In Buddhism, passaddhi refers to tranquillity of the body, speech, thoughts and consciousness on the path to enlightenment. The associated verb is passambhati (to calm down or become quiet). Calming bodily and mental formations is the culmination of each of the meditation instructions in the Pali Canon’s famed Anapanasati Sutta.
In my understanding of Buddhism, the Buddha made a distinction between physical and psychological solitude. For him, psychological solitude meant isolating the mind from negative thoughts and emotions. The more appropriate reasons why one might seek solitude, the Buddha said, included because one’s wants are modest (appicchataü), for contentment (santuññhiü) and leading one to examine oneself-reflection (sallekhü). But the most important benefit of the practice of solitude is in dissolving of one’s attachments.
The source of suffering is the second Noble truth – Attachments, the clinging of desire to an object in the world. This leads inevitably to suffering because of the impermanence of the phenomenal realm: we are destined to lose everything we value on this earth. Serenity is impossible without wisdom, and we come to realize loving kindness is the foundation of wisdom.
Captivating charm
Sri Lanka is embellished with many Buddhist temples. This is a land where people are able to take time and visit these places of worship, especially on a Poya day. The captivating charm and serene aura of the Sandagiri Seya is indeed a refreshing experience. Kandy, the last independent kingdom of Sri Lanka inherits a rich and eventful history. Initially, Kandy happened to be a vassal kingdom under the control of the Kingdom of Kotte.
The story of the emergence of Senkadagala Mahanuvara or Kandy is wrapped in legend and history. The Sandagiri Maha Seya is one of Sri Lanka’s new giant dagaba constructions from our century. The construction works commenced in January 2017. Gradually the temple took shape with the aspirations and blessings of thousands of Buddhists, who supported this project. The completion ceremony, erecting the pinnacle on the top of the stupa dome, took place in March 2021.
The consecration ceremony, depositing sacred objects in the stupa, was held in September 2022. The ambitious project of constructing the beautiful Sandagiri Maha Seya was initiated by Ven. Gangasiripura Dhammaloka Thera. This young, dynamic monk has garnered the support and blessings of thousands of devotees. He dedicates much time to uplift the poor people through various projects. Sandagiri Maha Seya is the largest stupa in Kandy District. The Stupa within the temple complex, located several kilometres north of Kandy town and beyond the Hanthana Mountain Range, is a stunning architectural marvel.
The Stupa stands at a height of 33 metres (108 feet) and has a girth of 100 metres (328 feet). Positioned at an elevation of 930 metres above sea level, the stupa’s terrace is an alluring vantage point offering a breathtaking 180-degree panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Taking in this view alone can rejuvenate the mind. From this elevated position, visitors are treated to a mesmerising appreciation of the Hanthana Mountain Range.
The Hanthana Mountain stands proudly, representing the grandeur of nature. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and historical significance, Hanthana Mountain has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. It is part of the Sri Lankan central massif, which includes other mountain ranges such as Knuckles Range and Adam’s Peak.
Spiritual Awakening
Within the inner sanctum, the column is designed as a Bo-Tree, the branches of which spread out over a large part of the ceiling. In the Buddhist tradition, a number of different trees played a critical role in the life of the noble Buddha, most notably at the moments of his birth, his enlightenment, and his death. In particular, the site of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, a peepal tree (Bodhi tree) in Bodh Gaya, India, is still revered today as the locus of his spiritual awakening. Because of its powerful spiritual symbolism, the tree also figures prominently in Buddhist imagery.
The final moments of the noble Buddha’s life are also represented under trees. When the Buddha was aged 80 he retreated to a grove of sal or sala trees, in Kushinagara in modern-day Bihar. He requested his faithful disciple Ananda to position him with his head to the north between two of the trees. There, lying on a bed and surrounded by his disciples, he peacefully passed away and entered the state of final enlightenment- parinirvana. Actually, the tree can also be considered as a world tree, as it forms the central vertical line from the relic chamber to the pinnacle, which was known as Upagala in ancient stupa architecture. This is the axis mundi of the world system symbolized by the entire stupa.
Trees appear in other aspects of Buddhist art as well, including scenes of the Buddhist paradises. Here they are depicted laden with jewels, representing the spiritual wealth of those progressing towards enlightenment.
The ceiling of the Sandagiri Seya depicts the white crane birds. Cranes are revered in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. One story tells of Prince Siddhartha rescuing a wounded Sarus Crane. Young Siddhartha, feeling sorry for the injured bird took it into the palace and removed the arrow. He patched up the wound and started to nurse the bird back to health, caring for it with genuine love. Crane symbolism in Buddhism also includes grace, devotion, faithfulness, open-mindedness, aspiration, immortality and transformation. Cranes continue to unite people throughout the world by their charisma. A visit to this charming Buddhist oasis is a must for those who appreciate and value religion.
I encourage non-Buddhists to visit this temple when they visit Kandy. I am strongly convinced that we must take time to understand other religions so that we may realize the greater strength from inclusion and diversity. As a prudent monk once reminded me, we are all children from the tree of humanity.
Dishan Joseph