Anagarika Dharmapala
View(s):The name of Anagarika Dharmapala holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans. He is remembered with great regard for his contribution towards the revival of Buddhism in the country as well as for awakening the people to the ills of colonial rule.
The 17th of September this year will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala and many events will be held to honour him and educate the younger generation about his life. Anagarika Dharmapala was born Don David Hewavitarne in 1864, when the country was still under the rule of the British. He was educated at St.Thomas College and Royal College, Colombo. Even though he came from an affluent family, from his young years, Dharmapala was eager to stop the harm that was being done to Buddhism by the foreign rulers as well as help the local population to resist the influence of the British.
It was his meeting with two American nationals namely Sir Henry Steel Olcott and Madam Blavatsky in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) in 1880 that was the turning point in his life. The two were leading a worldwide program to revive Buddhism which was on the decline mainly in India due to the influence of the Hindus.
In 1881, Don David Hewavitarne took the name of Anagarika Dharmapala and began a long relationship with the American duo during which not only did he work tirelessly to bring about a Buddhist revival in this island but also in India.
On a visit he made to India in 1891, Dharmapala was shocked to see the decay which had befallen the great Buddhist sites of pilgrimage, particularly Buddha Gaya, the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The same year he founded the Maha Bodhi Society which till this day caters to the needs
of thousands of Buddhist pilgrims who visit places of religious importance in India.
The setting up of the Maha Bodhi Society also gave impetus to Buddhists from around the world to rally together to gain control of the major Buddhist sites in India including Buddha Gaya which had been taken over by Hindus.
Today people from all over the world visit these sites and the name of Anagarika Dharmapala is recalled with a great deal of respect and fondness by those who visit Buddha Gaya in particular.
A highlight in his life came in 1893 when Dharmapala was invited to attend the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago and here he addressed the gathering leaving a lasting impression on the distinguished representatives who attended the conference.
He passed away in April 1933, in India at the age of 69.
By Chandani Kirinde