I love 💞 Mihninthale

I love the splendor of Buddhist Temples, but what I can't deal with is having to remove my shoes. For when my 175 pounds goes down on granite stones, it nuh nice😩.

Asians tend to be small and slim so I  guess, dem nuh  feel di pain like me.😭

Anyway when the pain receded, I decided I would do it all over again just to re-live the joy of having been there.

Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka at Mihninthale around 250 BCE, by monks sent from India. 

This historic event took place in the month of Poson, (June), so large hordes of Buddhists make their pilgrimage 

 there during that period each year.

As the site of the birth of that religion on the island some 2500 years ago, it's cherished, not only by, local adherents of the Buddhist religion but also historians and archeologists from all over the world.

A huge statue of Lord Buddha overlooks the site.

I make no claim about being an historian or archeologist, but have long been fascinated by the philosophies of Lord Buddha including his dedication to peaceful coexistence and generosity towards all categories that inhabit this planet. I  a

also relish in enjoying the amazing beauty and artistry that goes into the construction and care of these temples.

It's an UNESCO heritage site 

Signs warn you never to turn your back to any statue of Buddha when takin pics.

Many temples display replicas of Budda's foot.

Let sleeping dogs lie😊.

This huge contraption was where cooked rice was dispensed from, to the original monks who resided there!

Religious adherents come from all over to express their love and devotion.

The art work inside is absolutely beautiful.

One of the many residences built in the huge granite rocks at the original site.

Remnants of the original building constructed in 250 BCE, for dining, gathering and even a bathroom for the monks.

The remains of a meditation hall built some 2500 years ago.

Oh those steps were challenging.

My greatest concern with such areas though, is descending, not really ascending as I always remember Professor Damith's warning to me when coming from all heights, "Joan, you have to be careful, for remember old bones don't heal easily."

That warning was given to me quite a few years ago, when these bones were even a bit younger!

I had carelessly "flown" down Jacks Hill in Kingston, Jamaica on my bicycle and crashed at a round about in Hope Pastures, when he rode up and saw me suffering on the ground😩.

Because of the damage to my shoulder, it took me about three weeks before I could raise my right arm.

So how can I ever forget that admonition when descending from great heights?

The original meditation hall at Mihninthale 

Love the view from above

Me climb up to the top? No sah.

Why is it so many religious leaders of differing beliefs always seem to find such high points to build on? 

https://joan-myviews.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-holy-meteora.html?m=1

Met this young man who is aspiring to become a Buddhist monk.

He says he is 18 but looked a lot younger. Spoke perfect English, Sinhalese and Tamil languages.

My friends were all over 

Another residence in a huge granite rock.

Remnants of the bathroom in the original building.

The toilet area. You better learn to stoop even now.

It was a very breezy day.

Descending gingerly!

I was promised good karma if I could ring the bell three times. I did😊. (With some difficulty.) 

I really enjoyed touring this site as it was early and the crowd had not yet arrived.

Link

https://joan-myviews.blogspot.com/2025/05/now-thats-royal.html?m=1

A nature walk.

 I saw the largest tree I have ever seen in my life today.

They call it a Banion tree. (Banyon?)

It's huge but I couldn't find out how old it is.

I'm lost inside this tree!

Mr. Haton (my tuk driver) swings on the root.

That stringly-looking thing grows down from the branches into the ground and ta-da a new tree grows from it.

A dead monk guards the tree. It is said he was 6 feet tall. Unusual, as most Sri Lankans are fairly short.

Then it was off to see Kaludya Pond.

Most signs are in three languages. Sinhalese, Tamil and English.

This pond is over 3000 years old!

It's in the center of the archiological dig.

Had to do some climbing to get to the site, but don't mind as I need the exercise.

Then my friends came to see me😊.

Also ran into some devotees taking lunch for Buddhist monks who meditate at a building nearby and in the surrounding forest.

It is the custom for devotees to supply breakfast, dinner and supper for the Buddhist Monks in their district.

Inside the "Arms"

The food is prepared in a large room called the Arms.

I had a good lunch today too.

 2 boiled corn and a jelly coconut.

Proud of myself as I have been a vegan for 2 days!

Yup, healthy living but it's because mi fraid a Sri Lankan food, for peppa wudda kill mi.😭

https://joan-myviews.blogspot.com/2025/05/omg-im-allergic.html?m=1. 

Anyway healthy living won't kill me for 

 there is no shortage of delicious fruits as stalls like these line every road. (Instead of potholes like a Yard😡)

Fruit stalls abound all around Sri Lanka.

For people who like pepper, there are no end of signs advertising rice and curry. 

To go, it's served in banana leaves.