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by Ian Jayasinha

A gathering of religious leaders were having an intellectual discourse. The question "where is your soul?" was asked. This stunned the group: No one knew where it was. Like in the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, to quote:

"Myself when young did eagerly frequent
Doctor and Saint, and heart
great argument
about it and about: but
evermore
Came out by the same door
Where in I went."
No one knew where it was.

But they knew it was some component in the human body. Maybe, a synthesis of elements and the psyche.

In Nilambe, on the Galaha Road, is a world famous Meditation Centre. Seekers from USA, UK, Germany and all parts of the world come here in search of desiderata. It is open to all faiths and those atheists as well.

The next question was what is meditation? Some said this and some said that, until a wiseman said, 'it is like going back home,' Period.

From the stress and strain of urban living, those in search of their soul and tranquillity arrive at the Meditation Centre. They go back home refreshed in body, mind and spirit.

Managed by a handful of benign devotees and practitioners, the meditation centre is situated at the top of a mountain.

The peace one finds here is in the sound of silence. How true that cliche is that 'silence is golden', as some of the initiates do not speak a word.

Nearby, downhill is the Gami Sevana, where organic farming is carried out. Tea, vegetables and farming are the chief occupations.

It is not surprising that most of our dilettantes have never heard of this idyllic spot. Foreigners certainly know more of our country's treasures than those who live here. The weather is salubrious, invigorating and embraceable. The inhabitants of the nearby villages are kind and cautious.

It is legendary that an English planter named Trimmer who was a romantic in search of the exotic, used to live in a palatial bungalow with golf course like lawns near the Meditation Centre.

The bungalow still exists. For those in quest of peace and tranquillity take a ride to Nilambe. It is an elusive dream come true.

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