Anagarika Dharmapala's principles sound for all time
 

From Upali Rupasinghe in New Delhi

"Anagarika Dharmapala is distinguished by two great features the revival of Buddhism on the Indian sub-continent, and the introduction of Buddhism to the West. He was the first Buddhist in modern times to propagate the noble Dhamma of the Sakyamuni Buddha in the three continents of Asia, Europe and America," said Mr. A. Sabarullah Khan, Deputy High Commissioner of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi. He was addressing the 141st birth anniversary commemoration of Anagarika Dharmapala at the Maha Bodhi Society New Delhi Centre.

"He was one of the greatest men, Sri Lanka had ever produced. His name shall be remembered with respect and gratitude, so long as Buddhism lasts. He is a living lesson for all of us for making the Dhamma alive even under most difficult conditions," he said.

The commemorative meeting started after garlanding the Dharmapala statue by the distinguished guests and the invitees. Ven. Uyangalle Gnanarathana Thera, Bhikkhu-in-charge of the New Delhi Maha Bodhi Centre administered panchaseela.

Khan, representing the High Commissioner said late Anagarika Dharmapala, encouraged Buddhists from world over to visit Buddha Gaya.

The Buddhist community considers it an honour to keep in touch with this sacred spot. Today Buddha Gaya has been developed as an international place of pilgrimage and Buddhist from Japan, Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, Tibet, Bhutan, Thaiwan and China and have established monasteries and temples designed and constructed according to their rich art and architecture.

The Deputy High Commissioner referring to the Anagarika's young days, his education, associations with Monks and Buddhist leaders at the time said establishing Maha Bodhi Society of India and restoration of Buddhist sites in India are two grate achievements of the Anagarika's life.

In 1893, he attended the World Parliament of Religions and convinced the audience how it is important to follow the noble eightfold path preached by the Sakyamuni Buddha, Khan said.

Anagarika Dharmapala's principles remain strong and perfectly valid for all time and they represent a set of core beliefs that reflects the aspirations of Buddhists all over the world, he added.