and so on and so forth? If some of the
Vinaya or discipline has been relaxed in order to suit life in this century,
shouldn’t it also be relaxed as regards women who want to be ordained as
bhikkhunis?
The Buddha allowed women to be
ordained because he believed that gender was not a factor in enlightenment.
In addition, it appears that
women don’t receive emotional support before their ordination or while
working to meet their wishes. However, since they work very hard for their
goals, they pursue the ordination and still insist on higher ordination. In
this world, things seem to be unfair for people who are honest and have good
intentions. Some of those people are self-made individuals, humble and
ashamed to ask for assistance. They think that if they have difficulties,
others may have the same problems.
They believe that if they wait,
one day some people will be able to help them. If those people were
dishonest, they would do anything to gain personal benefits such as using
the robe to ask for donations or taking advantage of kind lay Buddhist
supporters. However, they have ‘Hiri Otappa, shame and fear of doing worng.”
As usual, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Therefore, people seem to neglect
their needs In this case, I can understand the situation, because when we
look at the world “Revival” it means that you have to start from scratch. A
revival means we have to start over, and that is what Buddhist nuns must do.
The bhikkhuni order in
Theravada Tradition died out almost 800 years ago. Fortunately, in December
of 1996, the Sri Lankan Sangha conducted the first “Restoration of the
Theravada Bhikkhuni Order”. There have been other bhikkhunis ordained in
other traditions, such as the Mahayana in Asia, and later in the US and
other Western countries.
Teachers must find a place for
newly-ordained women to live, study and practise in a safe, appropriate
environment. However, sometimes, side tracks cause their plans to fail.
Nuns, though, have difficulty finding such places, as well as female
teachers who can counsel younger nuns, and resources to support and provide
security for practitioners. The students who don the saffron robes are no
longer able to work.
Thus having a Bhikkhuni Vihara,
or a centre for Buddhist nuns is in the best interests of women who wish to
study Buddhism, and will also be helpful to working women and young women
who wish to explore whether the Buddha’s path is right for them.It can also
be a place for girls and boys to learn to respect and accept their mothers,
grandmothers, aunts and other females.
It is not easy for many
educated women to give up a luxurious life and turn to a nunnery-not unless
they really want to practice dhamma correctly. Finding a place where they
can meditate regularly takes a lot of time, energy, emotion and money. Think
about those who try to understand the Dhamma in Pali, Sanskrit, or English.
Although it is not easy to acquire the concepts they study and spend time
for this diligently. They learn to let go of worldly life style and worldly
habit even before they decide to live in a temple for a few years to assure
that they really want to be bhikkhunis.
There is a saying, “We don’t
get anything for free.” Some meditators work very hard just to save money
for a 10-day retreat. Although some meditation centres do not charge for
anything, many people have to travel a long way to get to them. For women
who would like to live the Buddha’s path, it can be far more difficult. I
give such women credit for their good intentions, courage and the effort
they make in enduring all the obstacles they encounter.
Although they have decided to
“go forth into homelessness”, this should not mean that they have to live
under bridges, or in train stations or on mountains. If we can help them to
use their saving just for basic needs, it would promote Buddhism,
particularly “Bhikkhuni Revival.” These Bhikkhunis will have less
difficulties, tension, frustration and anxiety and able to practice Dhamma
correctly. I strongly believe that if they don’t use their savnigs for
themselves, it will be donated to the temple where they belong to.
If they don’t realise that they
cannot take anything with them when they die, I think these women would
rather enjoy themselves with luxurious things in a worldly lifestyle instead
of having a few set of robes, eating only two meals a day and cut off from
the temptations in the community. The revival of female ordinations -
“Bhikkhuni Revival” - will not succeed if the women cannot “survive” both
during the training for ordination, and after the ordination itself. How
many women would succeed, like the late Ven Bhikkhuni Khema, who helped
propagate Buddhism in many countries, if only given the chance?
The Buddha taught that the us
“Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati, the gift of truth, or dhamma, excels all
other gifts”. On behalf of all women who seek Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha for
refuge, I thank all lay supporters and our friends of Buddhist for their
generosity and concern about this issue. A bhikkhuni Vihara or a Centre
centre will allow women, nuns or otherwise, to study, practise and promote
Buddhism correctly and appropriately. There is an ancient saying: “Children
will turn out according to the way their parents raise them.” I have high
confidence that your support will be rewarded with Dhamma Seeds for the
future. [^]
* Inquiries and donations
for a bhikkhuni centre can be sent to Ven Bhikkhuni Gotami (Dr Prem
Suksawat), PO Box 58, Muang district, Nakhon Pathom 73000
Source: The Bangkok Post, http://www.bangkokpost.net/
-[2]-
A path
less travelled
Atiya Achakulwisut
Bangkok Post, 17
April 2001
The ordination of prominent
Buddhist scholar Dr Chatsumarn Kabilsingh early this year promises a
resurgence of religious women in Buddhism, if Thai society will come forward
and support it
For Dhammananda, bhikkhuni
ordination is a best way for women to carry on the Buddha’s spiritual
heritage. Her ordination also epitomises an increasing demand for full
participation of women in Buddhism — a worldwide movement which she insists
Thailand can’t simply reject.
The earth didn’t shake. But when former Thammasat
lecturer and leading Buddhist scholar Dr Chatsumarn Kabilsingh took the
lifetime vow during her ordination to become a bhikkhuni (female monk) in
Sri Lanka early this year, it was momentous in the development of Buddhism
in Thailand.
Dr Chatsumarn, who received the ordained
name of Dhammananda, now assumes the status of a Theravada samaneri
(novice). Within two years, if she maintains the novice’s six rules (the
five Buddhist precepts plus the prohibition on eating after noon),
Dhammananda can apply to be ordained as a bhikkhuni.
By committing herself to the sacred status
of female Buddhists, which unfortunately has yet to be recognised by Thai
law, Dhammananda is paving the way for women interested in realising the
Buddha within themselves.
Until now, the only road open to women who
wish to develop their spirituality is to become a mae chi (nun). Although
the precept-holder standing allows a monastic lifestyle, generally it is not
considered a serious platform for Dhamma study.
On a more personal basis, Dr Chatsumarn’s
entrance into the monkhood attests to a spiritual continuation from one
generation to the next. Her mother, Mrs Voramai, is the first Thai bhikkhuni
with full ordination. Voramai, known among her many followers as Luang Ya
(Grandmother monk) is now 93. She has been sick recently and spends most of
the time in bed
“After (my) ordination, I went in to see
her. I asked her what she thought of it. She simply stroked my face, playing
with my head as if to confirm that it really was shaved. After a while, she
let me go as she always did. Since I have worn the holy robes, however, she
wais to me,” Dhammananda said.
Luang Ya sponsored the construction of Wat
Songdharmakalayani in Nakhon Pathom province, where Dhammananda now resides.
A leading Buddhist scholar, Dhammananda has had a distinguished career. With
a Ph.D in Buddhism from Magadh University in India, she taught Buddhist
philosophy at Thammasat University and Maha Chula Sangha University.
She has published many books about Buddhism,
both in Thai and English and is a regular speaker at international
conferences. She was also a founder and former director of Thammasat
University’s Indian Studies Centre.
Academically, Dhammananda is more than
accomplished in Buddhist study. But the real reason she decided to enter the
monkhood was her boredom with secular existence. The world, she said, just
turned her off.
“I grew up in religious surroundings and in
fact, I was quite confident I would be ordained one day. But the real
calling came about two years ago. What I used to care and work for, the
personal glory or success, does not mean anything to me anymore. I have been
quite successful in my profession. I have been to many places. I have seen
the world. I thought it was time to devote my life to the service of
Buddhism.”
Dhammananda, who is 57 now, thought she
would be too old if she waited until her retirement to embark upon the
religious path. She sought early retirement and started preparing herself
for the transition.
One of the first things she did was file for
a divorce.
“My husband had known before we were married
that I would follow the Buddha’s way one day. Now that my children have
grown up and settled down well, my job is done. I have no concern left.” For
Dhammananda, what was more difficult was to choose where to be ordained.
The bhikkhuni ordination requires dual
ordinations by both the bhikkhuni and bhikkhu sangha (monks council). Since
Thailand has never established a bhikkhuni sangha, the ordination is
impossible here.
There are a few other Asian countries with
an active bhikkhuni sangha, however. Taiwan, Dhammananda noted, has always
been the strongest advocate for women. The bhikkhuni order there is very
well-established and actively engaged in both academic and social welfare
activities.
Even the Taiwanese supreme patriarch
remarked that: “Buddhist education in this country is in the hands of
bhikkhunis.” Dhammananda’s own mother was ordained there in the Dharmagupta
lineage in 1971.
Some people reject the bhikkhuni ordination
from the Taiwanese lineage on the grounds that the lineage belongs to the
Mahayana Tradition. Dhammananda explained that this belief is unfounded
because the Dharmagupta lineage is in fact a sub-branch of Theravada
Buddhism.
Historically speaking, the bhikkhunis who
revived the ordination of women in China came from the Theravada Tradition
in Sri Lanka. A devout follower of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dhammananda
herself was more interested in the Tibetan lineage. But Tibetan ordination
is available only at the novice level.
Although the Dalai Lama suggested she could
seek a higher ordination in the existing Chinese lineage in Taiwan or Hong
Kong, as many women who joined the Tibetan lineage do, Dhammananda hesitated
to do so.
Fortunately, Sri Lanka began to revive its
bhikkhuni ordination. In 1996, the Korean bhikkhu sangha hosted an
ordination of 10 Sri Lankan precept-holders. Two years later, the Sri Lankan
sangha, led by Ven Sumangala from the Siam Sect, began to give ordinations
to women. According to Dhammananda, the revival of bhikkhuni order in Sri
Lanka is a turning point in Buddhist history.
It was the Sri Lankan bhikkhuni who
travelled to India and established the bhikkhuni order in China. The lineage
still continues until today but in the Mahayana tradition. When Sri Lanka
wanted to revive the long-defunct Theravada bhikkhuni order, the Mahayana
bhikkhunis returned to start the fire back where it began, making it
possible for women in Theravada Buddhist countries to be ordained once
again.
Sri Lanka is the only Theravada Buddhist
country with a history of bhikkhuni ordination. “So when it is revived on
that soil, it takes root,” she said, adding there are more than 200
bhikkhunis in Sri Lanka at present.
In April last year, she flew to Taiwan to
receive the lay bodhisattva precepts as a way to formulate her mind. She
became a vegetarian soon after. The last secular job she did as Dr
Chatsumarn Kabilsingh was to be an emcee for a Buddhist fellowship
conference. “I still got dressed up and wore make-up at that time,” she
noted.
On the first full moon night of the first
month of the year, she took the eight precepts. She stopped decorating
herself and having dinner after that.
On February 6, one day before the Buddhist’s
holy Makhapuja Day, Dr Chatsumarn had her head shaved and received
ordination as a Theravadan samaneri.
“For me, the most important preparation
before the ordination was to understand the importance of bhikkhunis and to
prepare my mind. Unlike the smooth path of male ordination, being a
bhikkhuni is to walk against the tide. If my spiritual foundation is not
solid enough, I might become distracted or unhappy when faced with
resistance. And if I lose my calmness, it would defeat the whole purpose of
my ordination.
“I do not choose to be ordained because I
want people to recognise me. I did it because I want to carry on the
heritage of the Lord Buddha. I am trying to revive the four pillars of
Buddhism-bhikkus, bhikkhunis, laymen and laywomen-that will sustain the
religion into the future. I don’t mind if some people reserve different
opinions about bhikkhunis. The public will be the ones to judge our worth.”
Dhammananda added that there were two ideals
she strove towards but could never accomplish before the ordination. The
first one was to stop eating meat. “As a Buddhist, I received the first
precept of ‘do not kill’. Still, I ate what other people killed and I could
tell that meat was more delicious than vegetables,” she said. The second was
to lead a celibate life. “Celibacy is a blissful state. It improves
meditation and spiritual development. I only achieved this after taking the
bodhisattva precepts.”
Now on the monastic path, there are
immediate transformations. The first she noticed was physical, related to
the new eating habits. “Before, I consumed for my own pleasure. But now, I
eat whatever is offered to me. I eat merely to sustain my life. There is no
more question whether I like it or not,” Dhammananda explained.
“Also, I was an academic by nature. I
considered talking to people a waste of time. I would rather shut myself in,
reading and researching. But now that I am a monk, I listen to everything
visitors have to discuss, be it their illnesses or their conflicts with
relatives. I have discovered that most people don’t need a tangible
solution, they just need someone to listen.
“The changes are sudden and full. It is so
clear to me that a monk must serve other people, not his or her self. Even
the robes we wear,” she touched her brick-coloured robes, “are strictly
practical, not aesthetic.” Dhammananda has two sets of long-sleeve shirt and
robes and she thinks the austere uniform is a wonderful creation.
“With basically nothing to choose from, the
mind is less concerned. The only thing I have to consider is if one set of
robes is wet, the other must be dry. This frees my mind from distractions. I
always think what an amazing thing these robes are,” Dhammananda said, with
a smile.
In terms of reaction from the people around
her, Dhammananda said they can be split into two groups. The first group
consists of admirers who are overjoyed at seeing a woman in religious robes.
The other are those who simply don’t know how to react or interact with her.
To a certain extent, these small-circle
reactions reflect trends in the outside world. On the one side, bhikkhuni
ordination is praised as a means to empower women in Buddhism-to return to
them the previously denied access to enlightenment.
On the other side, it is viewed by some
scholars as further adding to the already problematic power structure of the
sangha. Dhammananda is aware of the criticism.
“Bhikkhuni ordination is an option that is
simply not available for Buddhist women in Thailand. The door is closed. The
lock is rusted. And the key is lost. Internationally, however, the demand
for full participation of women is very strong. It is a worldwide movement
and Thailand can’t reject it,” Dhammananda said
If the Thai sangha is far-sighted enough, it
should take this matter into its own hands instead of allowing women to seek
an ordination by themselves. Bhikkhunis are potential human resources that
could strengthen many aspects of the sangha’s mission.
As for her plan for the future, Dhammananda
said that apart from running Wat Songdharmakalani and Baan Santi Rak for
unwed mothers and discussing dhamma with visitors, she is learning every
aspect of her ordained life and trying to understand it as completely as
possible.
As a novice, she is required to study Dhamma
with her preceptor for two years. Since the preceptor is in Sri Lanka, she
does it via the Internet. Building a religious community for women is next
on her agenda.
“I would be satisfied if I could serve as a
refuge for women. I am not aiming at a big market. I don’t think Thai women
will rise up and get ordained en masse. A monastic path is not a comfortable
lifestyle. I am thinking of a small religious community which helps women
develop their own spirituality and contribute something to society.
“I know there is some resistance out there.
It is not my intention to stick out and provoke anybody. I will try to
honour everyone. I will try to be a supatipanno, to be a female monk with
good conduct. Time will tell. If society believes this is a worthy role,
then people will support it and consider it another alternative for women.”
Getting there
What is the status of bhikkhuni in
Thailand?
The attempt to introduce the bhikkhuni
sangha to Thailand dates back to 1927. During that time, politician and
progressive social critic Narin Bhasit, commonly known as Narin Klueng, was
critical of the laxity of the sangha.
He, then, challenged the institution by
having his two daughters, Sara and Chongdi, ordained as bhikkhunis. Narin
also donated a piece of land and had Wat Nariwong built as a residence for
bhikkhunis. The sangha and state authorities opposed his initiative. His
daughters, along with seven or eight bhikkhunis at Wat Nariwong, were
ordered to be disrobed. The two bhikkhunis resisted. They were put in jail
and physically had the robes removed from them.
The incident prompted the Sangha Supreme
Council to pass an order forbidding any monks to give bhikkhuni, samaneri or
sikkhamana (a female novice during a two-year training before receiving a
bhikkhuni ordination) ordination to women in 1928. The rule still exists.
Dhammananda, however, argues that the order
contradicts Article 5 of the Constitution, which stipulates that Thai
people, regardless of their origin, gender, or religion, are entitled to
equal protection under the Constitution.
“I consulted some judges and they said there
is no need to nullify the order because any law that is in conflict with the
highest law of the land is automatically null and void. The reason this rule
remains is because nobody has ever challenged it. That means the validity of
this order has never been questioned or re-examined,” the samaneri
explained.
Is gender a factor in enlightenment
according to the Buddha?
Some people have lingering doubts about
the Buddha’s acceptance of women because when Queen Maha Pajapati, the
Buddha’s aunt and stepmother, asked for his permission to be ordained, the
Buddha refused. But Queen Maha Pajapati did not give up. She, along with 500
Sakya women, shaved their heads, donned the saffron robes and followed the
Buddha on foot.
Ananda, the Buddha’s personal attendant,
found them waiting at the entrance, covered with dust, in torn robes and
bleeding feet. He learned of their dilemma and approached the Buddha on
their behalf. Again, the Buddha forbade Ananda, telling him: “Please, do not
ask so.”
Ananda persisted in an attempt to understand
the Buddha’s refusal. He asked whether it was because women were not capable
of spiritual enlightenment that religious life is available only to men. To
this, Buddha made it clear that both men and women have the same potential
to reach Nirvana.
He, then, allowed the women to be ordained.
The Buddha’s statement broke new ground because during that time, according
to Hindu beliefs, a woman could reach salvation only through bhakti
(devotion) to her husband. A woman was not permitted to read nor recite the
Vedas, the Hindu’s sacred text, nor was she allowed to lead a religious
life.
What are the requirements for bhikkhuni
ordination?
Bhikkhuni ordination requires dual
ordinations, one in the presence of a minimum of five bhikkhunis and the
other in the presence of a minimum of five bhikkhus. A woman who requests a
bhikkhuni ordination must be at least 20 years of age, having permission
from her parents and have no illness that will pose an obstacle to leading
an ordained life. She must have completed a two-year training as a
sikkhamana and be able to obtain basic material requirements, such as a bowl
and robes.
During the training period, the sikkhamana
must observe six anudharmas without transgression. If she violates any of
the precepts, she has to start all over again. [^]
- Based on excerpts from Women in
Buddhism: Questions and Answers, by Chatsumarn Kabilsingh, Faculty of
Liberal Arts, Thammasat University, 1998.
Source: The Bangkok Post, http://www.bangkokpost.net/
-[3]-
Her
holiness
Atiya Achakulwisutu
Bangkok Post, 30
May 2001
A fervent debate has
erupted in the wake of the ordination of Buddhist scholar Dr Chatsumarn
Kabilsingh as a novice monk. The controversy has generated a lot of heat-but
little light and, as yet, no solution.
Those who study the Tripitaka, the Buddhist
scriptures, know that the path to becoming a bhikkhuni (female monk) is not
a smooth, easy one. The circumstances surrounding the ordination of the
first bhikkhuni, Queen Maha Pajapati, the Buddha’s foster mother, is a case
in point.
Maha Pajapati and the 500 Sakyan women she
led had to walk until their robes were torn and their feet were bleeding to
catch up with the Buddha to ask for ordination. Even so, when Ananda, the
Buddha’s cousin and personal attendant, approached the Buddha on their
behalf, the Buddha turned down Maha Pajapati’s request as he had done
several times before.
It was only when Ananda asked him whether
his refusal was because women were not capable of achieving spiritual
enlightenment that the Buddha made it clear that men and women had equal
spiritual potential, and allowed the women to be ordained on condition they
accepted the Eight Garudharmas. (See The Eight Garudharmas.)
More than 2,500 years have passed, and yet
the difficulty facing women who wish to follow the Buddha’s path has not
lessened with the passing of time. Currently, it is not the Buddha’s
permission that matters, but interpretation of his rules.
To a certain extent, Buddhist scholar Dr
Chatsumarn Kabilsingh had expected some resistance when she decided to be
ordained as a Theravadan samaneri (novice female monk) in Sri Lanka earlier
this year. After all, Thailand has never had a bhikkhuni sangha (order of
nuns). Thai law prohibits monks from ordaining women as samaneri or
bhikkhunis.
The backlash from senior monks over Dr
Chatsumarn’s ordination has been daunting, while the Sangha Supreme Council
has been silent.
Dr Chatsumarn, who received the ordained
name of Dhammananda, has explained that the surviving bhikkhuni sangha in
China, which helped revive the Sri Lankan lineage where she received
ordination, was established by bhikkhunis from the Theravada tradition.
Despite this explanation, the Council has kept quiet.
A few senior monks, however, have come out
to voice dissent. Reaction has ranged from a lukewarm, wait-and-see attitude
to completely denying the possibility of having a bhikkhuni sangha in
Thailand. The bhikkhuni lineage in the Theravada tradition was terminated a
long time ago, some say. There is no need to further investigate or
reinterpret existing rules to accommodate the demands of women who wish to
lead a religious life. End of conversation. “The bhikkhuni ordination
requires a dual ordination from both the bhikkhu and bhikkhuni sangha”
(according to the Vinaya, or monastic prohibitions and allowances, a set of
rules devised by the Buddha).
Since there is no bhikkhuni in Thailand, the
ordination is simply impossible.
“If we allow women to be ordained as
bhikkhunis and to establish their own monasteries, they can be attacked,
even raped. Such a thing will weaken Buddhism,” Phra Dhepdilok, deputy abbot
of Wat Bovornives, reportedly said.
Ironically, Phra Dhepdilok is the author of
the book, The History of Bhikkhunis, which explains how many bhikkhunis
excelled in the study of dhamma and helped promote Buddhism during the time
of Buddha. The book is used as a supplementary text on Buddhism and ethics
for high school students.
Many Buddhist scholars disagree with the
Council’s citing of the Vinaya as a barrier against female ordination.
Dr Tavivat Puntarigvivat, chairman of the
Comparative Religions Graduate Programme at Mahidol University, argued that
the most important thing in this case was the Buddha’s permission for women
to be ordained as bhikkhunis. Besides, the bhikkhuni sangha prospered for
more than a thousand years, both in India and Sri Lanka. During the 10th and
11th centuries, Buddhism in India was eclipsed by Islam while political
turmoil and war wiped out both the male and female sanghas in Sri Lanka.
Fortunately, the Sri Lankan monk order was revived by inviting monks from
the lineage in Thailand to give ordination. The bhikkhuni order, however,
died out and was not established again because of the rule requiring an
existing order to ordain new members. It was, however, recently revived with
assistance from Taiwan.
In an article for the book, What Men Owe to
Women: Men’s Voices from World Religions, Dr Tavivat argues that the
bhikkhuni order is not like a “biological species that cannot be revived”.
“The bhikkhuni sangha still exists in the
Mahayana tradition in China, whose original lineage came from the
Dharmagupta subsect of the Theravada tradition in Sri Lanka,” he wrote.
Dr Suwanna Satha-anand, from the Philosophy
Department of Chulalongkorn University, goes beyond the surface of the
controversy to delve further into the philosophy behind the Council’s
cold-shoulder response to the possibility of introducing bhikkhunis to
Thailand.
“I think the Council’s silence is a matter
of allowing one accident in history-in this case the war that terminated
Buddhism and the bhikkhuni order in Sri Lanka-to triumph over the Buddha’s
decision (of allowing women to be ordained).”To understand the issue, we
need to analyse the circumstances surrounding the first female ordination.
In her article, Truth Over Convention: Feminist Interpretations of Buddhism,
Dr Suwanna explained that Buddhism accepts two categories of truth, one
ultimate the other conventional. The lecturer believes that the truth of
convention-awareness of social and cultural conditions-prompted the Buddha
to turn down the first three requests for ordination from his foster mother
Maha Pajapati. The Indian social norm at that time was patriarchal. Women
were not supposed to pursue a religious life. Salvation was available only
through devotion and service to one’s husband.
However, Ananda’s question prompted the
Buddha to ascertain that men and women possess the same Buddha nature and
are thus equally capable of enlightenment. If the Buddha continued to
decline offering women access to the spiritual life, that would have meant
that Buddhist truth was not universal, that the Buddha’s truth could not be
applied to half of humanity.
“Viewed in this light, the Buddha was faced
with a conflict between conventional truth, which were the cultural
constraints of that time, and the ultimate truth, which was the universality
of his dhamma. The Buddha must have realised that the existence of a
bhikkhuni order would make everything more complicated for the religious
community, both in terms of psychological difficulties and possible tension
between the two orders. The fact that he allowed women to be ordained in
spite of all these anticipated difficulties meant he wanted to uphold the
ultimate truth over convention,” Dr Suwanna explained.
If the principle of truth over convention is
applied, then the Thai Sangha must reconsider its rejection of the
re-establishment of the bhikkhuni order.
“Many rules in the Vinaya were established
so that the Buddhist religious community could be at peace with conventional
practices in society at that time. By citing the Vinaya as an obstacle to
female ordination, the Council is then basing its judgement on conventional
limitations, which is against its duty to propagate Buddhist truth.”In this
case, the Sangha should follow in the spirit of the Buddha by overcoming
conventional constraints and letting Buddhist truth prevail.
Put in more concrete terms, the Sangha is
duty-bound to respect the Buddha’s will and support bhikkhuni ordination, Dr
Suwanna said.
Phra Maha Jerm Suvaco, general director of
the Buddhist Research Institute of the Maha Chula Buddhist University,
insisted that further study into the feasibility of reviving the bhikkhuni
order in Thailand was needed.
“At this moment, both lay people and monks
are very much in the dark. There is no research-based information about the
validity of the lineage. I think we need a comprehensive study that will
answer all the questions from the public before we can say we agree or
disagree with the movement.” However, Phra Maha Jerm noted that as far as he
knows, there is no initiative on behalf of Maha Chula Buddhist University or
any religious organisation to begin researching the matter.
Although the monk endorses the revival of
the bhikkhuni in principle, he does not feel comfortable with the “feminist”
disposition he perceives from the movement’s supporters.
“According to Buddhism, dhamma is to fulfil
your rightful duty. If you could do so, there is no need to demand your
rights because they will be yours naturally.” Phra Maha Jerm, who is
considered progressive, cautioned that changes in gender equality in the
male-dominated society of Thailand always came slowly. “It is no use for the
movement to jump ahead and demand that society recognise it. Besides, if the
bhikkhuni movement remains immersed in the rights-oriented western mind-set,
it will alienate monks, some of whom have already shown animosity and a
refusal to cooperate,” Phra Maha Jerm said.
He added that a bhikkhuni order could be
developed only with support from the monks, as evident in the successful
case of Taiwan.
Prof Nithi Eawsiwong, a well-respected
historian, dismissed the monk’s concern. “This is not about rights. It is
about justice. Why, when a woman wants to be ordained, does it mean she is
demanding more rights, but when a man wants to be ordained, he is seen as
doing his duty? Besides, this logic does not work with Dr Chatsumarn. She
has fulfilled all her worldly duties. There is nothing left to be achieved.
It is time for her to fulfil her religious duty by pursuing a spiritual
path. Why can’t she do that?” Neither does Prof Nithi agree with the belief
that the future of the bhikkhuni rests with monks or the establishment.
“The Sangha’s job is to find a solution to
the problem, not to point at an impasse. If the Sangha keeps refusing to
honour the aspiration of women and does not try to understand what is
happening and adjust themselves to changes in society, they will risk
becoming an obsolete and meaningless organisation. At present, millions of
people treat Phothirak [the founder of the strict Santi Asoke sect] as if he
was a monk, even though the Sangha proclaimed he was not. If I happen to
meet Dr Chatsumarn, I would pay respect to her the way I would do to a monk.
Can the Council arrest me for doing that?” Prof Nithi warned that if the
Sangha continues to resist changes and to let its authority falter, the
future of the Sangha and Buddhism in Thailand would be up for grabs. “The
public will not listen to the ruling organisation, neither will monks. It
will be the end of unity as monks or cult groups are free to operate and
satisfy public demand. Do you believe we will still have good monks if all
of them have direct access to a profitable market?” All things considered,
Dr Tavivat believes Thai society has much to gain from a revival of the
bhikkhuni institution.
“First, it will prevent scandals between
monks and women, which lately have become increasingly prevalent. At
present, many women have become interested in studying dhamma. If they could
study dhamma with learned bhikkhunis, they wouldn’t have to gather around
monks, thus avoiding a situation that is conducive to sexual abuse or
possible scandal. Structurally, the existence of a bhikkhuni order could
provide a new opportunity for poor rural girls who otherwise would end up in
sweat shops or brothels.
“Thanks to the male ordination tradition,
both as novices and monks, poor, rural boys have an opportunity to receive
education and training. Unfortunately, the same opportunity is denied to
poor, underprivileged girls. Without an alternative, many are pressured to
become labourers in factories or to enter the sex business.” Dr Tavivat
admitted that a host of other factors besides poverty were involved when
poor rural girls were pulled into the flesh trade. Still, he said he was
confident that introduction of the bhikkhuni order here would be a positive
cultural factor that would help alleviate the problem.
While insisting that the bhikkhuni order is
an important institution that should be developed, Phra Mettanando from Wat
Raja-Orasaram pointed out that it is only one of the four Buddhist pillars,
which are the bhikkhu (monks), bhikkhuni (nuns), upasaka (laymen) and
upasika (laywomen), that are destined to sustain Buddhism into the future.
“To strengthen the religion, we need to
reform the order of monks and develop a community of engaged laymen and
laywomen. These people can help do the religious works that are not quite
appropriate for monks, such as canvassing. We might as well learn from other
religions. In Catholicism, for example, priests are allowed to lead a
contemplative life while brothers and sisters are engaged in social work,
serving God by serving other people.” There is one part in the Tripitaka
that is worth noting. One monk asked the Buddha what would be the factors
that would erode Buddhism after he passed away? To this, the Buddha said:
“It is when the bhikkhu, bhikkhuni, upasaka and upasika do not respect or
obey the Buddha, Dhamma or Dangha. When they ignore education and fail to
respect one another. All these are factors that will shorten the life of the
ultimate truth after I die.”
A revival of the bhikkhuni order is a whole
new episode in the history of Thai Buddhism. As with any unprecedented
occurrence, scepticism and resistance are to be expected, Dr Nithi said:
“But if we are to sustain Buddhism into the future, isn’t the duty of
Buddhists to respect the Buddha and start educating ourselves about this new
phenomena?” [^]
Source: The Bangkok Post, http://www.bangkokpost.net/
-[4]-
A
nun’s life has limited appeal
Sanitsuda Ekachai
Bangkok Post, 05
July 2001
Now that Sri Lanka has revived female ordination in
Theravada Buddhism, one would have thought that nuns in Thailand would jump
at the chance to become bhikkhunis. Wrong.
Of the estimated 13,000 nuns here, only
Jamnian Rattaburi has decided to seek ordination, making her only the second
Thai woman to do so. The first was Buddhist scholar Chatsumarn Kabilsingh,
and it has brought her under fierce attack by conservative monks and
laypeople. Chatsumarn, now samaneri Dhammananda, will become a full
bhikkhuni after completing her two-year novicehood.
Many Thai nuns have worked hard and
selflessly to improve the status of the nunhood. So why are they shutting
themselves off to the bhikkhuni opportunities now open to them? Imagine you
were in their shoes.
You are committed religiously and want to
live a monastic life. But you must struggle on your own because the nunhood
is disdained as a refuge of the heart-broken or poor women with nowhere to
go. The law does not even recognise nuns as clerics.
Despite the social and monastic structures
that put women down, some monks have offered help. Although it is not much,
it can make a big difference in your pursuit of education, spiritual
practice and social work. Is it grateful to antagonise them in any way? Or
to place them in trouble with their superiors? Moreover, you are brought up
to see patriarchy as a part of life which is full of suffering anyway. But
you are doing your best within this system to improve your spirituality and
to help others. It’s not perfect. But is it realistic to look for perfection
in an imperfect world? Meanwhile, the bhikkhuni path is strewn with many
obstacles.
The clergy is against female ordination.
Theoretically, female ordination in the Theravada tradition remains
debatable and the bhikkhuni revival in Sri Lanka is not without its critics.
And legally, the clergy’s ban on bhikkhuni ordination is still in effect.
You must also ask yourself who will support
you if you take the plunge. Society? What can you expect when mainstream
society still feels it inappropriate for women to dare to act as equal to
monks, which views women who want to become bhikkhuni as greedy for status.
The clergy? Forget it. Even Phra
Dhammapitaka, a scholar monk who has won wide respect from the
intelligentsia, cautions against bhikkhuni ordination, suggesting that
society help nuns improve their institution instead.
To survive as a bhikkhuni in such a hostile
environment needs not only courage and moral support. It needs a lot of
resources. The majority of nuns are from rural backgrounds and are
uneducated; they are not blessed with plentiful resources. For the handful
who are educated, who have left worldly matters behind, spiritual practice
is their top priority.
For nuns active in social work, it is
difficult to discard the little space they now have and the fruits of their
hard work when the there is little to offer but more sweat and tears along
the bhikkhuni path. Also, you must think of what will happen to those under
your care if an angry clergy boycotts your work.
Female ordination is possible in Sri Lanka
because the people already respect nuns as the equal of monks, said nun
Sansanee Sathirabutr. Senior monks are supportive. Nuns also receive
rigorous training for the bhikkhuni ordination. Such factors do not exist
here.
Seeing the world through the eyes of a nun
helps us realise the weight of oppression they shoulder. And their fears. If
we want nuns to take the path of equality, we have an equal responsibility
to help them through organised support. If not, we have only ourselves to
blame. [^]
Source: The Bangkok Post, http://www.bangkokpost.net/
-[5]-
The
Dhammananda controversy
Sanitsuda Ekachai
Bangkok Post, 22
September 2001
Help women get what they want-but keep the Buddha’s
rules intact. That should be what the Thai Buddhist clergy should do
regarding female ordination, says monk scholar Phra Dhammapitaka (P.A.
Payutto).
“We should find a way to help women gain-but
not at the loss of the Vinaya,” he says, referring to the Buddha’s rules
governing monastic conduct.
The controversy over female ordination was
recently rekindled when Dr Chatsumarn Kabilsingh, a feminist and Buddhist
scholar, was ordained in Sri Lanka where the Bhikkhuni order in the
Theravada tradition has been revived.
Dr Chatsumarn, now Dhammananda Samaneri, was
harshly attacked by senior monks who also dismissed the possibility of
female ordination within the Thai clergy.
Bhikkhuni must be ordained by both the
Bhikkhuni and Bhikkhu orders, says the Vinaya. Since Bhikkhuni in the
orthodox Theravada tradition was extinct, it is not possible to revive the
Bhikkhuni clergy.
Dhammananda, meanwhile, argues that the
lineage was never extinct and the clergy must give women their rightful
place in Buddhism as allowed by the Buddha.
How does Phra Dhammapitaka, the authority in
Thai Theravada Buddhism, view all this?
The clash represents two extreme views, he
says, blaming both sides for stirring antagonistic feelings for each other.
The clergy cannot just turn a blind eye on
women’s religious needs, he says. Meanwhile, Dhammananda’s demand that the
Thai clergy accept the Bhikkhuni order in Sri Lanka as part of Thai Buddhism
is impossible.
“It’s like you graduated from a different
university and then demand that you are approved by another establishment.
The clergy doesn’t have any right to grant that kind of approval. Only the
right to recognise,” he says.
Recognition leads to cooperation, he says.
Unfortunately, that does not happen either.
If the Bhikkhuni Sangha is not possible, the
clergy should set up another institution to support women who want to live
as ascetics. Or the clergy should improve the status of white-robed nuns and
support their education as well as social work, he says.
At present, nuns receive little support from
the clergy and society. They are not legally recognised as ascetics in
Thailand. Many who live in temples are often treated as temple hands.
The clergy’s lack of interest in nuns’
education is not unusual, he says. The elders are not interested in monks’
education either.
The aim of Buddhism is to educate or train
people-men and women-so that they transcend suffering and consequently
devote themselves to society, he explains.
But the clergy is preoccupied with only
power and temple property, not monastic education, as evident in the newly
drafted Sangha Bill.
An indifferent clergy has caused many
problems, not only about lack of support for women’s religious lives.
“That’s why I am worried about Buddhism in Thailand,” he says.
On the Dhammananda controversy, he suggests
Dhammananda Samaneri accept the fact that she was ordained in the Sri
Lanka’s new Theravada Bhikkhuni order. The order was revived by a group of
Sri Lankan monks with cooperation from Mahayana Bhikkhuni.
The new Bhikkhuni order insists that it is
legitimate for Mahayana Bhikkhuni to perform double ordination as required
by the Vinaya for their Theravada sisters because their lineage actually can
be traced back to Sri Lanka itself.
Historically, it was the Sri Lanka’s
Theravada Bhikkhuni who started the female monk order in China which later
spread to Taiwan and other parts of the world. If that is the case, then
Dhammananda Samaneri should make this history of female ordination clear to
the public, Phra Dhammapitaka said.
“Prejudice exists. But don’t pay attention
to it. Pay heed to facts only.”
He suggests Dhammananda be forthright about
the background of her ordination and her order so that people can decide
based on facts and information if they want to accept it or not. The clergy
and the rest of society should pay attention to the issue of female
ordination, he says, adding it is not right “just to feign indifference and
turn a blind eye”.
Phra Dhammapitaka, however, dismisses a
suggestion from Dhammananda that monks can ordain women when there are no
Bhikkhuni to perform double ordination.
When the Buddha established a rule that a
Bhikkhuni must have double ordination from both the Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni
clergy, it replaced the previous rule that allowed monks to ordain women, he
says.
Nonetheless, the Thai clergy should look at
women’s religious needs with compassion and should find ways within the
Vinaya framework to help women realise their spiritual potential, aiming for
the public good.
“I feel sympathetic. But things must be done
step by step. If we have a bad start, we will end up with antagonism and
mere form, not the essence.” [^]
Source: The Bangkok Post, http://www.bangkokpost.net/
-[6]-
Women in
Buddhism: Planting the Seed of Peace
Aree Chaisatien
Nation Multimedia, October 5, 2001
Bangkok — Nine years have passed
since an American doctor of philosophy took the vows of a bhikkhuni. But a
recent stay in the Kingdom by this US ordained female monk has served to
highlight once again the male- dominated thinking that still prevails in
this country.
Her hair is shorn, her blue eyes crystal
clear and her smile friendly and wide. Yet the most striking thing about
her, at least to Thai eyes, is the yellow robe she wears. Even today, Thais
are unable to associate a monk’s robes with a woman.
Greeting the Venerable Bhikkuni Dr Leaura
Naomi, aka Bhikkuni Lee, I cannot find the words of protocol to address a
female monk. But her friendliness makes me feel comfortable and so I
dispense with the protocol.
Even though our meeting took place two
months ago, the day before she was due to was to leave Thailand after more
than a year here as a guest of the Association for the Promotion of the
Status of Women, her gentle presence and peaceful attitude remain with me
today.
She begins the interview with a very simple
question, yet one that is difficult to answer : “What makes you happy?” asks
the 41-year-old Bhikkuni Lee.
To her, happiness is love, interpersonal
understanding and living harmoniously. Born in New York to a family with a
Christian background, Dr Lee was exposed to several different cultures and
religions from an early age.
“My cousins and relatives include Jews and
Buddhist Chinese. They consider love as a high priority, they have tolerance
and learn from each others,” she says quietly. “We all knew love before
religion.”
Why and how did she become so deeply
involved in Buddhism?
“Perhaps there is a good reason why we are
here. Since I was very young I have known that I would become a nun. I
didn’t know when or where. I just felt it deep in my heart.
“The first time I came into contact with the
Buddhist world was in New York. I was seven at the time. My family and I
went to Chinatown. As we walked in front of a gift shop, I remember being
mesmerised by a religious image in the window display. My family didn’t even
realise they had left me behind,” she recalls.
“The elderly shopkeeper started talking to
me. I asked her about the image that was on display. And she told me that he
is the Lord Buddha and that he loves all children. I have never forgotten
this incident. The memory is embedded in my mind. It was like a natural seed
had been planted in my heart.”
The young Leaura was also exposed to
different cultures during her school years.
“One day, while looking down from the fifth
floor of my university building, I saw a woman with a shaved head wearing a
grey robe. Her gait was so serene. I was so excited, I ran down the stairs
immediately, jumped on my bicycle, trying to catch her but the nun had gone
to the bus stop,” she says with alacrity.
Her heart dropped when she saw the bus
coming. She had missed a chance to meet a Buddhist nun.
“I didn’t know if I would ever have a chance
to see one again. Then, one day I was sitting in the park watching the
sunset and meditating with some friends. I asked the others if they had ever
seen a Buddhist nun in the city. And that was how I was finally introduced
to the ChineseBuddhist nun I had seen walking through the university
grounds.”
After this meeting, there was no turning
back for the young student. She became even more determined to pursue
Buddha’s path.
Dr Lee was ordained as a bhikkhuni nine
years ago at an international Buddhist centre in Colorado.
Asked what Buddhist sect she belongs to, she
replies: “I don’t see any separation between Hinnayan (or Theravada) and
Mahayana sects. The search for spiritual fulfilment is universal.”
Although the State of Colorado boasts
somewhere between three and six Buddhist nuns Bhikkuni Lee was the only one
in her adopted home town. Following the advice of the serene nun dressed in
grey, she began her search for Buddhist teachings in English in seven
countries, including Thailand, where she stayed for more than a year. Why
was Thailand so special?
“I saw Khun Ya ( literally grandmother) in
an English-language TV documentary called The Best of Us, The programme
featured the seven most kind-hearted lay people in the world. One of them
was former US president Jimmy Carter. He was not ashamed to don jeans and
join his fellow men in doing menial work.”
The Khun Ya in the documentary was Mae Chee
Khunying Kanitha Wichienchareon.
Bhikkuni Lee was impressed by Khun Ya’s
sacrifices for women and children in distress, as well as her lack of
attachment to her social position.
“She works from the heart. I felt there was
a very deep connection. It was like a spiritual awakening. There are
different levels of spiritual awakenings that come at different times in our
lives.”
But the documentary was over before Bhikkuni
Lee managed to catch the full name of the Khun Ya she had so admired. She
intensified her search and, in the meantime, tried to learn as much as she
could about the Thai people.
She wrote to the TV station but to no avail.
Then she made her way to a Thai temple where she began teaching English to
Thai monks.
Eventually one of the monks, who was aware
of her search for Khun Ya, found a magazine in the library and pointed to a
woman in one of the photos. “Is that the woman you saw on TV?”, he asked.
“I said ‘yes! That’s her’,” she recalls with
a fond smile.
Not long after, Bhikkhuni Lee finally met
Mae Chee Kanitha and it is thanks to sponsorship of the Association for the
Promotion of the Status of Women, founded by the kindly Khun Ya, that she
was able to stay on in Thailand and become involved in the pilot project for
Southeast Asia’s first College for Buddhist Nuns and Laywomen.
“I trust intuition. The Buddhist teachings
and traditions speak to my heart more than any others. It’s spiritual
intuition, not Western logic or rational thinking,” says the Venerable Dr
Lee, who holds a doctorate degree in geographical peace studies. “Sometimes
spiritual intuitions protect us from something or lead us to something.”
She says her primary concerns are women and
children, in particular the HIV/Aids-afflicted in Thailand and, since
joining the Association early last year, has worked both in Bangkok and
upcountry and spoken at several conferences and seminars.
Most recently she inspired a Thai nun to
fulfill her dreams by being ordained as a bhikkhuni in Sri Lanka.
Seven years ago this island country saw a
revival of theBhikkhuni issue, the subject of controversy for four decades.
There are now more than 200 Bhikkhunis in Sri Lanka.
As a Bhikkhuni, Dr Lee’s daily activities
are similar to those of a monk.
“It is a beautiful and intimate experience,”
she says of the offerings of alms every morning, “I have life because of
their love for me. If I don’t have the food, I don’t have life. Their loving
kindness goes into my soul and into my bones. It’s because of their kindness
that I am alive. And that’s about life. It doesn’t matter what skin colour
you have, the language you speak or the country to which you belong. It’s
the nature of human beings. It’s a blessing to live life and feel that
everyday.”
She is particularly pleased to have become
so much part of the local community. “When someone died in the family, or
when they had conflicts in the community, they talked to me. When their
child was sitting a major exam at school, or their daughters were studying
very hard, they let me know.”
Most people were delighted to see her, a
female monk in a yellow robe. “Women are the backbone of Buddhism in
Thailand. The majority of alm-givers in Thailand are women,” observes
Venerable Lee. “But the sight of a female monk has made some people
furious.”
Her yellow robe made her feel a little
secure while in the Kingdom. One afternoon, while she was having lunch, she
was picked up by the police and taken to the station. “On no grounds,” she
says softly.
As no female is regarded by the Thai Sangha
as a monk, the police could obviously not charge her for violating the
vinaya (the discipline that demands that monks must not eat meals after
midday).
We are eating as she recounts the story and
instinctively I glance at my watch. My gesture does not go unnoticed. “I
don’t think the Lord Buddha had a watch,” she says, adding that she sees the
interpretation of vinaya as a convenient arrangement to fit in with the
routine of lay people.
The vinaya of the Theravada school that
dominates Buddhism in Thailand states that a woman who wishes to become a
monk must be ordained by both the bhikkhu (male monk) Sangha and the
bhikkhuni Sangha . Since the latter body has never existed in Thailand, it
is not possible for women to be ordained as monks.
“I am not fighting. I place emphasis on the
positive. Just do what you believe is true,” she says with a gentle smile.
Since our conversation, the female monk has
moved to Sri Lanka, where she hopes she can contribute something to society.
“I want to plant seeds of the positive kind and let them grow naturally.”
[^]
Source: Nation Multimedia, Buddhist News
Network, http://www.ukmba.org.my
-[7]-
A New Dawn
for Women’s Rights
After a Millennium, World
Buddhists Affirm Equality for Women
In Unprecedented Internal Ordination Ceremony Under the Tree of
Enlightenment.
February 15-23, 1998 - Bodhgaya, India
Hsi Lai Temple’s Web Site,
California,
http://english.hsilai.org/english2/newdawn.htm
February
15, 1998 marked the first time ever in Buddhism’s history that Buddhists
representing diverse traditions and schools from around the world joined
together for a truly international and ecumenical ordination. The ceremony
took place in Bodhgaya, India. It was especially significant because it was
a joint effort by Buddhist leaders to re-establish the order of nuns in Sri
Lanka, Thailand, Tibet, and India, where no women had been ordained as a nun
for over eight centuries.
For nine days, 140 novice
monastics from 23 countries (including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Taiwan,
Japan, Korea, the Congo, Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Denmark, Spain,
Canada and the United States) congregated near a descendant of the Bodhi
Tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, is said to
have attained enlightenment some two and a half millennia ago. In order to
provide instruction to this polyglot assembly, the text of the Vinaya
(Buddhist monastic precepts) was provided in five languages: Chinese,
English, French, Nepalese, and Sinalese. The renunciation ceremony,
organized by Venerable Master Hsing Yun and Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order,
marshaled the cooperative efforts and support of Buddhist leaders, including
the His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Maha Ghosananda Maha Thero (Sangha Raja of
Cambodia), Thich Nhat Hanh (Abbot of Plum Village, France), Venerable Dr. M.
Wipulasara Maha Thero (President of the Maha Bodhi Society), and Venerable
P. Somalankara Nayake Thero (Chief Secretary of Sarvodaya Bhikkhu Congress,
Sri Lanka). (See list of patrons and organizers at the end of this article)
The legitimacy of ordaining
women as bhikkhuni (nuns) has become a major topic of debate within the
Buddhist community. All Buddhists agree that the Buddha created an order of
bhikkhuni after his foster mother, Mahaprajnapati, and 500 other women
displayed a deep commitment to becoming his disciples. Buddhists disagree,
however, about whether or not there should be, or even can be, such an order
today. Sila, the laws of Buddhist discipline, stipulate that the ordination
of women to become bhikkhuni requires the presence of both ordained monks
(bhikkhu) and nuns. Since the 11th century, however, when the
bhikkhuni order died out in India and Sri Lanka, conservatives have stymied
any attempts to revive it in those countries by citing the lack of qualified
nuns to legitimize the proceedings. Similarly, in Thailand and Tibet, where
there has never been an order of nuns, efforts to institute such an order
have faced difficulty for the same reason. Fortunately, in such places as
mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea, bhikkhuni orders have continued
down to today.
To overcome this obstacle, the
ordination ceremony in Bodhgaya was officiated by both Buddhist monks from
around the world and by 15 Buddhist nuns who received their ordination in
Taiwan. The idea of bringing together bhikkhu and bhikkhuni from a diverse
range of Buddhist traditions and schools to solve the ordination problem
gradually took shape during a series of annual international monastic
seminars. At the conclusion of the fourth such conference, held in May of
1997, the participants requested Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, to organize a renunciation ceremony to
reintroduce a bhikkhuni lineage in those countries currently lacking one. Fo
Guang Shan was asked to spearhead this effort because it has branch temples
worldwide, a large contingent of nuns, and extensive experience teaching
Buddhist women from South and Southeast Asia. Subsequently, during the Dalai
Lama’s visit to Taiwan in the Spring of 1997, which he undertook primarily
to learn more about the island’s thriving bhikkhuni order, he too endorsed
the plan, a support he has reaffirmed several times hence. Unfortunately,
His Holiness was unable to personally attend the Bodhgaya ceremony.
The women from India, Sri
Lanka, and Thailand who received ordination in February did not expect a
warm welcome from all of their Buddhist brethren when they returned to their
respective countries. More conservative members of the Southeast Asian
monastic communities were not expected to even recognize the authenticity of
their ordination. This was expected as a result of the historical treatment
given to Buddhist nuns from East Asian countries who go to Thailand to
conduct religious work. Unlike Buddhist monks, who can receive work visas
from the Thai government to carry out their special tasks, Buddhist nuns can
only enter the country as tourists, having no status as religious
professionals.
The sponsoring organizations
continue to do all that they can to aid the nuns in overcoming obstacles
that they might encounter after ordination. Fo Guang Shan, for instance,
fully paid the expenses for their transportation, room and board for the
ordination ceremony, and also offered free education in any of its 16
monastic colleges worldwide to any of the nuns who would wish to strengthen
their knowledge of Buddhist practice. Efforts were also made to provide
long-term housing for those who might have required it. The Ladakh, India
chapter of Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) has already built
a nunnery and the Ananda Buddha Vihara Trust of Andra Pradesh, India is
currently constructing a temple which will include a dormitory for nuns.
The American Buddhist scholar
Rita Gross has recently published a book entitled Buddhism After
Patriarchy, in which she examines how best to reshape the Buddhist
tradition so that it provides equal opportunity and dignity to women and men
of all races. What Gross has done in theory, those gathering in Bodhgaya in
February intended to realize in practice. The nuns of Taiwan, who played a
role in organizing the Bodhgaya event, regard renunciation as a potent means
for women to express their capabilities and leadership qualities, allowing
them to make great contributions in social, philanthropic, cultural, and
educational pursuits. They therefore see the re-establishment of the
bhikkhuni order in Southeast Asia as a significant advancement for women’s
rights in that region. Their hope is that the ordination will serve as a
catalyst to spur not only all Buddhists, but all people, to awaken to the
truth that the Buddha himself realized under the Bodhi Tree so long ago:
that all beings are inherently equal and inter-dependent, and may attain
enlightenment through cultivating a mind of kindness, compassion,
equanimity, gratitude and wisdom.
Everyone has the right to
freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to
change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community
with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in
teaching, practice, worship and observance. -Article 18, Universal
Declaration of Human Rights: United Nations
-ooOoo-
Sponsors
Mongolia
Venerable Khamba Lam Choi-Jamts -
Gandan Monastery, The Center of Mongolian Buddhists
Great Britain
Venerable Pandith M. Vajiragnana -
Sangha Nayake of Great Britain
Venerable Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche - Abbot of Kagyu Samye Ling
Tibetan Center, Scotland
USA
Venerable Pandith Henepola Gunaratana -
Chief Sangha Nayaka of the United States and North America
Thailand
Venerable Phra Kru Phiphit Prachanart -
Abbot of Samakki Temple
Venerable Phra Maha Somchai Prohmsuwan - Assistant Abbot of Maha
Chula Buddhist University
Venerable Phra Maha Nibhon Subhadhammo - Abbot of Dhammasopit
Temple
Venerable Phra Khru Sangha Wichai - Abbot of Plukmailai Temple
Nepal
Venerable Bhikkhu Sumangala -
President of Religion and Peace Academy
Venerable Bhikkhu Ashwaghosh - Editor in chief, The Dhammakirti
(a Buddhist Monthly)
France
Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh - Zen
Master, writer, lecturer, Founder and Abbot of Plum Village Meditation
Center and The Order of Inter-being.
Venerable Thich Huyen-Yi - President of the World Linh-Son Buddhist
Congregation.
Lama Denis - Chairman of European Buddhist Union
Organizers
Sarvodaya Bhikkhu Congresss, Moratuwa, Sri
Lanka
All India Bhikkhu Congress, India
The Maha Bodhi Society of India
Dambulla Rock Temple, Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Sub-organizers
International Buddhist Council, Bodhgaya,
Gaya, Bihar, India
Maha Bodhi International Meditation Center, Ladakh, India
International Brotherhood Mission, Assam, India
BLIA Delhi Chapter, Delhi, India
BLIA Bodhgaya Chapter, Bodhaya, India
BLIA Calcutta Chapter, Calcutta, India
Sponsor
Buddha’s Light International Association,
World Headquarters, Los Angeles, CA. USA.
Bodhgaya
International Full Ordination Committee
Patrons
Cambodia
Venerable Tep Vong - Supreme Patriarch
of Maha Nikaya, Cambodia
Sri Lanka
Venerable Pandith Talalle Dharmaloka
Anunayaka Thero -Chief High Priest of Justice (Adhikorana Nayaka) for
Western Province Deputy; Prelate of the Amarapura Sect
Venerable Prof. Kumburugamawe Vajira Maha Thero - Vice Chancellor
of Pali and Buddhist University, Sri Lanka
Venerable Kamburupitiye Nandarathana Nayaka Thero - Chief High
Priest of Western Province
Venerable Dr. Waragoda Pemarathana Thero - Vice Chancellor,
Buddhasravaka Bhikku University Anuradhapura
Venerable Porawagama Somalankara Nayake Thero - Deputy Sangha
Nayaka Thera of Southern Province, Chief Secretary, Sarvodaya Bhikkhu
Congress
Venerable Mahagalkadawala Punnasara Nayaka Thero -
Principal of
Nuns Education Center, Dambula
Venerable Inamaluwe Sumangala Nayaka Thero - Chief Secretary of
Rangiri Dambulla Sangha Chapter
India
Venerable Dr. Mapalagama Wipulasara Maha
Thero - President, The Maha Bodhi Society of India
Venerable Dr. Rastrapala Mahathera - Founder,
President-Cum-Meditation teacher of International Meditation Center,
Bodhgaya
Venerable Dharmapala Mahathera - President of All India Bhikkhu
Congress
Venerable Nyanainda Mahathera - Abbot of the Burmese Temple,
Bodhgaya
Venerable Sanghasena - President of Mahabodhi International
Meditation Center, Ladakh, India
Taiwan
Venerable Master Hsing Yun - Founder
of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, Taiwan
Venerable Ching Hsin - President of Chinese Buddhist Association,
Taiwan
Malaysia
Venerable Ching Ming - Ex-President of
Malaysia Buddhist Association, Malaysia
Venerable Chi Huang - President of Malaysia Buddhist Association
Venerable Dr. Kirinde Dhammananda Maha Nyaka Thero - Chief Prelate
of Malaysia
Korea
Venerable Wol Ha - Supreme Patriarch,
Korea Buddhist Chogye Order
Venerable Ka San Seak - Chancellor of Korean Buddhist University
Venerable Tong Joo Won Myuong - Sila Committee of Korean Chau-See
School
-ooOoo-
[^]
Source: Hsi Lai Temple’s Web Site, California,
http://english.hsilai.org/english2/newdawn.htm
-[8]-
Revival of
the Bhikkhuni Order in Sri Lanka
D.
Amarasiri Weeraratne
It is well known that
the Bhikkhuni (nuns) order was introduced to Sri Lanka during the reign of
King Devanampiyatissa. (BC 250 - 210) Since then this order flourished at
Anuradhapura for about 1200 years. With the fall of Anuradhapura to the
Cholian invaders in AD 1017 and the annexation of the Aunradhapura Kingdom
to the Cholian empire the Bhikkhuni order disappeared and became defunct.
The Order of Monks (Bhikkhus) also met the same fate. But was later revived
after King Vijayabahu drove away the Cholian invaders. For this revival the
King had to get down monks from Burma. But there were no nuns in Burma,
Siam, Cambodia or Laos the other four Theravada countries. Hence the monks
maintained that the Bhikkhuni order should be considered defunct and not
restorable. During the time the Bhikkhuni order existed in Sri Lanka it
proved to be an asset to the religion and rendered yeoman service to the
Sasana. Details can be found in the Dipawansa on which was modelled the
Mahavamsa - the great chronicle in Sinhala history.
After 50 years of Cholian rule, King
Vijayabahu coming up from Ruhuna expelled the invaders and assumed rulership
over the whole island. He shifted his capital to Polonnaruwa. During the
Polonnaruwa period which followed Sinhalese Buddhism came more and more
under Tamil, Hindu influence. The Tamil caste system of South India was
adopted and the monks took the names of their villages as a prefix to their
Pali names given at ordination. The Sangha became the preserve of one caste
monopolising the temporalities in imitation of Hindu priesthood. The study
of Sanskrit and secular sciences associated with it came into vogue. Anti
feminism and casteism were features entrenched in the Manu laws of Hinduism.
Anathema
These features found their way to Sinhalese
society and its religion. Therefore, in this milieu the revival of the
defunct Bhikkhuni order became anathema to Sinhalese Buddhism. There is
permission in the Vinaya Chullavagga for monks to ordain nuns. This
permission could easily have been made use of if the monks were willing to
restore the Bhikkhuni order. But since their wishes were otherwise and they
were more interested in maintaining their monopolies, it suited the to take
the casteist and anti feminist line. They enabled them to avert rivalry from
low caste men in the Sangha and women in to Bhikkhuni order.
Therefore, from the Polonnaruwa period right
up to the British conquest of the island in 1815 no one took up the issue of
admitting ‘low caste’ men to the Sangha and women to the Bhikkhuni order.
Priestcraft saw to it that the Buddhist Sangha was the preserve of the
high-caste and that women were debarred from leading the holy life of a
Bhikkhuni as advocated by the Buddha. The majority of people were ignorant
and illiterate. They took their Buddhism from the priestcraft of the Sangha
and the Kings who took their advise in matters of religion from the Sangha
hierarchy.
Thus, a tradition to the effect that the
Bhikkhuni order is defunct and cannot be restored until the appearance of
Martie Buddha in a future aeon became accepted. Thereby the teachings of the
Buddha on appamada (diligence), samanatmata (egalitarianism), Karuna, Metta,
Artachariya etc were lost sight of. An anti-feminist dogma prevented women
from taking to holy orders in Buddhism. This was the situation from the
Polonnaruwa period right up to the time the Sangha - King combine lost their
control of the nation in 1815 with the betrayal of the last King to the
British.
During the colonial period, under British
rule, it was Anagarika Dharmapala who was the pioneer of the Buddhist
revival. He opened the first nunnery in modern Ceylon at Darley Lane,
Colombo. It was not a success. He was followed by Miss Catherine de Alwis
who went to Burma and got ordained there as a Junior Nun without Higher
Ordination. She came back to Sri Lanka in 1903 and founded the Dasa Sil Mata
order of Buddhist nuns. Thus from 1903 onwards these D.S.M nuns were the
vestige and the representatives of the Bhikkhuni Sangha of old. They seemed
to believe in the theory that half a loaf is better than no bread. Therefore
they had to be satisfied with observing the ten precepts of Junior Nuns or
Samaneris.
Many Buddhist leaders among the clergy and
the laity realised that the DSM status for nuns was really incongruous and
incompatible with the Buddha’s concept of a four-fold division among his
disciples and devotees.
He recognised only Bhikkhus, Bhikkhunis,
male lay devotees and female lay devotees. There is no room for a half way
house between lay women devotee and Bhikkhunis such as a Dasa Sil Matas. The
later term is an invention by apostates in the Sasana who wish to keep down
women renunciates from their proper place as Bhikkhunis.
Among the advocates for the revival of the
Bhikkhuni order was Ven. Pandit Narawala Dhammaratana Thero. He had led a
delegation to a peace conference in Peking, China. He studied the Bhikkhuni
order in China and found that it had been established on a firm Vinaya
footing by Sinhalese nuns from Anuradhapura in AD 429.
Chinese nuns
Therefore, in his writings and teachings he
advocated the revival of the Bhikkhuni Order with assistance from Chinese
Nuns. Other advocates of the revival among our Maha Theras were Ven. Pandit
Hedipannala Pannaloka of the Vijalankara Pirivena, Ven. Pandit Henpitagedera
Gnanaseeha, Ven. Banbarende Seevali and several other progressives. Among
lay Buddhist leaders, Anagarika Dharmapala, Sir D.B. Jayatillaka, H. Sri
Nissanka, Dr. G.P. Malalasekera, J.R. Jayewardene and many others encouraged
the movement and spoke for it. Among the living sympathizers and advocates
were Ven. Mapalagama Vipulasara. Principal, Paramadhamma Chetiya Pirivena,
Ven. Pandit Inamaluwe Sumangala of the Dambulla Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven.
Talalle Dhammaloka, Anunayaka Thero of the Amarapura Sect, Ven Dr. Kirinde
Dhammananda, Ven. Pandit Pathegama Gnanarama retired Principal Sudharmakara
Pirivena, Panadura, Ven. Porawagama Soma, Ven. Deegala Mahinda, Tembiliyane
Ariyadhamma etc.
While the progressive monks called for and
advocated the revival there were reactionaries, conservatives and
obscurantists who took the traditional stand in Sinhalese Buddhism as a
dogma, equating it with ‘pure Theravada Buddhism’. Thus there was division
of opinion in the two camps, the conservatives sticking to traditional
anti-feminism and the progressives calling for a revision of the traditional
stand and a restoration of the Bhikkhuni Order.
As a sequel to the public interest created
on this question Ven. M. Vipulasara, Principal, Parama Dhamma Chetiya
Pirivena and President Mahabodhi Society came forward with the assistance of
the World Sangha Council and Sakyadhita International Organisation of
Buddhist Women and held an ordination ceremony on 8.12.96 at Saranath
Temple, India. This was a grand and historic ceremony - a red letter day in
the annals of Theravada Buddhism. At this ceremony 11 selected Sinhalese DSM
nuns were ordained fully as Bhikkhunis by a team of Theravada monks in
concert with a quorum of Korean Nuns. Thus for the first time after 980 odd
years the Theravada Bhikkhuni Order was revived in India.
Sasanodaya
Society
For the first time since the disappearance,
the Bhikkhuni Order was restored at Saranath India on 8.12.96. The Sinhalese
Nuns who received their Bhikkhuni Ordination there came back to Sri Lanka
after one year and two months at the invitation of the Bhikkhuni Sasanodaya
Society, Dambulla. On Medin Poya Day (12/3/98) they ordained 23 selected
Sinhalese DSM Nuns into the Bhikkhuni Sangha.
This ordination was confirmed and ratified
by a quorum of the Theravada Sangha as required in the Vinaya. Ven.
Inamaluwe was the director of the function and the master of ceremonies. He
was assisted by Ven. Mapalagama Vipulasara, Galkadawela Punnasara, Pandit
Tallalle Dhammananda Anu Nayakam, Ven. Prof. K. Vajira and Porwagama Soma
and a few others.
Thus for the first time since the
Anuradhapura days the Bhikkhuni Sasana has been revived in Sri Lanka
According to full Theravada ceremonial. Sinhalese DSM nuns, Buddhist women
feminists and other advocates of the restoration of the Bhikkhuni Sasana
will have the satisfaction that one of their cherished dreams for the Buddha
Sasana has been realised.
Sri Lanka became the caretaker and
headquarters of Theravada Buddhism since it was expelled from India. Other
Theravada countries such as Siam, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia has never had a
Bhikkhuni Order. There are movements in these countries for the admission of
women to the Bhikkhuni Sangha in the Theravada tradition to which they
belong. These countries border China and they see that in China Bhikkhunis
have been existing from the earliest days of the introduction of Buddhism to
that land.
Hence, their aspiration for entry to the
Bhikkhuni Sangha will receive a fillip on hearing and seeing that the
Theravada Bhikkhuni Order has been established in Sri Lanka. Though the
Bhikkhuni Order had never been introduced to any country except Sri Lanka,
Burma is an unusual exception. It had originally been a Mahayana country.
Therefore during the Mahayana days there were Bhikkhunis in Burma. But once
it was converted to Theravada Buddhism the Bhikkhuni Order there became
unrecognised. Hence there continued to be the nuns with only Samaneri
Ordination under the Ten Precepts. Even today the position is the same. It
is from these Samaneri nuns (called Ma-Theelas) that Sri Lanka received its
DSM order of nuns.
Now that the Theravada Bhikkhuni Order has
been established in Sri Lanka it should be a matter of time for women
renunciates in these countries to come to Sri Lanka, or get down Sri Lankan
nuns to their countries and establish the Bhikkhuni Order in their lands.
Admittance to the Bhikkhuni Order to women was granted by the Buddha
himself. Womens’ rights are a part of human rights in the modern world.
Therefore, the Bhikkhuni Order in Sri Lanka
should be the spearhead for the movement to establish the Theravada
Bhikkhuni Order in these lands. The Bhikkhuni Order cannot function properly
in poor and backward cultures which do not recognise women’s rights. That is
why even in some backward Mahayana countries such as Mongolia, Kirghizia and
Tibet there never has been a Bhikkhuni Order. Now that Sri Lanka is emerging
from a backward Third World country with a poor record of human rights to a
modern democracy which recognises women’s rights the prospects of the
Bhikkhuni Order gaining its rightful place as in the Anuradhapura period are
bright and full of promise. [^]
From :”The Island”
Newspaper, Colombo, Sri Lanka (4th April, 1998)
Source: BuddhaNet,
http://www.buddhanet.net
-[9]-
Women’s
Ordination
Bhikkhu
Punnadhammo
Arrow River Community Center, Canada
One of
the most critical challenges facing all religious traditions in the new
century will be the issue of gender equality. This is certainly true of
Buddhism. At the outset of any discussion about women¹s rights in Buddhism
the point needs to be made that gender is not an enlightenment factor, women
and men have an equal capacity for spiritual liberation. The Pali scriptures
mention by name many highly attained women, and there is one entire book of
verses by fully enlightened nuns.
It is to be admitted, however,
that this doctrinal equality may be seen as cold comfort in light of the
practical reality of female inequality in most Buddhist countries and
institutions. In all Theravada (Southern School) Buddhist countries the
status of the nuns is very much lower than that of the monks. There are a
few exceptionally good places for women to practice, but in most situations
the nuns have a difficult time finding support, and all too often are
relegated to the role of kitchen help. The situation in the Tibetan
tradition is not much better.
One of the critical factors in
maintaining this inequality is the lack of a bhikkhuni, or full ordination
nuns’ order in both Theravada and Tibetan Buddhism. Around the year 1000 AD
Theravada Buddhism was nearly destroyed when the Cholian Empire invaded Sri
Lanka. The monk¹s order barely survived, the nuns were less fortunate. When
the Theravada form of Buddhism spread to South-East Asia, it already lacked
a bhikkhuni order and so Thailand and Burma have never known fully ordained
nuns. Likewise, the bhikkhuni order never made the demanding passage across
the Himalayas into Tibet. Instead, all these Buddhist countries have women
living as nuns without full ordination, in one or another semi-formal
arrangement.
Restoring the legitimate nuns’
order is more than just a question of good-will. In Buddhism a large part of
the value of ordination rests in the continuity of a lineage going back to
the Buddha. If the transmission of ordination is broken, it cannot be
restored. Further, according to the Vinaya, or rules for monastics, a quorum
of at least five bhikkhunis are required to ordain a new one.
Nevertheless, the situation for
a restored bhikkhuni order is far from hopeless. In fact, the last few years
have seen a renewal of effort in this direction in several quarters. The
Bhikkhuni Sasanodaya Society has been established to re-institute the nuns
order in the Theravada school by cooperation with nuns of the Chinese
Mahayana tradition who still have an unbroken line of ordination. In 1996 an
historic turning point occurred when eleven women were ordained in a
ceremony in Saranath India. In the intervening years, several further
ordinations have followed, mostly in Sri Lanka and these have been given
credibility by the participation of many well known senior monks.
There are still many problems
outstanding. The validity of the revived bhikkhuni order is not universally
accepted. Even among those who welcome the restoration of the female order,
there is some controversy around the rules which the new nuns should follow.
We should be cautious about being too impatient; the monastic order is a
body that has survived for two and a half millennia and operates on a long
time scale. This makes for inherent caution and conservatism.
Most importantly, the position
of women within Buddhism will not be immediately transformed by the
restoration of the bhikkhuni order, although this will certainly help
matters. More importantly, attitudes need to be changed, and not just the
attitudes of men. It may be that as Buddhism spreads into the west, this
will be the one big contribution of western civilization to the universal
body of the Buddhist tradition. [^]
Source: Arrow River Community Center,
Canada, http://my.tbaytel.net/arfh/
-ooOoo-
http://www.mountlaviniahotel.com/front/index.php
Mount Lavinia
Hotel Email
: - reservation@mountlaviniahotel.com
No 100,
Hotel
Road
Tel :- 0094 11 2711711
Mount Lavinia Fax :- 0094 11 2730726 / 0094 11 2738228
Sri Lanka
Website :- www.mountlaviniahotel.com
www.mountlaviniahotel.lk
www.mountlaviniahotelgroup.com
Step back in time to an era of colonial splendour, mystique and romance.
Mount Lavinia Hotel offers you the very best of modern facilities
blended with a magical touch of antiquity. This enchanting British
Colonial heritage hotel, located on a breathtaking beachfront, is a
living legacy to the secret love story between the British Governor
General of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland, and the beautiful mestizo
dancer, Lovina. The legendary romance has made this Colombo hotel one of
the most popular venues in Sri Lanka for weddings; couples from around
the world fly to this fabled island for a custom-planned wedding at the
Mount Lavinia Hotel. The Victorian era ambiance, gourmet cuisine
prepared by our world-class chefs and the exceptional service, have made
this luxury beach resort in the city the preferred venue for
conventions, product launches, dinner dances, theme parties and other
private events. Sun-bathed terraces, warm Sri Lankan hospitality, the
promise of adventure, and period decor rooms with modern amenities
whisper the promise of a magical stay at the hotel.
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Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your interest in Mount Lavinia
Hotel. We would be delighted to welcome you to our property on your visit.
Kindly review our offer details.
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Reservation Department
Mount Lavinia Hotel | No 100 | Hotel Road | Mount Lavinia | Sri Lanka
Tel :- 0094 112711711 | Fax :- 0094 112738228| Reservation@mountlaviniahotel.com
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14 hotels found in or near Mount Lavinia, 11 Available Showing 1 – 11
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5.5
Score from 40 reviews
Berjaya Hotel Colombo is within walking distance of Mount Lavinia Beach
and Odel’s Shopping Mall. It features 2 restaurants and an outdoor pool.
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A 2-minute walk from Mount Lavinia Bus Station, Lavinia Villa offers
air-conditioned rooms with a cable TV. This property houses a
restaurant, and provides free Wi-Fi and parking.
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6.8
Score from 34 reviews
Haus Chandra is located along Beach Road in Mount Lavinia, 1.5 km from
Mount Lavinia Bus-Stand. It offers modern accommodation with a
beachfront restaurant, an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi.
There are 2 people looking at this hotel.
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Located a 3-minute walk from Mountlavinia Beach, Palm Beach Hotel
features a fitness centre and an outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi and parking
are provided. Rooms have both air conditioning and a fan.
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5.7
Score from 50 reviews
Located next to Mt. Lavina Beach, Ranveli Beach Resort is a 5-minute
drive from Odel Mt. Lavina Shopping Centre. It offers free parking, a
restaurant and rooms with an en suite bathroom.
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