පැතුම් මල් පීදෙන...
හද නෑවී සැනසෙන...
නැවුම් හිරු කිරනින් සුභ සිහින ඉටුවෙන...
සුභම සුභ අලුත් අවුරුද්දක් වේවා !!!

Significance of Wesak

The Wesak Festival has been traditionally associated in eastern civilization with the Buddha, esoterically recognized as the divine intermediary between the highest spirtual center on the planet, Shamballa, and the Hierarchy. 

The Buddha is the expression of the Wisdom of God, the embodiment of Light and the indicator of divine purpose, cooperating at this festival with his brother the Christ, who represents the Hierarchy. The Buddha embodies the Principle of Light, and because of this illumination humanity was able to recognize the Christ, embodiment of the still greater Principle of Love. 

Each year at the time of Wesak, two great streams of energy ~ one focussed through the Buddha and the other through the Christ ~ are fused and blended, and it is the task of world servers to precipitate this combined energy into the waiting world.

The Wesak Festival is indeed a great spiritual event, with a powerful effect upon humanity. Groups of aspirants can at this time become channels for the higher energies released through the medium of the two focal points ~ the Buddha, who represents the overlighting essence of subjective realities, and the Christ, representative of aspiring humanity. 

This is symbolized in religious rituals where the priest acts as the focal point; here, however, the priesthood in this great ceremony of contact is not a separate entity. All can be priests, the single qualification being the capacity to align oneself and be en rapport with the Soul, and thus be able to cooperate with other souls.

Wesak is a time of unusual inflow of life and of spiritual stimulation, serving to vitalize the aspiration of all humanity. At the time of the festival, through the united effort of the Christ and the Buddha working in closest cooperation, there is opened a channel of communication between humanity and deity through which an approach can be made to Those Who guide our planet, so that aspirants and disciples are able to contact energies not otherwise easily available.

Once a year, at the Vaisakha or Wesak Festival, the Lord Buddha, sanctioned by the Lord of the World, carries to the assembled humanity a dual stream of force, that emanating from the Silent Watcher, supplemented by the more focalized energy of the Lord of the World. This dual energy He pours out in blessing over the people gathered at the ceremony in the Himalayas, and from them in turn it flows out to all peoples and tongues and races. 

In mutual service to humanity, at Wesak the Buddha and the Christ bring about a linking that blends East and West, uniting the world's major religions in a shared holy day in which religious distinctions disappear. In the beautiful water ceremony of communion is portrayed the symbol of the new age which is upon us, the Aquarian Age, the age of the Water Carrier.

During the Wesak Festival the Buddha becomes the "absorbing Agent" of Will. He uses the magnetic power of Love-Wisdom to attract this force to Himself and hold it steady, prior to redirecting it. The Christ then ~ on behalf of the Hierarchy ~ becomes the "receiving Agent" of this potent energy and the groups of Masters Who work with the human and sub-human kingdoms (in response to His demand) become the "directing Agents" for the sevenfold expression of this force.

So around the Wesak Festival, expansions of consciousness are made possible that are not possible at other times. Those of goodwill are stimulated spirtually to take initiation, in order to penetrate more deeply and consciously into the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. These reveal more about the wonder of our divinity, and about the Plan to which humanity is conforming. Each year, the Wesak marks the beginning of a cycle for the New Group of World Servers, that comprise three-year cycles of crisis, tension, and emergence.

At the Wesak Festival we may honor the Buddha, as well as ourselves, as dedicated transmitters of the energy that can be contacted at the full moon in Taurus. Each year as we experience the Wesak more consciously, it's important to hold the space for the inflow and distribution of energies, through safeguarding.

The focussed interplay of many minds working together in meditation produces a unity of thought powerful enough to reach the Great Lives watching over and guiding our planet. And the combined aspiration, consecration, devotion and intelligence of the group carries everyone to greater heights than could be attained alone.

The greater the number of people who meditate at this time, the stronger the magnetic field of the group heart and its invocative, indrawing power. It's up to each of us to attune with ever greater clarity to the note being sounded ~ to quiet the mind and transmute individual desires that only cause confusion and chaos, into desire for the greatest good of all.

We know where we are aligned ... with the Source of all that is. That Source provides uniquely and cooperates with All who are tuned to Its note of Life.    

       

Kebiliththa (මහ සියඹලාව දේවාලය) - Divine Belief....

Kebiliththa (Kabiliththa, Kebaliththa) also known as “Siyambalawa devalaya” is considered a very sacred place among both Buddhists and Hindus. Devotees of God Katharagama come to visit this place and get blessings of God throughout the year. Nowadays with the advancement of technology, more people get to know about this sacred place, thus Kebiliththa also attracts visitors from many parts of the world.

According to the ancient story, on a rainy day God Kataragama (Skanda Kumara) had met his future wife Walli Amma at this place near a tamarind tree (“siyambala” tree in Sinhalese), from which it derives its name “Siyambalawa devalaya”. Devotees believe that God Kataragama resides and meditates at this sacred land. Therefore it is highly advised that you must not visit Kebilithta for fun and it is strictly a religious journey. If you are planning to visit this sacred place, you should become a pure vegetarian and must not consume alcohol for a minimum of seven days prior to the journey. Because of the mystic powers of Kabiliththa, people who had disobeyed these practices have faced many obstacles on their way back home.

Kebiliththa is situated in the heart of Yala National Park, Block IV and there are four main routes to visit Siyambalawa devalaya. However all of these routes are placed along the Yala jungle so it is not an easy ride for anyone. This extremely difficult drive not only requires a four-wheel drive vehicle with accessories such as winch, snatch belt, high lift jack, extra fuel etc., but also an experienced driver with four-wheel drive and mechanical skills. As you will be in the middle of a jungle, there won’t be any resting places to accommodate, so don’t forget to take your camping equipment and plenty of drinking water with you.

Even with these difficult conditions, people still attempt to make their way to Kebaliththa as it is a journey one must complete at least once in a life time. If you prepare yourself correctly with the true faith and belief in God Kataragama, you could also visit this beautiful sacred land, Kebaliththa.

Routes to Kebaliththa Devalaya

Route1 Kumana-> Kuda Kabaliththa->Ada Kumbuka->Gal amuna->Maha siyabalawa devalaya(Kebaliththa)

Route2   Yala->Block 2-> cross Kumbukkan Oya->Kuda Kabaliththa->Ada Kumbuka->Gal amuna ->Maha siyabalawa devalaya

Route3  Monaragala->Kodayana->5 Kanuwa (5th Post)->Kotiyagala->Bogas hanidiya road or Kammal yaya road->Maha siyabalawa devalaya (31Km from Kotiyagala to devalaya)

Route Condition

These routes are very difficult for traveling and at least two 4x4 vehicles are advisable.And 4X4 recovery accessories are needed(reliable winch+snatch belt+Hi-lift Jacks+Extra fuel+) with 4x4 driving skills.There are big tractors you can hire from Kotiyagala (for a tour about 12,000 LKR)    

Precaution
before you visit the place you need the faith of Katharagama God and need to prevent from "Kili" (meat ,alcohol etc) at least for 7 days. 

Things needed for Muluthan Poojawa for 10 Persons (in Sinhala) 

1. Suwadal Hal (rice) -2Kg
2. Mutti-1 (A Pot to 3 kg of rice)
3. Mee Pani-1/2 bottle (honey)
4. Kitul Pani-1/2 bottle
5. Mun ata-500g
6. Rata indi-500g
7. Muddaraffalam-250g
8. kitul hakuru-500g
9. Gas kaju Mada-250g
10. Mati Paththara-10(for 10 Persons)
11. Polkatu Handi-2
12. Koraha-1
13. Nabiliya-1
14. Sini-1Kg(sugar)
15. Pol Gedi-3
16. Lunu Kudu Packet-1
17. plastic Besama-2
18. Hiramana-1
19. Sudu redi -yara 5
20. Kahakudu packet-1
21. Sadun dara/kurudu dara
22. Loku Pihiya-1

For Bodi poojawa

1. tray-1
2. stainless steel cups-3
3. Bulath,Puwak,Hunu

And for accommodation

1. tents
2. lanterns/portable generator with CFL bulbs
3. Candles(large size)

Things needed for Palathuru(fruits) Poojawa for 1 Person (in Sinhala) 

1. Annasi(pineapple)-1
2. Apple-1
3. Naran-3
4. Dodam(Orange)-3
5. Delum(Pomegranate)-3
6. Midi(grapes)-250g
7. Ammba(Mango)-3
8. Diwul(Wood apple)-3
9. Beli(bael)-3
10. Ukgas Kali(sugarcane)-1
11. Kesel gedi(Banana-Rath,Suwadel,Kolikuttu)-11
12. Ratu Redi Yara-1
13. Nil Redi Yara-2
14. Indian Hadun Kuru Packet(incense sticks)-3
15. Kapuru Packet (Loku)-1
16. Polthel Bothal(Coconut Oil)-1
17. Pahanthira Packet(100)-2
18. Bulath Kola(betel leaves)-11
19. Sambrani packet-1
20. Pooja watti (Loku)-1
21. Pihiya(knife)-1
22. Kahakudu Packet(turmeric)-1
23. Thabili Gedi(king Coconut)-1
24. Pol Gedi(Coconut)-1
25. Gini Petti(Box of Matches)-1

The Poojawa Begins…. 
 
‘Om mauwaran piyawaran demarawaran dedawaran balawaran guruwaran divampath sandaranaka divakkarakarakata balayakata yaethi aybowewa aybowewa Ong‘ sadhu sadhu wandenwita wanden ba wanden uduathin wanden uruathin wanden wakkala athin wanden dikkala athin wanden kanda nama wanden banda nama wanden doth nama doth wandakillen sadhu ping athi budun dakina budu wena hamuduruwane eskawalen esakwalata mesakwalen mesakwalata….’

Sabwithiyo viwajjatho…
Sabba rogo winassatho..
Mathe bawath antharayo..
Suki digayu ko bawa…”
120ta 220k awada ayu bo wewa…!
Suba aluth auruddak wewa..!

Happy & Prosperous New Year 2013....

Wishing you a year that is filled with all the fragrance of roses, illuminated with all the lights of the world and be blessed with all the smiles on the planet. Hope this year will be the year when all your dreams come true. Happy New Year 2013.

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases.

It is found that a mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey as a vital medicine for centuries. Scientists of today also accept honey as a very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.

Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, on its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and Cinnamon as researched by western scientists.

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, chappati, or other bread, instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.

Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as age the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalizes the arteries and veins.

INSECT BITES: Take one part honey to two parts of lukewarm water and add a small teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly. It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.

In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

HAIR LOSS: Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair. It was found to be effective even if kept on for 5 minutes.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

TOOTHACHE: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day till the tooth stops aching.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder
mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to
reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any Chronic cholesterol is cured. As per information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

INFERTILITY: Yunani and Ayurvedic Medicine have been using honey for thousands of years to strengthen the semen of men. If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before going to sleep, their problem will be solved.

In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women, who do not conceive and need to strengthen the uterus, have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries. Women who
cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half teaspoon of honey
and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.

A couple in Maryland, USA, had no children for 14 years and had lost hope of having a child of their own. When told about this process, husband and wife started taking honey and cinnamon as stated above; the wife conceived after a few months and had twins at full term.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomachache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age.

Life spans also increases and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of Honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts, are more alert and flexible.

Dr. Milton who has done research says that a half tablespoon honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water. So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder taken in equal parts restore hearing.

*NOTE:The honey used needs to be REAL RAW UNPASTEURIZED HONEY. If it says PURE honey it is most likely pasteurized. It is best to only buy honey that says RAW or UNPASTEURIZED on the label. The difference is that the enzymes are all heated out of the pasteurized honey 

  

Batathota Lena - බටතොට ලෙන

- A jungle trek to Divaguhawa - 

"Mahiyanganam Nagadeepam - Kalyanam Padalanchanam
Divaguha Deeghavapi - Cetiyam Cha Mutinganam
Tissa Maha Viharancha - Bodhim Maricha Vattiyam
Suwarnamali Maha Cetiyam - Thuparama Bhayagirim
Jetavanam Sela Cetiyam - Tatha Kachara Gamakam
Ethe Solosmasthani - Aham Vandami Sabbada"

The Batatota cave temple which had been neglected in a dense jungle has now become famous as one of the religious sites. It is also held in high esteem by the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka. This cave temple located on a mountainous forest is visited by thousands of pilgrims daily with great devotion and respect.

It was the initiative of the Batatota Ancient Cave Temple Renovation Society (BACTRS) to commence a speedy renovation programme of the cave temple which has been of religious significance to the Buddhist order of the country. Batatota cave temple lies on a rocky mountainous range in a tiny village called Batatota in Kuruwita, in the Ratnapura district.

To visit this temple, devotees, have to travel seven kilometres on a narrow Erathna-Kuruwita road, that leads to Adam's Peak. This road devotees can reach Batatota junction where visitors can proceed half a kilometre arriving at the foot Batatota mountain. A flight of beautifully carved stone steps lead to the Batatota cave temple.

Legend says that this cave temple was built by King Nissankamalla (1178-1207) during the Polonnaruwa period in which the King had accidently discovered the temple, on his way to Sri Pada (Adam's Peak). Batatota cave temple is also venerated for 'Diwaguhawa' where Lord Buddha is said to have spent the rest of his day with 500 disciples on his return from the Sri Pada (Adam's Peak). Legend also cites that Lord Buddha has taken rest in this cave after placing the footprint on Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) on the invitation of God Sumana Saman.

It is said that King Nissankamalla had visited this cave temple in the course of his religious expeditions to Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) and had built the temple which stands majestically with religious as well as cultural grandeur. The most impressive architectural feature in this cave temple is its magnificent ' Makara Thorana ' that dates back to the Polonnaruwa period and a part of it has been renovated by the villagers, as it had been disfigured.

The cave shrine consists of cross-legged, reclining and standing Buddha statues that belong to the Polonnaruwa period. Most of the statues and paintings in this cave temple have been exquisitely renovated several times, and retouching has also been done at later stages.

In 1908, this cave which had been isolated had been rediscovered by the erudite monk called Sri Subethi, who took great care to renovate it and built a devale outside the cave shrine. After Ven. Sri Subethi's demise, this religious site was abandoned in the midst of overgrowth. As a result this site had become a haven for treasure hunters who destroyed most of the invaluable statues in the cave.

In 1995 the most Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maithreya Mahanayake Thera identified this ancient cave temple as 'Diwaguhawa' hidden in the thick jungle of Batatota. During my short stay at the cave I could experience a sense of Buddhist traits in a serene atmosphere.

The most remarkable feature in this cave temple is that drops of water dripping from the ceiling even in dry weather. There is also a water pond in the cave itself and the sun's rays fall inside the cave from dawn to dusk. In clear weather condition, the Adam's Peak can be viewed from the cave site.

Apart from the Batatota cave, 'Streepura' is another cave situated 200 metres away from the cave site. This cave is believed to be one of the shelters for God Saman's relative.

There is another belief that the Veddha community is of the view that this cave belongs to their forefathers. Archaeological excavations have found traces of human inhabitation pertaining to pre-Christian era.

Although Batatota cave temple's original architectural designs are not to be seen at present, the the old Sal trees surrounded by different kinds of vegetation can still be seen with flowers in full bloom.