Where will the mediation be held?
The location is the Mahameuna Uyana, a vast 500-acre wooded park area within the Sacred City, to the north of Anuradhapura town centre. Anuradhapura was the royal capital city, home to 119 successive Sri Lankan Kings between 380BC to 1000AC. Anuradhapura became famous as a Buddhist stronghold and pilgrims continue to flock to the Sacred City to worship at the Sacred Bo-Tree, grown from a branch of the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited cities amongst foreign visitors.

Who will lead the meditation?
Sarvodaya’s founder and President, Dr A.T. Ariyaratne will lead the meditation. Leaders from many of the world’s religions will be in attendance. Participants do not need to be experienced in meditation but must come in the spirit of participation – ‘to offer our collective energies to bring peace to the collective conscience around the world.’ A separate booklet with meditation guidance notes will shortly be available from the Sarvodaya website. Please note that silence should be observed throughout.

When will the meditation be held?
Most of the Sri Lankan participants are expected to arrive on 1st October. You may prefer to come on the day itself, as you wish. Events on the 2nd October are as follows (Sri Lankan time is 4.5hrs ahead of British Summer Time):-
9am – 12noon Various lectures and discussion groups (in Sinhala and Tamil) at locations around the Ancient City
2pm – 3pm Personal preparation for the meditation
3pm – 5pm Meditation led by Dr A.T. Ariyaratne
5pm – 6pm Mr K. Paranavivhana will lead the Pooja

3 PM of October 2nd in Sri Lanka is 5:30 AM Eastern Standard Time in the US. Wondering what will be the time in your place? Convert the time with World Clock on timeanddate.com

Will Sarvodaya arrange for the transportation?
Please note that Sarvodaya is not able to make transport arrangements on behalf of visitors. There are bus and train services to Anuradhapura (which will be heavily subscribed) but you may prefer to contact one of the Sri Lankan travel companies to arrange a car & driver or minibus. (see separate contacts list). There will be designated parking areas and plenty of signposts throughout Anuradhapura; you will need to walk to and from the site from the parking areas or your chosen drop-off/pick-up point.

Where can I stay?
Please note that Sarvodaya is not able to make accommodation arrangements on behalf of participants. Anuradhapura itself has a number of guesthouses and small hotels (listed in Useful Contacts) and there are also some interesting locations within a reasonable drive such as Habarana, Dambulla, Kandy and Polunnaruwa. Your travel agent or one of the Sri Lankan travel companies can assist.

What should I wear?
Please wear white and ensure your shoulders and upper legs are covered. If you bring a hat, please remove it for the meditation – there is plenty of shade from the trees but please bear in mind that the sun is extremely strong and the temperature is likely to be high.

What should I bring?
Please bring as little as possible! You should bring food and water to meet your own needs for the day but, above all, please bring your loving kindness and spiritual belief.

What do in case of emergency?
Sarvodaya’s own Community Health Unit, the Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance are providing medical services and Sarvodaya is working with the police and other authorities on security arrangements. Basic toilet facilities will be provided.

Can Sarvodaya Provide Translation Services?
It is not practical for us to provide translation services but the meditation itself will be conducted in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

What does it cost?
There is no cost to participants whether they are Sri Lankan or from overseas. That said, donations would be most gratefully received.

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