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| Friday, 25 January 2002 |
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Erudite Buddhist Prelate at 83 by Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa
Ven. Sri Rekadahene Chandajoti, Nayaka Maha Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka Galle Division, reaches the mature age of 83, on the 25th of January 2002. It is indeed a great honour and an act of high merit, to be able to felicitate this great prelate, at this significant stage in his illustrious life. It was fairly recently, that I had the privilege of knowing this erudite prelate, personally. But, long before I met him in person, his name and reputation were familiar to me, just as they are to many, both here in Sri Lanka and abroad. Strongly enough, it was in a foreign land, that I had the good fortune of meeting this scholar monk, for the first time Ven. Nayake Thero and I participated in a rear Buddhist event in Singapore. The occasion was the ordination of sixty-five Singaporean children, ranging in age from seven to seventeen. For the state of Singapore, it was an unprecedented Buddhist event. Both the Ven. Nayake Thero and I took part in this significant religious function at the invitation of Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero, Chief Monk Chief Administrator of the Singapore Buddhist Meditation Centre. Ven. Nayaka Maha Thero and I were co-residents at Phor Karla See Monastery, Singapore, which was the venue of this historical ordination. A pleasant and profitable spin-off from this event, was the opportunity I received to spend considerably long hours discussing important religious issues with this erudite priest Ven. Dr. Rekadahene Chandajoti Nayaka Maha thera. We took up a vast variety of subjects, most of which were, of course, religious. There were also some matters, which had worldly implications. These, intimate discussions afforded the right atmosphere to appreciate the greatness of Ven. Pandit Dr. Rekadahene Chandajoti Nayaka Maha Thero. In spite of his venerable age and exceptionally high erudition, he projects a personality of utmost discipline and admirable humility. His vision and outlook are humane, which are the firm foundation on which his dedicated social service and religions commitments, are built. His experience of men and events is vast. His fund of anecdotes is wide ranging. He possesses the capacity to talk to people in a relaxed style. This is a winning trait. He gets along quite effectively with monks much junior to him. He never attempts to impose his will or opinion on others. A very significant ingredient in his personality make-up is his special brand of widely appealing humour. Though advanced in years he likes to rise early and work. His service to Buddhism and to the adherents of the Buddhist system, is multi-faceted. A good part of his life was dedicated to the mission of teaching Buddhism to children. He was the spiritual guide to the children of Ananda College, for quite a long while. He has travelled extensively. He studied in India acquiring a whole series of academic laurels. Among his many publications, is the book titled "Buddhism, its history and civilizations." A distinguishing quality of his book, is the lucid description of the central concepts of Buddhism, including the Mahayana school. His "Buddhist concise Dictionary" in English, is a work of great scholarship. In his pursuit of social service, the Nayaka Maha Thero, with the assistance of Mr. Andrew Kariyawasam has established a settlement known as the Belgian Village, at Wathurawila. This village, represents the efforts of this prelate, to relieve the sufferings of the people in practical worldly terms. He has conceptualized an international centre for Buddhist studies. We felicitate this scholar prelate on reaching his 83rd year. Our earnest wish is that this Nayaka Maha Thero will continue to flourish with undiminished lustre for more and more years to come. |
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