Ven.Kumara Kassapa Maha Thera made outstanding contributions to the
Buddha Sasana - Most Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa Nayaka Thera
The following message has been sent by Most Ven. Kotugoda Dhammawasa
Nayaka Thera on the passing away of Nepal's Second Sangha Nayaka Thera.
"Most Venerable Agga Maha Saddhammajothikadhaja -Vidyalankara Padma
Bhushana,Kumara Kassapa Maha Thera of Nepal passed away at Ananda Kuti
Vihar, Swayambhu, Kathmandu, the age of 87 yesterday (February 26).
"Venerable Kumara Kassapa received ordination at Kusinara, Jambudeepa
(India) from late Most Venerable Pragyananda and Bhikhsu Chandramuni
Maha Thera.
"Kumara Maha Thera received his primary education in Nepal and but
fled to Sri Lanka to escape the Rana's reign of terror. The venerable
monk lived for 15 years in Sri Lanka where he pursued his secondary
education. He was very close to Sri Lanka and her Buddhists. He mastered
Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit languages and also became a Buddhist scholar
guided by the world renowned Buddhist Missionary Narada Maha Thera Chief
Incumbent of the Vajiraramaya, Bambalaptiya.
"One of Kumara Kassapa Maha Thera's outstanding contributions to the
Buddha Sasana was his participation on the 6th Great Theravada Buddhist
council in Myanmar. In addition, he composed a number of valuable books
on Buddhism in Nepali and Newari languages. He continuously did his best
to maintain close between Nepal and the rest of the world.
"The government of Myanmar accorded him the title of Agga Maha
Saddhammajothikadhaja, in recognition of his invaluable services to the
cause of Buddhism.
"He was also honored by Vishwakeerthi Sri Sasana Sobhana in Sri Lanka
by the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Sect, Sri Lanka, Vidyalankara Padma
Bhoshana, by Vidyalankara Pirivena, Sri Lanka, Maha Saddhamma Pariyatti
Pradeepa, India are few of those honors. Members of the Maha Sangha and
devotees will pay their last respects to the late Ven. Kumara at the
Swayambhu tomorrow (February 28). A Sri Lankan Buddhist delegation
headed by Most Venerable Kotugoda Dhammawasa Anu Nayaka Thera, the
President of Amarapura Maha Sangha sect leaves the Island tomorrow to
attend the funeral of the Venerable Kumara Kassapa Maha Thera. May he
attain Nibbana. |
