The author visits Spring Hill Forest Monastery, a serene retreat high in the Hantanna Mountains of Sri Lanka, escaping the heat and sparse greenery of the International Institute of Theravāda (IIT). Initially introduced during a doctor’s visit, the author regularly returns, appreciating the quiet solitude, lush forests, cool climate, and picturesque surroundings. The monastery, home to a community of monks, offers a stark contrast to IIT. Despite difficulties with local leeches and the cold, the author remains appreciative of the environment. The author also speaks at a gathering, emphasizing the importance of supporting both male and female monastics.
