Ven. Kahanda Amarabuddhi Thera, Chief Sangha Nayaka of California

Ven Kahanda Amarabuddhi Thera is being awarded the well deserved title of "Saddharma Keerthisri Sangharathana Amarabuddhiyabhidana" Chief Sangha Nayaka of California, by the Supreme Sangha Council of Sri Lanka, Malwatte Chapter.

He is modest, self-effacing gentle, compassionage, confident - features that mask an inner dynamic creative personality. His talents I observed are multi faceted. I recollect once in Santa Clara, a well-known IT entrepreneur observing Bhante's managerial and organizational skills, remarked that one would think he has a Management degree from Wharton College of Business, in USA.

My inner impressions when I saw him first in the temple, Buddhi Vihara, Santa Clara in California - a beautiful, simple and finely set up ambience were positive - I was visiting with friends in search of a Buddhist place of worship five years ago. We were all deeply impressed by the manner, presence and personality of Ven. Amarabuddhi have visited many Sri Lankan Buddhist temples in the United States, but the uniquencess of this Vihara impressed me. The spiritual energy of the place was overwhelming.

Before migrating to the USA Ven. Amarabuddhi, graduated from the Jayawardanapura University with a honours degree specializing in Buddhist Philosophy. In addition he obtained a degree in English from the Open University in Sri Lanka. The proficiency in English Ven. Amarabuddhi possessed, served as a vital asset in spreading the word of the Buddha in the US, where there is a great interest in learning Buddhism and meditation. This all important tool, enabled Ven. Amarabuddhi Thera to grather around him a large multi-cultural audience.

His communication skills combined with his innate compassion have enabled him to be a much sought out mentor in the American and the Sri Lankan community in California. I have observed that many monks who migrate to the United States, although they possess an excellent knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, do not have this essential tool, the knowledge of English, which is often a handicap in spreading their much wanted knowledge.

Under his leadership, the Buddhi Vihara conducts numerous religious and social activities. A number of non-Buddhists have reacted positively to Buddhism and become Buddhists with his guidance and direction. In addition, two Americans were ordained as Buddhist monks. As an extended means of spreading the word of the Buddha in this country, he regularly conducts discourses on religion and Buddhist related ethics in American schools and religious institutions.

To comply with the interest and demand of the American public, he holds weekly instruction classes in meditation, which are in much demand and are well attended. He established a Buddhist Sunday school for children of expatriates, and others for the purpose of teaching Buddhist values and to focus on keeping knowledge of the Sinhala language alive. On Wednesdays he conducts Bodhi Poojas, which are popular, with the participation of large gatherings. He organizes and conducts religious ceremonies on special occasions like Vesak, Poson and katina ceremonies with the participation of many Buddhist monks and devotees of many nationalities. Along with this he is mindful and conscientious in fulfilling the needs of all religious commitments and needs of the Sri Lankan Buddhist community. In the social activities arena, Buddhi Vihara assists senior citizens who need transportation to the doctor's office, hospital or pharmacy. In the sphere of spiritual care, monks travel to homes, hospitals or nursing facilities to provide spiritual services to the elderly or infirm. Diversity of services includes counseling, sutra recitation, chanting pirith etc. His hand in social services are multiple and covers a spectrum of areas.

Apart from his great service to the American community, his voluntary services in his native land are outstanding. His mind alternates between Buddhist causes in the USA, and Sri Lanka where economic conditions have aggravated rural and urban poverty. He writes, "In whatever ways I can I will help the poor in my native country and help to restore Buddhist monasticism. In as much as I could I have resolved to serve my native country. In the more recent years money has been donated to restore Buddhist viharas in derelict condition.

Funding for this has been made available. From the year 2000 onwards scholarship were made available for poor students in Sri Lanka. This project which initially began with 300 applicants has increased to 500. On average the expense for these purposes in all, now total twenty-five lakhs per year. The Buddhist Vihara donates school supplies to less fortunate school children in Sri Lanka every year. Each student receives a hamper consisting of a school bag, a pair of shoes, a school uniform and notebooks and other items sufficient for a school year. In remote poverty stricken rural areas, toilets have been constructed. Houses for the poor were constructed, including the handing out of dry food provisions to villages." These are a few of his impressive social commitments to the native land.

May his endeavors in all directions achieve their objectives. He may tell all well wishes like myself and the world at large "carry a while with me, the best is yet to be."

Swarna Wickremeratne

Author of Buddha in Sri Lanka: Remembered yesterdays

Loyola University of Chicago, USA