Plus
|
|
|||
| The
first death anniversary of Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayake Thera falls
this week This time one year ago we were silent observers watching how the medical team attending on the Most Venerable Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayake Thera was fighting to save his life. In as much as providing the best possible treatment, they saw to it that he was comfortable at the neuro-surgical ward at the National Hospital. As we silently observed him that night, my thoughts turned to the many facets of his life. The Mahanayake Thera's service to the Sasana was immeasurable. He stood above the narrow limits of a particular 'nikaya'. He was so happy that he was able to play the pivotal role in unifying the 20 plus sects in the Amarapura Nikaya. While each such 'nikaya' maintained its identity and had its own head, at least there was unanimity that on common issues, there would be a single stand with an overall head issuing statements on behalf of the 'nikaya'. Recognition for his services came in the form of the conferment of the position of 'Uttareetara Mahanayake' (Supreme Patriarch) of the Amarapura Nikaya personally on him. He maintained a close relationship with the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters as well as the Ramanna Nikaya. Whenever there was a need for the voice of the Maha Sangha to be heard on a national issue, he would take the initiative in arranging for a joint statement on a particular issue. While adding strength, it was also a symbol of unity and solidarity among the Maha Sangha. He was an automatic choice to serve on many committees, commissions and advisory bodies appointed by the State as well as Buddhist organizations. He actively participated in these activities and his contribution to the Buddha Sasana Commission (1959) and the committee appointed by the All-Ceylon Buddhist Congress to look into the plight of the Buddhists (1955) was highly commended. He wrote many books on religious topics. His work 'Sila Bhavana ha Vandana' had gone into over a dozen reprints. Many of his books on Buddhism written in simple and meaningful language have become popular handbooks. His contributions to newspapers on both religious and social issues since 1945 are innumerable. These have been published in eight volumes under the title 'Prajna Prabha' and form valuable material for research students. Several felicitation volumes released to mark various milestones of the Mahanayake Thera's life form a useful collection of material on how others saw his contribution to society. He began work on a 'Tripitaka Dharmakoshaya' which was later turned into a Pali-Sinhala-English dictionary covering most of the Buddhist texts detailing the Buddha's teaching. Steady progress is being made and arrangements have been made to release a volume during his first death anniversary commemoration ceremonies next weekend at the Dharmayatanaya. The Mahanayake Thera believed in deeds rather than mere words. He gave leadership in the upliftment of many a poverty-stricken family. Continuing his efforts, at least five houses will be gifted to the needy as part of the commemoration ceremonies. Three of them are close to the Dharmayatanaya at Maharagama, one at Ambalangoda and one at Attanagalla. The programme of health camps in the remote villages is also being continued. Later this month several health camps will be held in distant villages in the Raja Rata with the participation of around 25 doctors. Distribution of dry rations during periods of drought and floods was also a regular feature. Villagers in and around Vavuniya have been selected for a project this month. Simplicity was the keynote of the Mahanayake Thera. He politely refused the government’s offer of a Mercedes Benz as an official car. Instead he was quite content with what was offered to him by the 'dayakas' and the Sasana Sevaka Society, which looks after the administration of the Dharmayatanaya and the affiliated institutions. "What I need is a reliable mode of transport to get from one place to another. Reliable because I spend most of my life on the road and wish to be punctual for the meetings I go to," he would say. He was a fine human being. During nearly half a century of my close association, never had I seen him losing his temper or using a harsh word on anyone. It's good to see the pupil monks of the Mahanayake Thera taking great pains to continue the good work that he started. Under the guidance of his brother monk, Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thera, the senior monks, Venerable Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayake Thera, presently the head of the Washington Buddhist Vihara (established by the Sasana Sevaka Society on the initiative of the Mahanayake Thera), Venerable Tiricunamale Ananda Anunayake Thera and Venerable Hakmana Sumanasiri Thera, have taken over the responsibility of running the Dharmayatanaya where nearly 40 junior monks are resident. They are taught the Dhamma and are moulded to be a disciplined lot who would be of service to society. Their single goal is to ensure that the future generations would benefit by the religious and social work started by the Mahanayake Thera.- D.C. Ranatunga |
||||
Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
