Mihintale 3- Mahaseya Dagoba

Posted by Yin Teing on July 21, 2010 under Anuradhapura, Mihintale | Be the First to Comment

 

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 I spent the longest time in this Dagoba, going around it. Actually, a strange feeling akin to dejavu came over me when I visited the place.  There was strong wind blowing since the Dagoba is located on the peak.

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 There is a little monastery located next to the Dagoba. When I went in, an old monk actually put out the book and ask for donation. Hmmm….. monks are not supposed to solicit donation in any form according to the Vinaya (code of conduct). Furthermore, it’s sad- the place is so badly maintained.

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 Above, lies the statue of the Buddha as he was about to pass away.

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 And on the side, it is Venerable Ananda, Buddha’s chief attendant monk. As he watched his teacher passing away to parinibbana, his heart was breaking as one hand was on his heart.  At that time, I could almost feel his pain and felt tears well up in my eyes.  Holy places usually invoke this type of emotion. Perhaps, I was once a Sri Lankan in my previous births.

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A closer view of the photo. It’s sad that no one took the time to clean up the place- instead, all they do is to ask for donation.

Mihintale 2- The climb up

Posted by Yin Teing on under Anuradhapura, Mihintale | Be the First to Comment

There are a total of about 1840 granite steps up there.
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Many pilgrims visit Mihintale hill because this is the place where Buddhism first arrived in Sri Lanka. It was said that Venerable Mahinda, son of King Asoka first landed here from India (it was said that he flew there). That time, the Sri Lanka King was hunting at the hill here. The King subsequently embraced Buddhism.

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I took the opportunity to start my climb barefoot, like a lot of the pilgrims that I see. It was hot in the afternoon but strangely, my feet did not feel burnt by the hot granite steps. The place has a very strong vibe about it- I spent a long time in Mihintale- slowly going around the places at the top till the driver was beginning to wonder if anything had happened to me.

Mihintale 1- Ancient Hospital

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Before reaching Mihintale, you will pass ancient ruins like the Ancient Hospital:

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Ancient Hospital built by King Sena II (852- 887) A.C

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