Bhikkhus who are keen to serve the masses should not get involved in politics, said Sanchi Vihara, Dambadiva, Chief Incumbent, Mahabodhi Foundation President and Chief Bhikkhu of Japan and Director of Yoshida Foundation, Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thera.
“I am happy to say that without getting involved in politics, I have served the masses more than what the bhikkhus who are involved in politics have done,” he said.
Ven. Thera said, “The time has come for me to look at the things I have done and enjoy them as good deeds.”
Ven. Upatissa Thera, who is highly qualified in the Japanese language and child education, met Kothike Yoshida and with her assistance, commenced a Montessori in 1979 at Abayasekerama Temple in Sapugaskanda. This was the Ven. Thera’s first social service effort which paved the way for the development of the Montessori in the area and also helped development activities of his native village, Banagala.
In recognition of Banagala Upatissa Thera’s services, he was appointed Chief Incumbent of Japan by the Kotte Samagri Sangha Sabha in 1986. In 2000, Ven. Thera was appointed President of the Sri Lanka Maha Bodhi Society.
He is the Chief Incumbent of Japan’s Lanka Vihara, the Chief Bhikkhu of Sanchi Vihara, Dambadiva and Chief Bhikkhu of Agrasravaka Vihara.
Japan-Sri Lanka friendship
Ven. Upatissa Thera said Anagarika Dharmapala has visited Japan four times, but we did not have any connections. Anagarika Dharmapala has visited many countries and has made many connections. He made places for Sri Lankans in Europe and Asia. Theravadha Buddhism was set in Japan for the first time in 1984. The centre was housed in a small hut which was opened by former President J. R. Jayewardene. Through this, Japan-Sri Lanka friendship developed to a greater height. Educational activities too were held here and this place became the beginning for Sri Lankans in Japan, Ven. Thera said.
During his social services, Ven. Thera has met many world leaders and is lucky to have close relations with all top Sri Lankan politicians from Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake. “My favorite leader is President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. I met him at the Sanch Vihara in India. He visited Japan too,” the Thera said.
“I have helped all leaders. When Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike addressed in Sinhala in India, I translated those speeches in to Hindi. She was a courageous lady with a strong voice,” he said.
“I had an opportunity to translate a speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He made the speech at the Maha Bodhi Society where he requested me to translate his speech in Hindi to Sinhala. Indian Premier visiting Sri Lanka wanted me to organise an arms giving which I did to the best of my ability which pleased him to the maximum,” the Thera said.
Pope, visited a temple
The World Head of the Catholic Church, Pope, visited a Buddhist temple for the first time making history when his lordship came to my temple, said Ven. Upatissa Thera. “Once Bhutan Prime Minister Thilli was seated next to me and asked how to make a speech. I gave him the main points for the speech, I am really proud of this incident,” the Thera said.
“In India, I have seen only one Sinhala name of Anagarika Dharmapala. I made arrangements to add the name, Hadigalle Pangnatissa for a roadway in India. I was also instrumental in setting up a University and Yoshida International School which caters to over 2,000 students in India,” Ven. Upatissa Thera said.
“I was born in a remote village, Banagala, close to Morawaka. My intention was to give villagers a good living standard.
I said anyone becoming a doctor from our village will be donated with a plot of land and a house. This proposal brought in good results and doctors came from Banagala,” the Thera said.