Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera
Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera was a prominent Theravada Buddhist monk and a professor of Buddhist philosophy at Vidyalankara University. He is renowned for his extensive contributions to Pali language scholarship, authoring numerous dictionaries, grammars, and editions of Pali texts. He was also the first Sri Lankan monk to be honored with the Agga Maha Pandita title by Burma (Myanmar).
Key Facts
- ›Authored the Concise Pali-English Dictionary, published in 1957.
- ›Professor of Buddhist philosophy at Vidyalankara University.
- ›First Sri Lankan monk to be awarded the Agga Maha Pandita by Burma (Myanmar) in 1954.
- ›Member of the inaugural staff of Nalanda College, Colombo.
- ›Authored over 30 works on Pali language, grammar, and Buddhist texts.
- ›Taught Pali in Switzerland in 1928.
- Concise Pali-English Dictionary
- Pali Sahithya
- Oalibhasappawesaniya
- Pali Nigandu
- Buddhagosoppathi Pali Book Translated To Burmese
- Bhidhamma Mathruka Swarupaya - Translation From Burmese To Sinhala
- Pali Basappaweniya - Sinhala Translation
- Visuddhi Magga Edition
- Pali Bashawatharanaya 1
- Pali Bashawatharanaya 2
- Pali Patawali
- Thribhasha Rathnakaraya
- Apadhana Pali Edition
- Pali Bashawatharanaya 3
- Pali Wakya Vivechanaya
- Pali Wakya Rachanawa Ha Pariwarthana Parichaya
- Patamapaatawali
- Pali - Sinhala Dictionary
- Winya Winichchaya Ha Uththara Winichchaya Edition
- Thripitaka Suchiya
- Abhidhammawathara Edition
- Namarupa Parichcheda Edition
- Dhammapadhattakatha Edition
- Jinakalamali Sinhala Translation
- Namarupa Parichcheda English Edition
- Abhidhammawathara English Edition
- Ruparupa Wibhagaya English Edition
- Sammoha Winodhini English Edition
- Winaya Winichchaya & Uththara Winichchaya English Edition
- Niddesa Atuwa
- New Pali Course 1
- New Pali Course 2
- Higher Pali Course
- Aids To Pali Conversation & Translation
Vidyalankara University, Switzerland, Nalanda College, Colombo, Ananda College
Pali, Sinhala, Burmese, English
Bhikkhu
About Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera
The Venerable Ambalangoda Polwatte Buddhadatta Mahanayake Thera (1887–1962) was a distinguished Theravada Buddhist monk and a significant scholar of Pali language and Buddhist philosophy.
Life and Scholarship
Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera held a professorship in Buddhist philosophy at Vidyalankara University. His academic contributions were extensive, particularly in the field of Pali studies. He authored a prolific body of work, including numerous dictionaries, grammars, and critical editions of ancient Pali texts. Among his notable publications are the Concise Pali-English Dictionary (1957) and Pali Sahithya (1962), alongside many works on Pali grammar and translation.
Recognition and Service
In recognition of his scholarly achievements, Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera was honored in 1954 as the first Sri Lankan monk to receive the Agga Maha Pandita title from Burma (Myanmar). He also played a role in educational institutions, being a member of the inaugural staff at Nalanda College, Colombo, and also serving on the staff of Ananda College. In 1928, he traveled to Switzerland with the intention of teaching Pali, though he did not find suitable students during that period.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera's most notable work?
One of his most notable works is the Concise Pali-English Dictionary, published in 1957. He also authored numerous other books on Pali language, grammar, and Buddhist texts, including Pali Sahithya and various Pali grammar teachers.
What academic positions did Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera hold?
Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera served as a professor of Buddhist philosophy at Vidyalankara University. He was also a member of the inaugural staff of Nalanda College, Colombo, and taught at Ananda College.
What significant honor was Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera awarded?
In 1954, Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera was the first Sri Lankan monk to be awarded the title of Agga Maha Pandita by Burma (Myanmar), recognizing his scholarly achievements.
When and where did Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera teach Pali in Europe?
In 1928, Polwatte Buddhadatta Thera traveled to Switzerland to teach Pali. However, he did not find suitable students during his visit.
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