The Lord Buddha, who fulfilled the Paramitha through the countless aeons of the Sara Sankeya Kalpa Laksha period, attained enlightenment on a Vesak Poya day. From that moment onward, for the benefit of people across the globe, the Dhamma was spread across Jambudeepa and the world, healing the minds of many. This Dhamma became a great salvation, offering people profound understanding and insight into the nature of life.
The advent of Anubudhu Arhant Mahinda Thero in Sri Lanka created a profound awareness of Buddhism on the island, significantly impacting the lives of the people. He established the order of Sangha in the country, and the Sangha deeply understood the essence of Buddhism. They then preached that Dhamma to the commonalty, spreading its teachings and wisdom far and wide.
Most Venerable Dr. Iththepane Dhammalankarabhidhana Mana Nayaka Thero, the Maha Nayaka of the Siyam Chapter’s Kotte Sri Kalyani Samgri Dhamma Maha Sangha Sabha, is a distinguished member of the great Sangha community who has rendered yeoman service to the Buddha Sasana. Here is Sathipattana magazine’s esteemed tribute to this great Thero.
The Thero was born to G.D. Jemis Appuhamy and Meegahapolage Don Laisahamy on October 14, 1935, in the Kotapotha hamlet in Agalawatta, Pasdun Korale. He received his primary education from Iththapana Maha Vidyalaya and maintained a close connection with the village temple. His Dhamma education at Iththapana Sri Sunandaramaya inspired him to enter the order of Sangha.
Venerable Dhammaloka Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Pelenwaththa Digana Viharaya, arrived at Iththapana Sri Sunandaramaya for the Vassana season. He noticed the young boy’s keen interest in Dhamma and invited him to enter the great order of Sangha. With the blessings of the chief incumbent of Iththapana Sri Sunandaramaya and his parents, the boy went to Pelenwatta Digana Viharaya in 1948. Before becoming a monk, the boy received the essential Dhamma education for a Buddhist monk, including Sahaskada, Buddhagajjaya, Nampotha, Magul Lakuna, and Samanera Bana Daham Potha. He was also trained in the qualities required to be a monk. During his two-year stay at Pelenwatta Viharaya, he excelled in Dhamma education and was respected for his good behavior. On February 25, 1950, the boy was ordained under the patronage of Kirulapone Sri Wimala Nayaka Thero. He then entered Vidyodaya Piriwena to receive further education and wisdom required for a Buddhist monk, completing his basic Piriwen education at Maligakanda Vidyodaya Piriwena.
In 1956, the Thero passed the entrance exam and joined the inaugural batch of students at Vidyalankara University. There, he pursued a special degree in Sinhala and became well-known as a bright and distinguished student.
The Thero obtained his Upasampadha in 1960 and, even before completing his degree, became a teacher at Vidyarathana Piriwena in Horana, exemplifying his profound knowledge. In 1963, he joined Pannipitiya Vidyalankara Piriwena as a teacher, dedicating himself to the progress of the institute. Recognizing the importance of education, the Thero also pursued postgraduate studies.
For his postgraduate degree, the Thero’s dissertation was titled “Bududahame Penena Dharshanika Prasthutha.” For his doctorate, he wrote “Sinhala Sambhavya Sahithyayen Elivana Saradharma.” During this period, he showcased his writing prowess through a series of articles in the Divaina newspaper under the theme “Pevidi Pandi Minipahan.” In addition to his articles, the Thero authored several books, including “Pirithe Anuhas,” “Bududahame Penena Dharshanika Prasthutha,” and “Sambhavya Sinhala Sahithyaye Baudhdha Saradharma.” He was also a speaker on the radio, discussing topics such as “Matha Pithu Upattanan.” His other works include “Mav Piyo Saha Du Daruvo,” “Maha Ariyawansa Suthra,” and more. The Thero edited numerous significant literary compilations and magazines, such as “Sinhala Bauddhaya,” “Siyavasa,” “Anussathi” (Prof. W.S. Karunaratne memorial literary compilation), “Chiraprabha” (Venerable Maduluwawe Sobhitha Thero commendation), and “Pragna” (C.W.W. Kannangara memorial literary issue).
Through his remarkable writing prowess, the Thero revolutionized the approach to writing biographies. His series of books titled “Pevidi Pandi Minipahan” featured biographies of eminent figures such as Balangoda Ananda Maithreya Nahimi, Rerukane Chandavimala Nahimi, Mapalagama Vipulasara Nahimi, and Bellana Sri Gnanavimala Maha Nahimi. One notable biography in his collection is “Malpele Upan Pansale Piyathuma,” which chronicles the life of Reverend Merceline Jayakody, who dedicated himself to fostering co-existence between Buddhism and Christianity. What sets this biography apart is that it was written by a Buddhist monk about a Catholic father, highlighting the Thero’s unique perspective and ability to bridge different religious traditions.
Amidst the evolving socio-political landscape in Sri Lanka, the Thero dedicated himself to serving society through various organizations, including Sinhala Bhasha Peramuna, Jathika Sangha Sabhava, and Amadhyapa Maha Sabhava. His unwavering commitment to the motherland and Buddhism remained his top priority throughout. Notably, the Thero held the Presidency of the All-religion Committee, where he actively promoted interfaith harmony and friendship among different religious communities. Instead of succumbing to divisive rhetoric, he championed unity and cooperation, embodying a spirit of inclusivity and understanding.
The Rukmale Dhammavijayaloka Maha Viharaya stands as a testament to the Thero’s unwavering dedication. Once an abandoned temple, overrun by wilderness and wildlife, it has been transformed into a revered sanctuary for both the Buddha Sasana and the community. The Thero’s tireless efforts have elevated it to a renowned institution. Additionally, the Thero’s endeavours extended beyond borders, as evidenced by the establishment of the Los Angeles Maithree Viharaya in America. This achievement stands as one of the most notable milestones in the Thero’s life, showcasing his commitment to spreading the teachings of Buddhism and fostering spiritual growth across continents.
For 22 years, the Thero served as a teacher at Vidyalankara Piriwena in Pannipitiya, and for 6 of those years, he held the esteemed position of Head of the Institute, dedicating a total of 28 years to the advancement of the institution. Presently, the Thero holds the prestigious post of Vice Chancellor at the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, continuing his lifelong dedication to education and the propagation of knowledge.
While serving at the Vidyalankara Piriwena in Pannipitiya, the Thero was elected to the committee of Kotte Sri Kalyani Samgri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha, and later to the Upasampada Committee. Subsequently, the Thero ascended to the positions of secretary, general secretary, and Anu Nayaka, eventually serving as acting Maha Nayaka Thero for a span of two years. Finally, in 2014, the Thero was unanimously elected to the esteemed and revered post of Maha Nayaka of Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sabha.
Born in a remote village like Pasdun Korale, the Thero embarked on a journey of monkhood, leading a life of pride and dedication. Despite facing numerous challenges, he fulfilled his national and religious duties with unwavering resolve. As he continues to serve, we extend our heartfelt wishes for his well-being and good health, hoping that he may continue his noble service for many years to come.
©Satipatthana Magazine