Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero
Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera was a highly revered Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and scholar of the twentieth century, recognized for his profound understanding and exposition of Theravada Buddhism. Sri Lankan Buddhists held him in high esteem, believing he had attained a significant spiritual development and was a Bodhisattva destined for Buddhahood. He dedicated his life to the propagation of Buddhist philosophy, earning prestigious titles for his service to the religion.
Key Facts
- ›Born on August 23, 1896, and passed away on July 18, 1998, living to the age of 101.
- ›Ordained as a Samanera monk at age 15 and received full ordination (Upasampada) in 1916.
- ›Served as a teacher and later professor at Vidyodaya University, Sri Lanka, and was its vice-chancellor.
- ›Participated in the Sixth Buddhist Council in Myanmar and received the title Agga Maha Pandita.
- ›Renowned for his mastery of Buddhist meditation, particularly Samatha and Vipassana.
- ›Authored nearly fifty books on Buddhist scriptures, philosophy, and languages, including a translation of the Dhammapada.
Important Relationships
- Anagarika Dharmapala
- Narada Thera
- Madihe Pannaseeha Thera
- Daamahana Dhammananda Thera
- Deniyaye Seelananda Thera
the Life of the Buddha, Dhammapada: the Path of Truth, Meditation On Breathing, Easy Steps To English
Kirindigala, Balangoda, Ananda College Colombo, Nalanda College Colombo, Vidyodaya University, Sri Lanka, Myanmar
Buddha
Sinhala, English, Pali, Sanskrit
Samanera Vows, Bhikkhu Vows
About Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero
Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera
Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera (born Punchi Mahattaya on August 23, 1896, died July 18, 1998) was a highly esteemed Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, recognized as one of the most distinguished scholars and expositors of Theravada Buddhism in the twentieth century. His profound spiritual development and dedication to Buddhist philosophy led many Sri Lankan Buddhists to revere him as a Bodhisattva, one believed to be on the path to Buddhahood.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Kirindigala, Balangoda, Ananda Maitreya Thera entered monastic life at the age of 15, receiving his Samanera ordination in 1911 and his higher ordination (Upasampada) in 1916. He pursued his education diligently, eventually becoming a teacher at Ananda College, Colombo, in 1922. Unconventionally for a Theravada monk of his time, he publicly studied other Buddhist traditions, including Mahayana Buddhism, and delved into mantra and esoteric yoga. He was instrumental in the founding of Nalanda College, Colombo, in 1925, naming the institution and establishing its motto. He later served as a professor of Mahayana Buddhism and held administrative positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies and vice-chancellor, at Vidyodaya University.
Major Contributions and Recognition
Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera was particularly renowned for his mastery of Buddhist meditation, practicing both Samatha and Vipassana meditation extensively. His spiritual teachings and life served as a significant inspiration to numerous monks and lay followers. He participated in the Sixth Buddhist Council in Myanmar in 1954, an event for which the Burmese government conferred upon him the title of 'Agga Maha Pandita' (Chief Great Scholar) in 1955. In recognition of his exceptional service to the Buddhist religion, Myanmar bestowed upon him the highest Sangha title, 'Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru' (Most Eminent Great Spiritual Teacher), in 1997. He also received honorary degrees and titles from Sri Lankan universities, though he publicly expressed a humble disinterest in titles, preferring to focus on the Buddha's teachings.
Writings and Legacy
He authored nearly fifty books covering a wide range of Buddhist subjects, including Suttas, Vinaya, Abhidhamma, and Pali and Sanskrit grammar. His translation of the Dhammapada has been published internationally. His pedagogical skills extended to language instruction, with works like "Easy Steps to English" and "A Hand Book of Spoken English." Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera's life and work, alongside other prominent monks and figures like Anagarika Dharmapala, were crucial in the revival and propagation of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and abroad. He passed away at the age of 101, leaving a rich legacy of scholarship and spiritual guidance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera primarily known for?
Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera is primarily known as a distinguished scholar and expositor of Theravada Buddhism in the 20th century. He was also highly respected for his spiritual development and believed by many Sri Lankan Buddhists to be a Bodhisattva.
What significant titles did Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera receive?
He received the title Agga Maha Pandita (Chief Great Scholar) from the Burmese government in 1956 for his service at the Sixth Buddhist Council. Later, in 1997, he was awarded the highest Sangha title, Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru (Most Eminent Great Spiritual Teacher), also from Myanmar.
What was Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera's role in education?
He was the first Dharmacharya at Nalanda College Colombo and named the institution, choosing its motto. He later became a professor of Mahayana Buddhism at Vidyodaya University, where he served as Dean of Buddhist Studies and Vice-Chancellor.
What are some of Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera's notable works?
Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera wrote nearly fifty books on various Buddhist topics. His book 'The Life of the Buddha' is considered a textbook, and his international translation of the Dhammapada is also notable.
What was Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera's approach to Buddhist traditions?
Unusually for a Theravada teacher, he publicly studied other Buddhist traditions, including Mahayana Buddhism, mantra, and esoteric yoga, demonstrating a broad intellectual curiosity within Buddhism.
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