Holiday Reflections - Part 1

by Surath Fernando

I recently came back from a short holiday in Sri Lanka. Below are some reflections from my time. I've split it into two parts as it's easier to read that way.

In my observations, I found life in Sri Lanka falls into two buckets. Outside the capital, in the small villages and towns, life is relaxed, slow paced and focuses on the small things. Children climb trees, collect sea shells and play in the street. A typical dish is rice with fish, vegetables and a sambol. Dessert is a choice of bananas, mangoes or papaw with lime.

Not to say that people don't have any worries. Far from it. It's just that they appear to be more content with living in the present and extract joy from small things, like a favourite song, special meal or flying a kite by the beach.

It is a world far removed from the capital Colombo. That is a world of posh hotels, first world amenities and grand buffets. The extravagance was uncomfortable at times. Especially when it took place meters away from people who are struggling with the basic freedoms taken for granted in the developed world.

As I reflect on the two, I don't think one is particularly good or bad. It ultimately depends on the individual. To each their own. However, what I do think is important is obtaining the right balance. This ties in with Pope Francis' call for moderation and the old Greek saying of "nothing in excess".

Besides the lifestyle, what stands out is the strength of spirituality and religious faith. Note that I refer to the two separately as I think they are subtlety different.

First of all, spirituality. There is a clear spiritual connection of the people with the land, its flora and fauna. I suppose it's not surprising given the history of the country.

Sri Lanka has a culture that is old in the human sense of time. Its countryside is dotted with ancient ruins and a legacy of a culture that worshipped the elements.

Indeed, the picturesque mountain of Adams Peak (Butterfly mountain in the local dialect) is testament to this fact. Many thousands of years ago, this was the scene of sun worshipping. Its basis lies on the occurrence of a natural phenomenon that visually shows repeated sunrises, almost as if the sun bows to those on top of the mountain.

This history of worship has flowed to the religious views of today’s practicing Buddhists, Christians and Muslims. The former believe that lord Buddha arrived to the island on this mountain top and brought with him Buddhism. The latter two believe this mountain was the place Adam arrived after his exile from Eden. Each year, pilgrims from all three faiths make the climb up the mountain to see this wonder of nature and in homage of their respective faiths.

My personal view of this mountain is one of awe and quiet respect. I have always loved the high places of the world. There is something about the view from the top of a mountain that highlights the utter insignificance of humanity, when compared to the glory of creation. It is no wonder that God spoke to Moses on Mt Sinai and cultures the world over worship these sacred places.

This connection with the land and nature helps breed a strong sense of spirituality within the people. It is visible in their actions. People leave food for squirrels, dogs and cats. Stray animals are cared for by strangers. Pilgrims offer the fruits of the earth at their local temples.

In addition to spirituality, there is a strong sense of religiosity underpinning the country. This I define as spirituality with a framework for worship and the ultimate glorification of God.

Present day religiosity in Sri Lanka is a by-product of external influences on the country. Buddhism and Hinduism were brought to the country from India. Islam entered on the boats of Moorish traders, who travelled the known world. Christianity, in its various forms, was championed by the waves of Dutch, English and Portuguese colonial conquest.

A walk around most towns will expose one to a church, temple or mosque. This is a refreshing change from the secular world. And irrespective of the  type of faith, I feel joy that people have found faith itself. Indeed, it is uplifting to see people dress in their best clothes as they go to mass or attend temple. If only we all had that level of respect for all aspects of our faith! What kind of a world would it be!

Part two of this reflection will focus on a person who exampled this strong combination of spirituality and religiosity.