[Click on the icons to view a larger photograph]
It was 6 a.m. in the morning. A beautiful new day was dawning. The usually calm hill top was bustling with activities. Still the Sun has not risen; but busses filled with young girls and boys were seen climbing the winding path leading to the Ambuluwawa Hill top. They were all eager to take part in the activities lined up for them as members of the IYBS (International Youth Buddhist Society).
At around 8 a.m. all has gathered near the Auditorium and were waiting to kick start the day with a bit of Thai-Chi, an Ancient form of Martial Arts; conducted by a Master in his art. The place chosen for this was an ideal flat ground on one part of the mountain. The setting was beautiful with the sun just rising from the opposite side of the mountain. A small lecture on the origins of Thai-Chi enlightened every one gathered at the site. The guys and girls had a taste of what Thai-Chi could do to the mind and body when they were introduced to some basic forms of the art and were asked to try it !.
Tea was served at the end of the exhausting but simulating round of exercises. The more adventurous ones from the lot made use of this time to make new acquaintances with new friends from other areas of the country.
From Physical to Mental Relaxation
Around 10 a.m. everyone one was congregating to the nearby Pine forest; a site to behold. With Sunlight caressing the ground illuminating patches of grass and the pine leaves piled up one the ground the setting was ideal for the next event: Meditation. The session was conducted by a well known Buddhist from the Nilambe Meditation Center in Kandy.
At the end of the session almost everyone must have felt something different about the experience they just had. It was an awe-inspiring moment that would certainly be indented in the mind for times to come. Later an Exhibition of Yoga exercise were presented by two practicing Yogis invited just for the occasion.
The much needed entertainment was provided by popular music group lead by well known singer and actor Mr. Raju Bandara. The songs and music was of superb quality and was a tribute to the occasion. The enchanting setting in the background coupled with the carefully selected music enthralled the audience giving them a life experience that they would cherish in the years to come.
An appetizing meal was ready for the hungry around mid-day. A vegetarian rice and curry lunch was the menu for all participants; One notable thing during lunch was the discipline and awareness shown by all the participants when disposing of the lunch packets after consumption. It was lesson for all those who litter around when they camp.
Later in the day Ven. Hantane Dhammagaveshi thero addressed the gathering at the auditorium. His talk was delivered on the theme Love and Marriage from a Buddhist perspective. A theme usually ignored by many in relation to Buddhist doctrines. The sermon hopefully opened the eyes of the youth from the simple and superficial love experienced by them in the commercial world today.
The sermon was augmented by the dynamic presentation that followed it presented by the well-known local TV personality Mr. Chandana Sooriyabandara of "Rathu - Ira" fame. He delivered his message with vigor and dynamism that captivated the listeners by storm.
Another exhibition of Martial Arts followed the discussions giving the much needed variety in the program.
This renewed web site was felicitated by Mr. Sooriyabandara at the end of his lecture. Then Tea was served to all the guests. A film show was scheduled as the grand finale to the "Ambuluwawa Giri Tharanaya - 2001"
If
you have any thing interesting to share with others about the get-together
please write to the web master. A separate
page will be launched if desired by you to voice your ideas.
It is with great pleasure we thank you all for support rendered to make this event a success.
The photographs you see on this page and on main page were taken by Asela and Ruwan. Thank you brothers.
[Click on the icons to view a larger photograph]
