The demise of Most Ven. Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana Nayake Thera an irreparable loss to the Buddhist World

COLOMBO: The Passing away of a great monks is indeed a cause for much lamentation and sorrow for all Buddhists. This is more so when such passing away takes place at a time when the whole world is in need of the services of such great monks.

The loss is further deeply felt when it is seen that the vacuum created by such passing away cannot be adequately filled, in the foreseeable future.

Indeed, the passing away of the most Venerable Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana, the Head of the London Buddhist Vihara on December 15, 2006 is a loss that will be felt for a long time, for the role he played as a Buddhist Missionary Monk is most difficult to be replicated.

Born on the September 13, 1928 as the only son of Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Kiribanda Nilame and Jambugahagedera Bandara Manike, he was named Loku Banda. He had his primary education at the school in Mahamedagama.

Being a very obedient and a devoted child, he showed inclinations to join the order. With the blessings of the parents he entered the Order on March 23, 1943 under the name "Medagama Vajiragnana". Ven. Weligammedde Siriniwasa Thera was his tutor.

For higher monastic education he entered Pathiraja Pirivena, at Agalawatta. Being very studious he managed to obtain admission to the Vidyodaya Pirivena and also managed to find residence at Bellanwila, to facilitate travelling.

Reaching the proper age for higher ordination, he was conferred higher ordination on May 11 1949. Ven Vajiragnana was successful in winning the confidence of Most Ven Bellanwila Sri Somaratana, the epoch making great teacher of ours, who brought the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya to the status of fame and glory that it enjoys at present. This acquaintance was a turning point in his vocation.

When he completed his education at the Vidyodaya Pirivena in 1955, he proceeded himself to be a clever student, successfully adding to his academic qualifications - the Pracheena Pandit Degree. This qualified him to find admission to Vidyodaya University to pursue the BA Degree.

In the meantime, Ven. Vajiragnana was fortunate to hold the coveted positions of the Head of the Ratmalana Paramadhamma Chetiya Pirivena" and also find a place in the teaching staff of Pirivena Training Institute, situated within the Paramadhamma Chetiya Pirivena Premises.

Ven. Vajiragnana did not stop his academic pursuit, for soon he proceeded to India to do his Postgraduate studies. Successfully completing his MA at Jayadarpur University, he returned to Sri Lanka and resumed teaching at the Pirivena Training Institute.

It is this venture that he got the opportunity of joining the London Buddhist Vihara which was then Headed by Most Ven. Dr. Hammalawa Saddhatissa Nayake Thera. Soon after joining the London Buddhist Vihara, Ven. Vajiragnana Thera almost single handedly managed the affairs of this Vihara.

Though new to the environment, he soon adapted himself and worked indefatigably serving the religious and cultural needs of the devotees till he returned to Sri Lanka again in 1980, to assume duties as the Principal of the Pirivena Training Institute.

His second visit to London Buddhist Vihara commenced in 1985. From there, he continued to be the Head of the London Buddhist Vihara, till his passing away.

During the two decades in which Most Ven. Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana Thera functioned as the Head, he managed to turn the London Buddhist Vihara to the pivoted Buddhist Monastic Centre not only in Britain, but in the whole Western World.

Being uniquely affable, it was not difficult for Most. Ven. Dr. Vajiragnana Thera to win the hearts of expatriate Sri Lankans as well as the people of London.

His erudition coupled with his humility made him extremely suited for missionary activities in a Western country.

He was greatly appreciated for his lucid explanation of the Buddha - Dhamma as well as for the unbiased, open-minded attitude he adopted towards other faiths. This ability to appreciate the other persons' point of view made him very popular among the members of inter-faith religious organisations.

Most Ven. Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana Thera happen to be a much sought-after speaker at international religious and cultural fora. He was honoured by the bestowed of high positions in international religious organizations.

In recognition of his unique services the Malwatta Chapter of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya honoured him by conferring the honorific monastic to the Tripitaka Visharadha Dharmakeerthi Siriniwasa.

He was also honoured with the conferment of the ecclesiastical title. Chief Sanga Nayaka of Great Britain. In July 14, 1997 he was awarded the World Buddhist Peace Award. The government of Myanmar honoured him in March 10, 1999 with the conferment of the honorific title: Saadhammjotikadhaja.

The Amarapura Nikaya conferred on him in November 27, 1999 the honorific title: Vishva Keerti Sri Sasana Shobana. The Culalmkar University of Thailand in 2001 awarded him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

The brief resume of events speaks eloquently for the invaluable services rendered by Most Ven. Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana as a great missionary monk who worked for the spread of Buddhism in the West, and also for the development of inter-religious harmony.

The high esteem, veneration and admiration in which he was held by the Buddhists as well as non-Buddhists the world over speaks volumes for his affable and humble nature which endeared to him all alike.

The academic accolades conferred on him bear testimony for his great erudition. All these made him a complete missionary monk and that is why the vacuum created by his passing away is hard to be filled. May the Most Ven. Dr. Medagama Vajiragnana Thera attain the Bliss of Nibbana!

- Ven. Dr. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Nayake Thera