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| Mt. Kailasa in western Tibet and Kataragama in the far south of Sri Lanka form a near-perfect North-South axis. |
Living Heritage, Koslanda is located in the locally named Deviyange Kaele on a hundred acres of naturally re-generated forest. This forest kingdom, also called Southern or Dakshina Kailasa has its sacred centre in Kataragama, and like other ancient power spots such as Athens, Rome, Constantinople and Jerusalem, it is located on seven hills. People from all over the world have come to Dakshina Kailasa from time immemorial. This is the gateway to the hidden east. Our geographical location also makes the site a veritable hothouse of esoteric doctrines and magical resonance.
Mount Kailasa in western Tibet, the legendary abode of the Hindu God Siva and Kataragama in the Deviyange Kaele in southern Sri Lanka, the abode of his playful son Murugan, form a near perfect analog to the axis mundi or susumna nadi of yogic lore.
In myth and history Koslanda is located on the southern escarpment of Sri Lanka, also called Dakshina Kailasa, Deviyange Kaele and Punya Bhoomi, all deeply associated with the God of Kataragama. Elephants in poetic lore are said to have used this as a corridor in their descent from the hills above to the plains below. The jak fruit after which Koslanda is named is said to be a delicacy for elephants. Villages named after the jak fruit surround this region.
Ours is a story of 'balance' in this Island of Balance. Balance is Dhamma – the Eternal Law. We know through our culture that right livelihood brings balance.
Life is a dance between Fire and Water. All life is divided between the Sun and the Moon – hot and cold. The Royal Standard of the magical Kingdom illustrates their union. This balance forms the basis of the site we have chosen, the treatments, the architecture and the lifestyle.
In Deviyange Kaele (the God's Forest) we follow in the footsteps of our ancestors. Like in traditional craft-based societies Rajakariya is divine service to the mythical King who maintains the balance in our lives. It was also our way of life. He who is sacred is also known by many names: Murugan, Skanda, Kataragama Deviyo, al-Khadir, Dionysus, Bacchus are just a few of his names. Although we follow one king he is said to have six faces. So we do not dance to one drum, but to the beat of our hearts.
