143rd birth anniversary today

Anagarika Dharmapala:

A shining example to the present generation

Rupa BANDUWARDENA

THE Life of Anagarika Dharmapala, the intellectual genius belonging to the galaxy of National Heroes, dominated by his total commitment to the cause of the motherland, is a shining example to the present generation.

He emerged as the island’s most significant leader who fought for independence upholding Buddhist values. He figured prominently in the fight against imperialism with his clarion call, “Sinhalayini Negitive” creating an awakening among the people against foreign domination.

He was very unhappy over the breakdown of moral values in the society and the decline of social and cultural values consequent to alien rule. He attacked the western habits and their lifestyle, which was really different to the simple way which the Lankans had inherited since the introduction of Buddhism.

A teetotaller, he totally opposed the use of liquor, non-meat eater, he encouraged vegetarianism. He resigned from the government service and became the translator to American Theosophist Colonel Henry Steel Olcott and became a homeless tourist.

Leaving his homely comforts he went round the country speaking to people of all walks of life. He travelled to Buddhagaya to secure it to the custody of the Buddhist world from Anti-Buddhists.

He established the Maha Bodhi Society of India in Calcutta in 1891 - the following year he saw the launching of the Maha Bodhi - a journal produced by him every month. He initiated a campaign to set up small industries and led the people in Industrial Development to attain self-sufficiency.

He preached others what he practised. He made a rallying call to the people under the Banner of Buddhism in a most appealing way. His view - Buddhism taught love and compassion not only to human beings, but all living beings.

Following are the excerpts from the address delivered by Anagarika Dharmapala at the Town Hall, New York in 1891 found in the book titled “Message of the Buddha” - an invaluable treasure from a historical point of view which any country or nation could be proud to claim as their own.

This publication in this esteemed journal will be welcomed by many a reader who will definitely be touched by the gifted intellect. Moreover one feels that the topic on Buddhist ideas and also freedom are very appropriate and relevant to our suffering motherland, which deserves unity, peace and harmony.

Address Delivered:

“I have tried to live the purifying life of altruism as taught by the compassionate Buddha since my 19th year. I have found great solace in the effort I have made.

To me the sermon on the mount is very practical, and I have been a world wanderer for 40 years with no place to call my own, with only one desire and that is to be selfless and to work for the welfare of all beings.

Instead of sending missionaries who preach the unscientific doctrine of fundamentalism to India - Buddhist lands, I would suggest that scientific missionaries who can give knowledge on radioactivity and teach technical industries to the youth he sent.”

“The doctrine of Karma as taught by the compassionate Buddha is one aspect the law of cause and effect, but in its fullness no western student of Buddhism has yet grasped it. If this doctrine is well understood by the westerns, their minds will undergo a revolution for the better, and much of the selfishness, arrogance which are now visible will disappear.

The fundamental ethic that the Blessed One emphasised was to be strenuous in doing meritorious deeds for individual and collective happiness and to be diligent in acquiring knowledge which would help the destruction of Ignorance.

The seven principles of enlightenment which each individual should try to possess are a good memory, to analyses the elements of being the powers that are in man which when developed gives him wisdom; to be strenuous; to be ever cheerful and not to be damped under adverse conditions, to be serene not morose; to develop the quality of psychic calmness. to be equal minded in showing love to all.”

“What is the attitude of Buddhism towards women is the question frequently put to me by my non-Buddhist friends. Buddhism encouraged women to seek freedom.

Ceylon took a leading part in the Buddhist propaganda since the establishment of Buddhism by the great emperor’s son Mahinda. Women when properly educated in the science of wisdom are able to bring up their sons for administrative work, and the duties of wives are admirably set forth in the Pali Suttas.

The good wife can be a companion to her husband and help him in his world and love him either as a mother loves her son, or as a sister loves her brother, or she can serve him obediently. She has to be an early riser to see that the servants do their work properly and also should be the last to retire to rest in the night.”

“The children according to the Buddha should be taught morality from their fifth year. They should be taught never to tell an untruth, and to think first before any deed or speaking. They should be taught arts and sciences and to be charitable, never to use harsh words, to show equal treatment to all, and to be of service for the welfare of the others.”

His above sayings fit into the present and future world. He has advised every section of the mankind - men, women and children. He has listed the clean duties and responsibilities of the respective sections of society. If properly observed these form the basis for a harmonious lifestyle.

He showed the path whereby they could become good citizens adhering to Buddhist teachings, to see the reality of the world. These are carefully thought out instructions to put them on the correct path. Mind you, this is a lecture delivered in USA.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!