Upali Thera
Upali Thera was a distinguished Thai Theravāda monk and royal missionary who played a pivotal role in the revival of Buddhist monasticism in Sri Lanka. He is most renowned for founding the Siam Nikaya, a prominent Buddhist monastic order in Sri Lanka, and for re-establishing the upasampadā (higher ordination) lineage in 1753, which had been absent for centuries. His reforms emphasized strict adherence to the Vinaya and reoriented important Buddhist festivals, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in transnational Theravāda unity.
Key Facts
- ›Founded the Siam Nikaya, the most prominent Buddhist monastic order in Sri Lanka.
- ›Revived the upasampadā (higher ordination) lineage in Sri Lanka in 1753.
- ›Led a delegation of Thai monks to Kandy, Sri Lanka, at the request of the Sinhalese King.
- ›Reorganized the Kandy Esala Perahera to emphasize devotion to the Buddha.
- ›Died in 1755 from an ear infection at Malwatta Vihara in Kandy.
- ›His kuti, bed, and writing desk are preserved and revered by devotees in Sri Lanka.
Important Relationships
- King Borommakot (Thailand)
- Samanera Saranankorn
Kandy, Sri Lanka, Malwatta Vihara, Wat Thammaram, Adahanamaluwa
Upasampadā
Influential Missionary Monk
About Upali Thera
Upali Thera, also known by the Thai transliteration Phra Ubali, was a significant Thai Theravāda monk and royal missionary active during the reign of King Borommakot of the Krung Sri Ayutthaya. He is primarily recognized for his transformative work in Sri Lanka, where he founded the Siam Nikaya, a major orthodox Buddhist monastic order, and crucially revived the upasampadā, or higher ordination, lineage for Sinhalese monks in 1753. This revival was essential as the lineage had lapsed for centuries.
Early Life and Mission to Sri Lanka
Originally residing at Wat Thammaram in present-day Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, Phra Ubali led a delegation of Thai monks to Kandy, Sri Lanka, in 1752. This mission was undertaken at the request of the Sinhalese King, who sought to restore the weakened Buddhist monastic traditions. Upali Thera and his entourage established themselves at Wat Buppharam, which is now known as Malwatta Vihara. Within three years, they had successfully ordained over 700 monks, including key figures like Samanera Saranankorn and his disciples.
Founding of the Siam Nikaya and Reforms
Upali Thera's efforts led directly to the establishment of the Siam Nikaya, which became a highly respected and orthodox Buddhist monastic order in Sri Lanka. He observed perceived corruption within the existing Sangha, partly due to practices like astrology, and sought to purify it through a stricter adherence to the Vinaya (monastic discipline), modeled on Thai practices. Beyond monastic reform, Upali Thera also reorganized the Kandy Esala Perahera, the annual Procession of the Temple of the Tooth. He reoriented the festival to place greater emphasis on devotion to the Buddha, marking a significant shift in its focus.
Death and Legacy
Phra Ubali passed away in 1755 at Malwatta Vihara due to an ear infection. The King of Sri Lanka honored him with a grand cremation at Adahanamaluwa, where a pagoda was later erected to house his remains. His personal quarters, including his bed and writing desk, are preserved and continue to be revered by devotees. Upali Thera is widely honored in both Thai and Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions as one of history's most influential missionary monks, symbolizing monastic discipline and fostering transnational Theravāda unity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Upali Thera?
Upali Thera was a Thai Theravāda monk and royal missionary who lived during the reign of King Borommakot of the Krung Sri Ayutthaya. He is celebrated for his significant contributions to Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
What is Upali Thera best known for?
He is best known as the founder of the Siam Nikaya in Sri Lanka and for reviving the upasampadā (higher ordination) lineage among Sinhalese monks. He also reformed the Kandy Esala Perahera, reorienting it to focus on the Buddha.
When and where did Upali Thera revive the ordination lineage?
Upali Thera revived the upasampadā ordination lineage in Sri Lanka in 1753. He led a delegation of Thai monks to Kandy to achieve this, residing at what is now Malwatta Vihara.
What was the Siam Nikaya?
The Siam Nikaya is the most prominent and orthodox Buddhist monastic order in Sri Lanka, founded by Upali Thera. He established it with a stricter adherence to the Vinaya, modeled after Thai practices, aiming to purify the existing Sangha.
How did Upali Thera influence the Kandy Esala Perahera?
Upali Thera reorganized the Kandy Esala Perahera, an annual procession. He reoriented the festival to emphasize devotion to the Buddha, moving away from its previous focus which incorporated veneration of Hindu deities.
When and how did Upali Thera die?
Phra Ubali died in 1755 from an ear infection. His death occurred at Malwatta Vihara in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
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