By leading a virtuous life:
Mahanayake thera made Sasana glitter
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message of greetings to the Most Ven
Aggamahapandita Udugama Sri Buddarakkhita Mahanayake thera of the
Asgiriya Chapter on the occasion of his 81st birthday today said the
love and compassion seen in the Mahanayake thera was a fine example to
society.
The President said that it was with great pleasure that he was
extending birthday greetings to the Most Ven Udugama Saddhammakeerthi
Sri Dhammasiddhi Ratanapala Buddharakkhithabhidana Mahanayake thera of
the Asgiriya Chapter of the Maha Vihara Vansika Shamopali Maha Nikaya
and Viharadhipati, Rangiri Dambulu Raja Maha Viharaya.
As an elderly Maha thera replete with the ‘Supatipanna’ and
‘Ujupatipanna’ Virtues, the Most Ven Buddharakkhita Mahanayake thera has
glittered the sasana by leading a virtuous life in keeping with the
Dhamma and the love and compassion evinced in him was a fine example to
the nation.
The President’s message quoting the Dhamma, said restraining the eye
was virtue, restraining the ear was virtue, restraining the nose was
virtue and restraining life was virtue.
It was very heartening to note that the Mahanayake thera fashioned
his life according to the ‘Bhikkhu Vagga’ as the Dhammapada.
If any one received an opportunity to touch the Sacred Toothrelic of
the Buddha and conduct attendant rituals it was a great source of merit.
The Mahanayake thera’s fortune of being able to render this service
symbolised his virtue of Pubbetha Katha Punnata.
May the blessings of the Sacred tooth relic and the deity Sri Natha
bestow the Mahanayake thera with good health and long life.
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