A tourist visiting the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura often wonders about the lifestyle of the people in ancient Sri Lanka. As the capital for many centuries, Anuradhapura was the political and spiritual center of the kingdom. However, the ruins that remain such as buildings, ponds, and stone columns primarily reflect a deeply spiritual way of life rather than a focus on mundane or luxurious living. It is intriguing to note that while the city was a hub of power, the remnants that endure today emphasize spirituality rather than the grandeur of royal indulgences, such as lavish baths or entertainment venues.
The direction of life in Anuradhapura, the pinnacle of our civilization is clear. While the city is steeped in heroic tales and legendary accounts, the true essence of Anuradhapura is revealed through its ruins. Unlike other ancient civilizations that built grand structures like colosseums, pyramids, or towering pizza columns, Anuradhapura focused on fostering spiritual enrichment for the people of the island.
Food, clothing, and shelter are essential for human survival, but dedicating one’s life to flaunting or overindulging in these basic necessities is unwise. Once these fundamental needs are met, one should aspire to pursue higher goals in life by embracing noble arts, profound knowledge, and spiritual growth. A meaningful life follows these elevated paths. The ruins of Anuradhapura, with their focus on spiritual centers rather than luxurious establishments, serve as a timeless reminder of this profound lesson. Author Martin Wickremesinghe has observed how the names of kings evolved with the transition of kingdoms from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa. Names like Saddhatissa, Gamani, and Aggabodhi reflect the simplicity of life during the Anuradhapura period. However, as time progressed, the names of Anuradhapura’s kings began to emphasize victory and valor, signifying a shift away from the original values and objectives of the Anuradhapura lifestyle.
In recent decades, our country has been marked by theft, greed, waste, and the extravagant lifestyles of the rulers. Their focus on ostentation and displays of power overshadowed the pursuit of noble and meaningful aspirations. Had they prioritized higher ideals and embraced a profound sense of purpose, extending a hand of brotherhood instead of ruling through authority and control, the fate of the nation could have been vastly different. This is why we must deeply and insightfully reflect on the shifts in power in the country recently. A valuable Buddhist way of life stands before us which is a way that moves away from selfishness, waste, and the greedy exploitation of freely given resources. Instead, it embraces the principles of common good, simplicity, brotherhood, and reconciliation. Let us hope for the return of a lifestyle akin to that of Anuradhapura, which once upheld these noble ideals, before being overtaken by hatred, arrogance, and avarice.