Asgiriya Mahanayaka Thera 82 today:

Services to the Sasana commendable

The intelligent bikkhus of the Buddha Sasana possess qualities such as restraint of the senses, contentment with what he received, untainted life style, association of true friends, hospitality and the ability to enlighten devotees with dhamma, clever practices and duties and avoidance of material gain and other forms of sins.

Most Venerable Aggamaha Panditha Udugama Sudharma Keerthi Sri Dammadassi Rathanapala Buddharakkhithabhidana Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Mahavihara Vansika Shayamopali Sect and the Chief Incumbent of the Hayagiri Wijesundararama and historic Rangiri Dambulu Raja Maha Viharaya is enriched with noble qualities such as engaging in Dhamma, conforming with the Navalokoththara Dhamma, lack of interest in others' belongings, charity and calm, dedication to brighten up the Buddha Sasana throughout the world like the moon which dispelled the darkness.

The Ven Thera celebrates his 82nd birthday today.

The Mahanayaka Thera, who has earned renown among the bhikkhus and Buddhists here and abroad, maintains friendly relations with the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Theras of the three Sects and other bhikkhus.

His services for the sustainability of the Buddha Sasana is commendable. The Ven Thera dedicates his precious time to establish international Buddhist relations, participating and presiding over international Buddhist activities in India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Myanmar and the United Kingdom.

The Ven Thera was born in Udugama in Kalugamuwa, Wariyapola in the Kurunegala district to a respectable, highly esteemed and illustrious family.

He had his primary education from the Udugama Government School up to Grade eight. In view of the consequences of the meritorious act of sacrificing a child to the Buddha Sasana, his parents were keen to enter their son, who had inclined towards religious activities, to the Buddha Sasana.

After the completion of Buddhist religious practices, he entered the Order on June 21, 1945 amidst the blessings of his parents and relatives as a pupil of Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Rathanapalabidana Mahanayaka of Pothuhera Sangha generation, who was the Chief Incumbent of the Asgiriya Mahaviharaya at that time.

After ordination, he studied Dhamma and special practices and duties related to the Bhikkhu under reputed Mahanayakas and obtained further education from the Dharmaraja Pirivena, Matale. Thereafter, he received higher ordination under the name of Vahalanaga on June 12, 1951 at the Higher Ordination Centre, Asgiriya.

The thera, who possessed qualities of a bhikkhu such as Supatipana, Ujupatipanna, Gnayapatipanna and Samichipatipanna was fortunate enough to hold a post of Visathwargika Karaka Sangha Subhiku in 1986. Due to his exceptional talents and skills in the practice of Vinaya Kamma, Pohoya Kamma and Upasampada Kamma, the Thera has received accolades from both the lay public and the clergy.

Subsequent to the passing away of his preceptor on February 9, 1970, the Thera was appointed the Chief Incumbent of Liyangashinna Purana Viharaya, Kandy, Udugama Temple, Thalangama Temple and Devagiri Viharaya, Kurunegala.

He functioned in the capacity of Viharadhipathi of Rangiri Dambulu Raja Maha Viharaya in 1982.

The Ven Mahanayaka Thera has performed duties as the chief custodian of the Thevawa ceremony of the Sacred Tooth Relic for several years.

As a result of his meritorious actions of previous birth, he was privileged to take custody of the Sacred Tooth Relic as the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera of Asgiriya Chapter.

The Ven Thera has sacrificed his life to ensure the protection and reverence of the Sacred Tooth Relic and enlighten the devotees without hurting anyone who visits the Dalada Maligawa.

The Thera, who is dedicated to the protection and improvement of the three Sasana including Paryapthi, Pratipatti and Pretiveda has earned a good reputation among local and foreign devotees.

The Mahanayaka Thera has taken steps to direct attention of the leaders on issues related to the country and the nation, providing advice for the betterment of the people.

May he have the blessings of the Sacred Tooth Relic to have a healthy and long life to enable him to render an immeasurable service for the sake of advancement of the Buddha Sasana, Bikkhus, nation and the country for many more years.

Thilak Devagiribandara, Secretary to the Chief Government Whip of Parliament