Visuddhananda Mahathero

Main >> Hobbies & Interests >> My First Home Page

Mahasanghanayaka

Visuddhananda Mahathero

The great noble of the most venerable Mahasanghanayaka Visuddhananda Mahathera, the supreme patriarch of the Buddhists of Bangladesh is unparalleled in the modern history of Buddhism of the Sub-Continent. His life is an outstanding life of a “Mahasattva” who has dedicated himself fully to the service and cause of religion and humanity.

From the 17th century to up to date counting, his holiness Visuddhananda Mahathera is the

Twenty-fourth Mahasanghanayaka in the lineage of the Heads of the Mahastnavir Nikaya’- (Mahathera Nikaya) the ancient main Buddhist Sangha of Theravada School in this country. He is an international figure very well-known in the world with his long and varied background spanning for more than half a century of his monkshood as a devoted worker and preacher of peace fraternity, religious brotherhood and missionary service for the mankind.

The name of Visuddhananda Mahathera is an epoch-making one, which needs no explanation to his countrymen. This great saint has already occupied a most glorified seat of honor not only throughout Bangladesh but also World over for his people noble are activities for the welfare of mankind irrespective caste and creed. The advent of such a great man is an illustrated historical event to the people in general, specially the Buddhist of Bangladesh. His personality is embodied with noble qualities such as humanitarian service, sacrifice, universal love and brotherhood and dedication for the well being of all and whole. His commands of high esteem in the heart of people home and abroad by performing his great task of introducing the Bangalee Buddhist to the people living far and wide all over the world. He has created a noble ideal by giving a most judicious lead to the present-day Buddhist community in different spheres of social, culture and religious life. He has played an important role in creating a renaissance in various aspects of Buddhist culture, religion, society, civilization and economy in order to give a separate entity to the Banglaee Buddhists as a respectable community.

It may be mentioned here that in the earlier days the Buddhists of this country had no separate recognition and identity as a community from the Government quarters. There was no flourishment of Buddhistic Culture or Buddhism as a separate religion; but it is Venerable Visuddhananda who has made it known to others that the Buddhists of this country have their own culture and religion-quite different from other existing religions and culture. Today Venerable Visuddhananda is a ‘Name’ worth remembering, a world famous personality of whom the people of this country feel pride.

The most Venerable Visuddhananda is one of the greatest religious workers of the 20th century-a noble saint whose activities have caused a remarkable uplift in different aspects of society, religion and culture. In this Sub-Continent the name of Venerable Visuddhananda is to be worth mentioning after the name of lion-hearted Anagarika Dharmapala of Sri Lanka and the name of late Venerable Kripasaran Mahathera, another great Buddhist Monk of Chittagong who founded several Monasteries in Calcutta, Lucknow, Derjeeling and other places.

Her Serene Princess Poon Pismai Diskul, President, World fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B.) in a goodwill message sent on the occasion of Mahathera’s 74th birth Anniversary, really says: “ the most Venerable Mahasanghanayaka has been widely known for his life of determined efforts dedicated to the cause living and spreading the Dhamma of the Buddha. He is thus a living a living example of the virtues He teaches, being the embodiment of the ‘paramis’or foundation of enlightenment…. The land of Bangladesh can be justifiably proud of such an exalted personage who has illuminated this territory as far as Buddhism is concerned.”

Mr. Prasert Ruangskul, secretary General, W.F.B. also pays an homage to this great life: “The Mahathera is kind and gentle and his gentleness and kindness stem from an inner strength which has been developed through long years of trial and struggle in the cause of human rights and liberty. He is a guiding light for Buddhist communities in Bangladesh and his activities are not confined to religious affairs only. His social, cultural and humanitarian service for the benefits in Bangladesh is also well-known throughout the world. His extensive travelling and personal contact with leading personalities in various countries have enabled him to do wonders for the welfare of the Bangladesh people.”

It is really a great wonder that Bangladesh where the majority of population is the Muslims produced such a non-Muslims great personality like Venerable Visuddhananda Mahathera who has acquired unanimous respect and regards as a national leader and as a international figure from all sections of people of the country. This occurrence could be done by the activities of the Mahathera for the welfare of all people and for the better understanding among different religions and faiths.

Written by: Mr.Bimalendu Barua