Ariyadhamma Anunayake Thera led by example
Erudition acquired through scholarship and practical selfintrospection ennobled the entire monastic life span of the Most Ven. Nauyane Ariyadhamma Anunayake Maha Thera, whose demise has saddened Buddhists across the country.
The cremation will be held with full State patronage this afternoon (12) at Parliament grounds,
He was a great scholar of Buddhist scripture. Ven. Ariyadhamma Maha Thera since the time he was ordained a novice monk, ensured he followed, nothing other than the path of his Master and the path trod along by the Arahants throughout the cycle of Sansara.
Keeping that in mind, he very closely explored, experimented and closely observed the life and the concepts of existence in order to find a way out for the continuous suffering.
The Anu Nayake Thera of the Ramanna Chapter was the guiding light that brightened the monkhood of hundreds of young followers at his Sri Kalyani Yogashrama Sect.
He was a monk who stood by muchtreasured ethical principles and morals of the highest religious stature as taught by the Buddha, while being confined to simple monastic life where he practised what the Buddha had preached.
He selected the essence of His teachings for the greater benefit of the humanity. He was one of the finest monks, who have had an unparalleled knowledge on the Abhidhamma, the essence of what the Buddha had preached, which sometimes, still remains beyond the understanding of the ordinary laity.
His wealth of knowledge in Pali and Sanskrit enabled him to reach the depths of the teachings of the Enlightened One. That was clear in his writings.
The most Ven. Ariyadhamma Nayake Thera was a role model for modesty, simplicity and impermanence, by which virtues he emerged as the most venerated scholar monk that lived among the Sangha fraternity of our times, without getting confined only to one school of Buddhist thought.
He adhered to all types of meditation, development of mental composure and cultivation of Margapala (Segments of achievements in the journey towards Nirvana)
As a result, in recognition of his scholarship, he was conferred many honorary titles from members of the Maha Sangha in Buddhist countries, like Thailand, Japan, China, South Korea and Myanmar. But he considered them as temporary ornaments and was not anxious to use as prefixes to his name.
The Ven. Thera remained identical to a jewel that decorated the Sasana
His sermons were of logical and academic value and enlightened the devotees on the path to follow to achieve Nirvana.
He advocated compassion, loving-kindness, generosity and the everlasting importance of righteous livelihood.
During his abode at Ambalangoda Galduwa Gunawardene Monastery, as a highly disciplined monk, he taught the Eightfold Path and meditation in a very impressive manner attracting thousands of disciples.
It was his stepping-stone to the success of his monastic life as everyone began to maintain the view that this great son, Buddhaputhra would have had attained at least one of the pillar stages, prior to attainment of Enlightenment.
He exemplified what the essence of monkhood was all about to his beloved novice fraternity and followers as his horizons until he was confined to a hospital bed.
His fragrance and virtuous character would certainly continue to be remembered by the grateful Buddhists of this country.
He was among the few, who led by example and had barely three pieces of robes, a begging bowl and a few other paraphernalia.
May You attain supreme bliss of Nirvana!