Abstract
<p>This study deals with a specific type of Buddhist architecture found in ancient Sri Lanka. Several groups of ruined structures of this type are found to the west of the city of Anuradhapura, along the modern outer circular road, which made archaeologist to call them —Western Monasteries. The most prominent features of these monastic complexes are the building with two raised platforms, and their positioning on a rock surface, the connecting stone gangway between the two platforms, the moat around the flat forms and lack of decorations and a number of other features. Attempts will be made to explain the characteristics of each feature in this study. Function and the meaning of this monastery type and its individual features are still remaining uncertain. Many scholars have attempted to propose different explanations for this, but due to the weakness of logics behind, these proposals are not promising. So, it is worthwhile to see any correlation between the function and the meaning of this monastery type with asceticism and meditation. For this study, archaeological remains which are in ruined state now, were examined. Some sites were already excavated and conserved. There are large amount of monastery sites which have not been excavated, which give the first-hand information for this study. The chronicles and the canonical literature, particularly the Pali Vinaya (discipline), offer some reference to asceticism, meditation and monastery life in early Buddhist cultures. Help of these literary sources is sought to understand the character of these particular buildings.</p>
Highlights
Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka as a result of missionary activities by the great emperor of India, ”Asoka”, in the third century BC
People of Sri Lanka were under the influence of a new religion and experienced a complete package of new civilization including Buddhist art and architecture
Buddhism the Buddhist art and architecture were developed over the centuries by absorbing local skills, techniques and culture resulting a possession of a great archaeological heritage
Summary
Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka as a result of missionary activities by the great emperor of India, ”Asoka”, in the third century BC. Burrows was the first to excavate several meditation monasteries in the west of Anuradhapura in 1885, called western monasteries He published his findings in 1886, and wrongly describes these buildings are palaces of king Dutugamunu (2nd century BC). Wijesuriya (1998) has done a comprehensive data collection and interpretation on this type of monastic architecture, and ascribed these buildings for meditation purposes He fully agreed with Ayrton regarding the rear platform is residential type. Another reason is that the monks who follow the meditation should not require any ritual aids to achieve spiritual uplift The buildings inside this monastery, in general, are residential buildings, service buildings, terraces, walkways, and service buildings such as lavatories, urinals, hot and cold water bath house and ponds
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
