Reflections

The 'Jetawana Stupa' is the focal point of the Abayagiri monastic complex. It is considered to be the tallest brick structure of the ancient world and now, missing the top part of the structure, is approximately 230 feet. The associated complex which in its heyday was home to many thousands of monks is testimony to the powerful influence of the monastic orders in ancient Sri Lanka. By virtue of being monks, all worldly attachments had to be forsaken. These monks had no homes, family or wealth. This very detachment from all material things would have given these orders tremendous moral authority to 'temper' the rule of the kings    

The 'Jetawana Stupa' by night. A solitary monk contemplates the infinite as he purposefully walks around the great structure. The night is alive with the call of insects and other creatures of the dark. A soft breeze plays a eerie melody as it weaves across the trees ringing the central Stupa as thousands of stars twinkle across a sky unadulterated by the lights of 'civilization'.

Meditation on the rise and decay of thoughts.