Anagarika Dharmapala: Lion of Lanka and Buddhist Revivalist

Summary

Anagarika Sri Dharmapala, born in 1865, was a pivotal figure in the Buddhist renaissance of Asia, particularly in India and Ceylon. He dedicated his life to reviving Buddhism, combating the decline caused by Western influence and colonial rule. In Ceylon, he opposed the trend of abandoning Buddhism for Christianity to gain official favor, inspiring a revival through his uncompromising advocacy and forceful personality. His efforts attracted both enemies and staunch supporters, with his zeal resonating with progressive minds, renewing faith in Ceylon’s traditions and Buddhist teachings. In India, he focused on reawakening the public to Buddha’s message, emphasizing self-reliance and spiritual values to counter Western materialism. He founded the Maha Bodhi Society of India, restoring sacred Buddhist sites like Sarnath with support from figures like Mrs. Mary Foster. His international influence grew through lectures at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he and Swami Vivekananda represented Eastern spirituality, and later in London, where he established a Maha Bodhi Society. Known for his commanding presence and eloquent teachings, Dharmapala blended intellectual rigor with emotional appeal, embodying the Buddhist principle of energy (Viriya). His writings and lectures reflected his commitment to truth and compassion. Despite chronic illness, he remained dedicated, expressing his desire to spread Buddha’s Dharma even after death. His legacy endures in the resurgence of Buddhism, symbolized by India’s adoption of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, echoing Dharmapala’s role as a modern protector of the Dharma, bridging India and Ceylon through shared cultural and spiritual ties.