Hammalawa Saddhatissa
Sri Lanka·Siam Nikaya·Male·20th century
Hammalawa Saddhatissa Maha Thera was an influential Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, missionary, and author who spent much of his life in the West, holding academic positions in London, Toronto, and Oxford. He is known for his work in Buddhist ethics, synthesizing traditional teachings with Western philosophical discourse, and for his accessible writings on Buddhist practice and philosophy.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Sri Lanka in 1914, ordained as a novice monk at age twelve.
- ›Educated in Sri Lanka, India (Banaras Hindu University), London, and Edinburgh.
- ›Served as a missionary for the Maha Bodhi Society in India, interacting with figures like B. R. Ambedkar.
- ›Spent the latter part of his life in the West, holding academic positions at universities in London, Toronto, and Oxford.
- ›Authored several influential books on Buddhist ethics, practice, and philosophy.
- ›Held leadership roles in the Buddhist community in the UK and Europe, including Head of the Sangha of the Siam Nikaya.
Important Relationships
- Maha Bodhi Society
- B. R. Ambedkar
- Walpola Rahula
- Henepola Gunaratana
- Pali Text Society
- SOAS, University of London
- University of Edinburgh
- Oxford University
- University of London
- University of Toronto
- London Buddhist Vihara
the Buddha's Way, Buddhist Ethics, the Sutta Nipata, A Buddhist's Manual, Before He Was Buddha: the Life of Siddhartha, Facets of Buddhism, Dependent Origination
Sri Lanka, India, London, Oxford, Toronto, United Kingdom, Europe
Fyodor Shcherbatskoy, Louis De La ValléE-Poussin
English, Sinhala, Pali
SāMaṇEra, Bhikkhu
Head of the Sangha, Vice President, Posthumously Honored
About Hammalawa Saddhatissa
Hammalawa Saddhatissa Maha Thera
Hammalawa Saddhatissa Maha Thera (1914–1990) was a prominent Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, missionary, and prolific author who significantly contributed to the understanding and propagation of Buddhism, particularly in the West. Educated in Sri Lanka, India, and Europe, he combined traditional Buddhist scholarship with Western philosophical insights, focusing on Buddhist ethics and the practical expression of Buddhist teachings.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1914 in Hammalawa, Sri Lanka, Saddhatissa ordained as a novice monk at the age of twelve. He pursued his early religious education at the Sastrodaya Pirivena and continued his higher studies at Vidyodaya Pirivena in Colombo, where he excelled in his examinations. His academic journey later took him to Banaras Hindu University in India, and subsequently to the United Kingdom, where he studied at the University of Edinburgh and other institutions.
Missionary Work and Western Sojourn
Saddhatissa was invited by the Maha Bodhi Society to serve as a missionary monk in India, where he learned local languages to effectively teach Buddhism. During this period, he interacted with prominent figures such as B. R. Ambedkar. He later moved to the West in 1957, spending the remainder of his life there. He held influential academic positions, including visiting lecturer at Oxford University, lecturer in Sinhala at the University of London, and Professor of Pali and Buddhism at the University of Toronto. He also served as a Buddhist Chaplain at London University and was a vice president of the Pali Text Society.
Philosophical Contributions and Writings
Influenced by his immersion in Western philosophical discourse, particularly through his time at SOAS, University of London, Saddhatissa developed a nuanced approach to Buddhist ethics. He sought to bridge traditional Buddhist thought with Western philosophical traditions, emphasizing the practical, lived experience of Buddhism rather than purely abstract theory. His writings, such as "Buddhist Ethics" and "The Buddha's Way," are noted for their clarity and accessibility, aiming to elucidate Buddhist principles for a broad audience. He viewed moral practice and mindfulness as an integrated, seamless whole.
Legacy
At the time of his death, Hammalawa Saddhatissa was the head of the London Buddhist Vihara and the Head of the Sangha for the Siam Nikaya in the United Kingdom and Europe. His contributions to Buddhist scholarship and practice were recognized posthumously by Sri Lanka, which issued a postage stamp bearing his image in 2005.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Hammalawa Saddhatissa born and educated?
Hammalawa Saddhatissa was born in Hammalawa, a hamlet in northwest Sri Lanka, in 1914. He received his early education at the Sastrodaya Pirivena and continued higher studies at Vidyodaya Pirivena in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He further pursued his education in India at Banaras Hindu University, and in the West at the University of Edinburgh.
What was Hammalawa Saddhatissa's role in India?
Invited by the Maha Bodhi Society, Saddhatissa served as a missionary monk in India, learning Indian languages to teach Buddhism. During his time in India, he obtained an M.A. from Banaras Hindu University and became a lecturer there. He reportedly advised B. R. Ambedkar on drafting the Indian constitution based on the vinaya.
What academic positions did Hammalawa Saddhatissa hold in the West?
After moving to London in 1957, Saddhatissa obtained a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. He held various academic appointments, including visiting lecturer in Buddhist studies at Oxford University, lecturer in Sinhala at the University of London, and Professor of Pali and Buddhism at the University of Toronto. He also served as a Buddhist Chaplain at London University.
What were Hammalawa Saddhatissa's main philosophical interests?
Saddhatissa was particularly interested in Buddhist ethics and developed his thought by integrating traditional Buddhist training with Western philosophical discourse. He emphasized the 'lived expression' of Buddhism over abstract academic theorizing. He viewed moral practice and mindfulness as a unified whole, distinct from some interpretations in Ch'an and Zen traditions.
What are some of Hammalawa Saddhatissa's notable published works?
Among his published books are "The Buddha's Way" (1971), "Buddhist Ethics" (1970), "A Buddhist's Manual" (1976), and a translation of "The Sutta Nipata" (1985). He also co-authored "Before He Was Buddha: The Life of Siddhartha" and contributed an article on Dependent Origination.
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