Acharya Buddharakkhita
India·Maha Bodhi Society·Male·20th century
Acharya Buddharakkhita was an Indian Buddhist monk and prolific writer, born in 1922. He is known for establishing the Maha Bodhi Society of Bangalore, an organization affiliated with the Maha Bodhi Society of Kolkata, dedicated to propagating Buddhism. He authored over 150 books and was recognized by the Myanmar government with the Abhidhaja Aggamaha Saddhammajotika award.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Imphal, Manipur, India in 1922.
- ›Established the Maha Bodhi Society in Bangalore to propagate Buddhism.
- ›Authored approximately 150 books and published two periodicals.
- ›Participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942.
- ›Received the Abhidhaja Aggamaha Saddhammajotika award from the Myanmar government.
- ›Died in Bangalore on September 23, 2013.
Important Relationships
- Maha Bodhi Society of Kolkātā
- Anagarika Dharmapala
- Moonasinghe
- the Dhammapada: the Buddha's Path of Wisdom
- Metta: the Philosophy and Practice of Universal Love
- Buddhist Manual For Everyday Practice
- Positive Response: How To Meet Evil With Good
- What Meditation Implies
- Mind Over Overcoming Its Cankers: An In-Depth Study of Mental Effluents In Buddhist Perspective
- An Unforgettable Inheritance Stories of Dhammapada
Imphal, Manipur, Bangalore, Kolkata, Sri Lanka, Burma
Anagarika Dharmapala
Pali, English
Monk Vows
About Acharya Buddharakkhita
Acharya Buddharakkhita (1922–2013) was an Indian Buddhist monk and a prolific writer who played a significant role in propagating Buddhist teachings and establishing social welfare initiatives. He is most notably recognized for founding the Maha Bodhi Society of Bangalore, which operated independently yet was affiliated with the Maha Bodhi Society of Kolkātā, originally established by Anagarika Dharmapala.
Early Life and Spiritual Path
Born in Imphal, Manipur, in 1922, Acharya Buddharakkhita's parents were Vishnupada and Sailavaladevi Bandopadhyaya. His early life included active participation in the Quit India Movement in 1942 and service in the Indian defence forces during World War II. Following his graduation from the Institute of Engineering Technology, Calcutta, he resigned from military service to seek truth and freedom, ultimately becoming a monk in 1948. He embarked on extensive travels throughout India and also shared his teachings in Sri Lanka and Burma.
Establishment of the Maha Bodhi Society and Contributions
In 1952, the Maha Bodhi Society in Bangalore was established on land donated by Moonasinghe, a well-known Buddhist in the city and niece of Anagarika Dhammapala Maha Upasika. Under Acharya Buddharakkhita's leadership, the society expanded its reach by establishing schools, hostels, hospitals, and an artificial limb centre. His prolific writing career resulted in approximately 150 books and the publication of two periodicals. For his contributions, he was honored with the Abhidhaja Aggamaha Saddhammajotika award by the Myanmar government.
Later Life and Legacy
Acharya Buddharakkhita passed away on September 23, 2013, at the Maha Bodhi Society in Bangalore. His extensive body of work and the institutions he founded continue to serve as a testament to his dedication to Buddhist principles and social welfare.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Acharya Buddharakkhita born?
Acharya Buddharakkhita was born in Imphal, Manipur, India, in 1922. His parents were Vishnupada and Sailavaladevi Bandopadhyaya.
What is the Maha Bodhi Society of Bangalore?
The Maha Bodhi Society of Bangalore was established by Acharya Buddharakkhita to propagate Buddhism. It is affiliated with the Maha Bodhi Society of Kolkata, though they function independently.
What were Acharya Buddharakkhita's contributions to education and healthcare?
Beyond establishing the Maha Bodhi Society, Acharya Buddharakkhita also founded schools, hostels, and hospitals. He also established an artificial limb centre for the society.
How prolific was Acharya Buddharakkhita as a writer?
Acharya Buddharakkhita was a prolific writer, having authored approximately 150 books. He also published two periodicals.
What recognition did Acharya Buddharakkhita receive?
Acharya Buddharakkhita was honored with the Abhidhaja Aggamaha Saddhammajotika award by the Myanmar government for his contributions.
When and where did Acharya Buddharakkhita pass away?
Acharya Buddharakkhita died at the Maha Bodhi Society in Bangalore on September 23, 2013.
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