Lord Buddha is famous for his many-faceted hand gestures - or mudras. But which were the main ones, and what do they actually mean?

Hotels nurture hermiting - as Diane von Furstenberg, Ravi Shankar, or Coco Chanel might tell you. But which ones should you select when planning your Sri Lankan itinerary?

It rains. And it rains. But why are Buddhism and rain quite so beautifully compelling, especially here in Sri Lanka?

Is May the moment to forsake madness and put aside all but the best supporting gods?

“To be or not to be,” is the refrain of several Sri Lankan government departments – but how can they – or that - free you from suffering? From cravings? From any need to cling to things?

Is life really what you best hear when you're absolutely still? And if so, does knowing the names of different trees help at all?

Rich, salty, earthy, savoury, sharp – gorgonzola is not a cheese common to Sri Lanka, and yet its mere anticipation calls to mind on the island the seven stages of living. And of them all, how can you ever manage to make the last, last?

The Vatican City of Sri Lanka, Kandy, is a place built on religion, money, politics, faith, power, morality - and some of the most striking temples anywhere in the world. But which ones should you visit?

Is death like checking in at The Ritz? Or is it more agreeable still?