A Culture Enriched by Hospitality

We have been exploring numerous nooks and relatively unheard of religious places over the past few years. These expeditions have been synonymous with jungle treks, rocky terrain, glorious vistas, vivacious and considerate local guides, snack packs in back packs, astounding and eye opening architecture and ruins and unbelievable coherence in what was possibly the world order many thousands of years ago.

A simple article will never be able to capture the sights and insights, sounds and expressions, revelations and hidden truths that I encountered during these jaunts. Maybe a few dozen calls with me will help you get some idea (I am kidding). Instead, this is a dedication to the deep seated hospitality and selflessness of my countrymen that make it easier and more comfortable for us as local tourists in under developed areas. My focus here is specifically on temples and the monks of rural temples.

We have relished crispy kokis, wholesome mung kevum, warm cups of black tea, ice cold Cream Soda and biscuits at the very least whenever we stopped over for a short explorative visit. Usually, we explore the vast gardens of the temple to see relics, ruins or caves and return to the temple house where we are greeted with a warm cuppa or at times a chilled cuppa.

It is awkward to accept hospitality from monks and other assistants at temples, though we do reciprocate with tithe, alms or donations as we think fit at the time. The first time it happened, I must say we were taken aback, but with each expedition and each visit to a rural temple, this became more familiar and normal. It is true that the temples are maintained by generous laities, but what is even more true about us as Sri Lankans is our hospitality, our warmth and our inability to let anyone who visits us go away without serving them at least a glass of water. Now when I visit a temple, I appreciate how holistic and enriching our culture is for where else in the world does anyone give you a cup of tea free of charge with no expectations?

This is a trait that I hope lasts across all seasons, withstands the test of time and is handed down from generation to generation through practice in our little island nation.

Anyone interested in visiting these temples far far away which are of significance, do hit me up

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