Sri Lanka ideal for spiritual tourism

By Lalin Fernandopulle

CEO, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Vipula Wanigasekera is spearheading the promotion of spiritual tourism not only by publishing the book 'Pointers to Enlightenment' and making it available to tourists visiting Sri Lanka, but also conducting meditation programs for tourist groups.

Here are excerpts of the interview.

What made you publish the book 'Pointers to Enlightenment'?

I have been into spiritual studies for many years and this was the result of my long years of research. Through this book I bring out the Pointers to those who seek 'freedom from suffering'. When I say suffering, it encompasses worry, anxiety, pain, anger, hatred, depression and stress.

It is a practical guide. There are no aspects in this book to make readers believe in anything in particular. What is written is a different but pragmatic way of looking at life.

How did you reckon that there is a potential for spiritual tourism in Sri Lanka?

The number of visitors travelling out of their home country seeking some kind of spiritual achievement is over 40 million a year. In fact, UNWTO had two conferences in the past two years on spiritual tourism to ascertain the real strength of spiritual tourism which revealed that the number was growing every year.

The modern world is heaping people with so much suffering despite technological and other sophisticated advancement. These people become mentally stressed and are compelled to go to places that offer various retreats.

Sri Lanka is an ideal location and we are yet to obtain the full benefits of this sector.

What made you embark on offering meditation to foreigners?

I thank Asoka Hettigoda of the Sidhalepa Group for inviting me to conduct this in his resort during my leisure time soon after I launched the book and that enabled me to offer this philosophy which our country has preserved for over 2,500 years.

There was no looking back since then and I personally believe that this will eventually become the biggest attraction for tourists. I am doing this single handed and constrained by time. Many tour operators want to include meditation in their programs.

What has been the response so far?

I do not want to elaborate much on this as this is not a business for me. To put it modestly, over 1,300 tourists that have taken part in meditation sessions for the first 11 months of this year in batches in various locations.

There has been an unprecedented growth since I launched this and I will hand it over to a few who can conduct this in a particular fashion that suits tourists. That is the key. For instance, it cannot be presented in the way it is done for local Buddhists.

How do you conduct the meditation session?

First it is a discourse followed by guided meditation and then ending with questions and answers. One hour is the optimum time for the audience to grasp the message I convey with an exercise that could be continued in their own home country after they return.

All we need is a quite place and some cushions to sit and some chairs for elders. When the number goes beyond 50, a microphone is needed as it is absolutely necessary for them to hear every word I say.

What is your message?

There are two parts. Initially it is the Tranquility part which helps the audience to settle down. This is known as Samatha.

Then I move on to Insights with some practical guidance through guided meditation (Vidharshana) that enables a kind of a shift within the participants provided they are sincere in their search for freedom.

The Q and A session also helps to clarify matters at the end of the session. It is heartening to see their responses, some reach me after they return to their countries.