Mitirigala Vanaya as seen from the camera lens of Dr.Schwarz – Homburg in 1980
Posted on March 11th, 2016
Senaka Weeraratna
In this remarkable series of photos captured with a high tech camera by Dr. Schwarz – Homburg accompanied by his wife (both from Germany) the serene scene within and the natural landscape that surrounded the Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya in 1980 is vividly seen.
Dr. Schwarz – Homburg and his wife visited Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya on an invitation from Ven. Mitirigala Dhammanisanthi Thera ( formerly Asoka Weeraratna the founder of the Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya ) who is also shown in some of these photos.
The value of these pictures lie in offering a glimpse of the natural rural setting particularly the narrow strip of gravel road in the midst of an undulating countryside and beckoning paddy field that had to be crossed by foot to reach the Forest Hermitage. This was the scene in 1980.
Much of the natural attraction and tranquil atmosphere at Mitirigala Nissarana Vanaya conducive to deep contemplation and stilling the mind still remains with innovative training programs on meditation, both Vipassana and Samatha. now being offered to select groups of laity under the stewardship of Most Ven. Uda Eriyagama Dhammajiva Maha Thero ( Chief Preceptor).
