Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera
Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera was a 19th-century Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, scholar, and revivalist known for his expertise in Pali, Sanskrit, and Buddhist philosophy. He is most recognized as the founder of Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda, which later achieved university status and is now the University of Kelaniya. His work significantly contributed to the revival of Sri Lankan Buddhism and education.
Key Facts
- ›Born on May 28, 1828, in Ratmalana, Colombo district, Sri Lanka.
- ›Ordained as a novice monk in 1837 and received higher ordination (Upasampada) in 1860.
- ›Founded Vidyalankara Pirivena in Kelaniya on November 1, 1875.
- ›Renowned for his scholarly knowledge of Pali, Sanskrit, and Buddhist philosophy.
- ›Died on August 15, 1885, at the age of 57.
- ›Sri Dharmaloka College in Kelaniya is named in his honor.
Important Relationships
- Walane Sri Siddhartha Mahathera
- Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera
- Ven. Ratmalane Sri Dharmarama Thera
- Don Baron Jayatilaka
- Mudaliar Palis Fernando Wimalagunawardena
- Nicholas Attygalle
Ratmalana, Colombo District, Peliyagoda, Kelaniya
Novice Monk, Upasampada
Scholar, Monk, Educationist, Revivalist, Founder
About Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera
Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera (1828–1885) was a prominent Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, scholar, and educationist of the 19th century. He is widely recognized for his significant role in the revival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and for his profound knowledge of Pali, Sanskrit, and Buddhist philosophy.
Life and Work
Born on May 28, 1828, in Ratmalana, Colombo district, his early life led him to ordination as a novice monk in 1837. He received his higher education at the Parama Dhamma Chetiya Pirivena under Walane Sri Siddhartha Mahathera, where Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera was among his contemporaries. Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera achieved higher ordination (Upasampada) in 1860, by which time he was already acknowledged as a learned monk.
He dedicated himself to teaching Buddhist doctrine to both monks and lay students. A pivotal moment in his career was his initiative in establishing the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Kelaniya on November 1, 1875, along with his student monk, Ven. Ratmalane Sri Dharmarama. This institution played a crucial role in promoting language, religion, and literature during a period of their decline in Sri Lanka. The Vidyalankara Pirivena was later elevated to university status in 1958, becoming the University of Kelaniya.
Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera's life motto was to lead a simple existence in accordance with the Buddha's teachings, a principle he instilled in his students. He meticulously trained his chief disciple, Ratmalane Sri Dharmarama Thera, ensuring the continuation of his Buddhist revivalist work. He passed away on August 15, 1885, at the age of 57. The Sri Dharmaloka College in Kelaniya stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera born?
Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera was born on May 28, 1828, in Ratmalana, located in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka.
What is Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera most famous for founding?
He is most famous for founding the Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda, which was later granted university status by the Sri Lankan government and is now known as the University of Kelaniya.
What were Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera's scholarly strengths?
He was reputed for his extensive knowledge of Pali, Sanskrit, and Buddhist philosophy, making him a significant scholar monk of his time.
When did Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera die?
Ratmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thera passed away on August 15, 1885. He was 57 years old at the time of his death.
What was the significance of Vidyalankara Pirivena?
Vidyalankara Pirivena was established at a time when language, religion, and literature were in decline, providing a crucial space for their study and preservation. It produced many notable intellectuals.
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