Madihe Pannaseeha Thero
Sri Lanka·Amarapura sect·Male·20th century
Most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Mahathera was an eminent Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and the Mahanayaka (Great Chief) of the Amarapura sect from 1969 until his death in 2003. He was instrumental in uniting various branches of the Amarapura Nikaya and played a significant role in propagating Theravada Buddhism internationally. His work also extended to social services, youth development, and the temperance movement in Sri Lanka.
Key Facts
- ›Eminent Sri Lankan Buddhist monk and Mahanayaka of the Amarapura sect.
- ›Instrumental in uniting the Amarapura Nikaya into one unified sect in 1969.
- ›Traveled extensively for the propagation of Theravada Buddhism, visiting China, Nepal, Burma, and the United States.
- ›Founded the "Thurunu Saviya" organization to train and guide Sri Lankan youth.
- ›Established the Dharma Vijaya Foundation to promote righteousness, economic development, and social welfare.
- ›Served as the president of the Sri Lanka Temperance Movement.
Important Relationships
- Palane Vagiragnana Nayake Thera
- Sir Cyril de Zoysa
- R. Premadasa
- Sir Oliver Goonetilake
- Kalukondayawe Pangnasekera Maha Nayaka Thera
- Asia Foundation
Madihe Village, Matara District, Devagiri Vihara, Kabmurugamuwa, Vajiraramaya, Bambalapitiya, Maharagama, Washington D.C., Greenpath, Colombo
Ordination
Eminent, Mahanayaka
About Madihe Pannaseeha Thero
Madihe Pannaseeha Mahathera
Most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Mahathera, born Benson Wilmot on June 21, 1913, was a highly influential Sri Lankan Buddhist monk. He rose to prominence as the Mahanayaka (Great Chief) of the Amarapura sect, holding this esteemed position from July 13, 1969, until his passing on September 9, 2003.
Life and Ministry
Madihe Pannaseeha Thero entered the Buddhist Order at the young age of 13, receiving his ordination on June 24, 1926, and taking the name Madihe Pannasheeha. He received his early education in the English medium at St. Thomas' College, Matara, and Mahinda College, Galle. A pivotal moment in his leadership was his election as Maha Nayaka of the Amarapura Sri Dharmarakkhita Nikaya in 1955, and he was instrumental in unifying various branches of the Amarapura Nikaya into a single entity in 1969, becoming its head.
Propagation and Social Engagement
Thera was dedicated to the propagation of Theravada Buddhism, undertaking extensive international travel. He visited China in 1946, Nepal in 1951 and 1954, and Burma in 1954, where he participated in the Sixth Buddhist Council. His journeys also took him to the United States in 1964, leading to arrangements for a Vihara in Washington D.C., and to numerous other countries including England, Germany, Japan, and Singapore. Upon his return from overseas, he established the Buddhist Information Centre in Colombo. Beyond his religious duties, Madihe Pannaseeha Thero was deeply involved in social services. He organized 'Thurunu Saviya' to train Sri Lankan youth, founded the Dharma Vijaya Foundation to promote righteousness and socio-economic development, and served as the president of the Sri Lanka Temperance Movement.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Madihe Pannaseeha Thero born?
Madihe Pannaseeha Thero was born on June 21, 1913, in the village of Madihe in the Matara district of Sri Lanka. His birth name was Benson Wilmot.
What was Madihe Pannaseeha Thero's role in the Amarapura sect?
He was elected as the Maha Nayaka (Great Chief) Thera of the Amarapura Sri Dharmarakkhita Nikaya in 1955 and became the head of the United Amarapura Nikaya in 1969. He held this position until his death.
What were some of Madihe Pannaseeha Thero's international activities?
He visited China in 1946 to propagate Theravada Buddhism and later traveled to Nepal, Burma, and the United States for similar purposes, as well as to establish Buddhist centers and participate in religious councils.
What social service initiatives was Madihe Pannaseeha Thero involved in?
He organized 'Thurunu Saviya' to train youth, established the Dharma Vijaya Foundation for social and economic development, and led the Sri Lanka Temperance Movement.
When did Madihe Pannaseeha Thero pass away?
Most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Mahathera passed away on September 9, 2003, at the age of 90.
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