SRI LANKA, DAY 6
August 2, 2025

Departing from Kandy, we made our way toward Madanwala Rajamaha Viharaya—an ancient monastery over a thousand years old, located in Hanguranketha. This temple, founded in the 12th century CE, serves as a center for traditional monastic education (Dhamma studies). Built against a cliffside, the temple houses a mysterious golden Buddha image enshrined within a cave. The statue’s full-body form and throne design are strikingly different from traditional Sri Lankan iconography. Because of this, local devotees believe the sacred image was crafted by celestial beings (Devas) and has since been venerated and preserved at Madanwala Rajamaha Viharaya. Remarkably, although there have been several attempts to steal the statue, each time, miraculous events occurred to prevent the theft, such as a Bodhi branch suddenly snapping and falling, waking the monks just as intruders were breaking in.

In recent decades, the Sri Lankan government, together with archaeologists, excavated a buried stupa hidden beneath the earth. Within the stupa, they discovered numerous valuable ancient relics, including a golden reliquary containing sacred relics of the Buddha and Arahant disciples. At that time, the Chief Incumbent of Madanwala Rajamaha Viharaya, unaware of what had transpired, rushed forward, embraced the relics, and wept uncontrollably, exclaiming, “They are all mine!” Moved by this heartfelt outpouring, the Sangha and the government decided to offer the sacred relics to be enshrined alongside the golden Buddha image at this temple.

The delegation had the joyful opportunity to pay homage and venerate the sacred relics. At the end of the visit, we respectfully presented our request, expressing the heartfelt aspiration to receive a relic for next year’s Grand Ceremony in Texas. The Venerable Elders received our request with great delight after hearing about the vow to build the Dhammacetiya and the recent Dhamma activities of Huong Dao Buddhist Temple.
The meeting took place in a serene and solemn atmosphere, and the outcome will be announced in due course!

Part 2
Bidding farewell to Madanwala Rajamaha Viharaya, the delegation continued onward to Trúc Lâm Temple—the first Vietnamese temple established in Sri Lanka. It was founded by Venerable Pháp Quang, a young monk who had devoted much of his life studying and practicing in the country. This humble temple, built in traditional Vietnamese architectural style, stands serenely amid lush green forest, peaceful and tranquil at the heart of the island nation of Sri Lanka.

Since its establishment, Venerable Pháp Quang has been teaching the Vietnamese language to Sri Lankan devotees. To this day, some young students can now speak and sing in Vietnamese with remarkable fluency. After days of eating Sri Lankan cuisine, the delegation was treated to a simple yet richly flavorful Vietnamese lunch, lovingly prepared in traditional Vietnamese style. Though the meal consisted only of vegetables, pickles, and stewed dishes, it warmed our hearts and brought great joy to us as travelers far from home.

After lunch, we had the opportunity to sit and listen to the heartfelt sharing of Venerable Pháp Quang, and to enjoy performances by the children, singing Vietnamese songs and performing the traditional nón lá (conical hat) dance.
“Yesterday, my mother walked me to school,
Today she’s gone to the fields,
I walk to class alone…”
A young Sri Lankan child sang this tender Vietnamese song, moving many in the group to tears as it stirred memories of childhood and school days. Though our time at the temple was brief, it left a deep and unforgettable memory on all of us.

Part 3
We bid farewell to Trúc Lâm Temple and returned to Kandy for a meeting with the Mahanayaka Thero of the Wamalta Chapter. We had the honor of paying homage, offering requisites, and formally presenting our purpose and aspirations. After listening with joy, the Venerable Elder smiled warmly and said:
“With such determination and unwavering resolve, you need not wait for the next life. You will complete this noble endeavor in this very lifetime. I will direct my mind and support you and your project to the fullest extent possible.” He graciously agreed to serve on the Advisory and Spiritual Council for the Dhammacetiya project. Regarding next year’s Grand Ceremony, he affirmed that either he or the Deputy Mahanayaka Thero would attend, health permitting.

Before our departure, the Mahanayaka Thero graciously offered gifts to each member of the group and bestowed his blessings for peace and well-being upon us all. We respectfully paid homage and then proceeded to visit the Deputy Mahanayaka Thero.

The Deputy Mahanayaka was overjoyed to see the delegation and warmly recognized me, recalling that I had once helped push his wheelchair during his visit to Viên Không Nuns’ Monastery in Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu and Long Trường Temple in Trà Vinh, Vietnam. Though advanced in age and physically frail, he radiated compassion, smiling and speaking gently, and chanted blessings, praying that the Dhammacetiya Stupa project may be fulfilled according to our highest aspirations.

It was a day filled with joy and uplifting energy.
Namo Buddhāya!

#buddhism #tangkinhthanhdien #buocchanhanhgia #sbsstupas #dhammacetiya #chuahuongdao #sutuenhan #pannakara #srilanka #relics