Siam Society will arrange a nine-day study trip to explore the ancient wonders and heritage sites in Sri Lanka from Aug 17-25.
Beyond its remarkable natural beauty and cultural heritage, Sri Lanka holds a significant place in the history and development of Buddhism, as it is one of the oldest Buddhist countries in the world.
Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Ashoka the Great of India in the 3rd century BCE, and since then, it has played a central role in the country's culture, traditions, and way of life. It is national pride that Sri Lanka has been the guardian of Buddhism after its decline in India for the past two millennia.
The trip will explore six World Heritage Sites in this South Asian country, as well as seven out of the 16 most sacred Buddhist sites (Solosmasthana) according to the Mahavamsa, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka.
Highlights include a chance to set foot in the chamber where the Buddha's relics excavated in 1897 from Piprahwa, a village in Uttar Pradesh, India, have been enshrined; and a visit to Kandy, the last capital of ancient Sri Lanka, to explore the famous Temple of the Tooth and witness the grand Esala Perahera annual procession.
The itinerary also includes a visit to the place where the Tripitaka, preserved through oral tradition since the decease of the Buddha, was put into writing for the first time at the Fourth Buddhist Council in the 1st century BCE, hence preserving Buddha's teachings for later generations.
The fee is 89,000 baht (85,000 baht for members) excluding airfares.
Email studytrips@thesiamsociety.org or call 02-661-6470-3 ext 205.
