Ven. Bodagama Chandima Thera's unique religious zeal

by Surekha GALAGODA

Construction work on the Kelaniya International Buddhist Centre, the first Buddhist International University in the world was started at Manelwathu Viharaya, Bollegala, Kelaniya recently. The foundation stone was laid by the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Centre will consist of a Buddhist Stupa temple, the Buddhist Academic Centre & Monastery and most importantly the Sutra Treasure Building - the library to be constructed at the centre of the main buildings which will house the major collection of sutras in 9 different languages said Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera the main source behind the project. He is also the International Advisor to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Religious and Cultural Affairs. Venerable Dr. Chandima Thera said that the work at the Centre will start once some buildings are completed; as it is a much needed facility for Buddhists globally.

The Ven. Thera who is also the Chief Sangha Nayaka of Taiwan takes much pain to spread the Word of the Buddha globally and up to date he has been very successful in his mission.

The main objectives of the Centre are to offer Dhamma courses for Buddhist Monks and Nuns, language training as well as training on preaching, Buddhism related academic research programs in areas such as languages, translations, literature, history, art, architecture, theology, practices, including retreats, meditation training, Dhamma initiation etc. Ven. Chandima Thera took the initiative to disseminate the message of Dhamma. On his guidance and advice a great number of books have been printed in 18 languages and distributed in over 40 countries. Today people in these countries have gained access to Buddhism with the help of these valuable books.

When he was pursuing his higher studies Buddhism and Chinese language at the Taipei Normal University in Taiwan, he got to know of Chi Chen Poiman, who printed and distributed books on Buddhism in Chinese free of charge.

The casual meeting between Ven. Chandima Thera and Chi Chen Poiman turned out to be a bond which continues until today. The first book to be translated and printed in Chinese was a book written by Ven. Narada Thera.

Before long, Ven. Chandima Thera became well-known among the Taiwanese the reason being his great sacrifices to popularize Buddhism. He always conducted Dhamma sermons in Chinese and also traveled to many countries including USA, Germany, France and England to spread the Word of the Buddha.

All these efforts by Ven. Chandima Thera earned him the respect and regard of well-known Buddhist philanthropists in Taiwan. They went to the extent of travelling with him to see the cultural pageants of Sri Lanka i.e. the Kandy Dalada and Gangarama Navam Peraharas.

Once when some philanthropists were in Sri Lanka to see the Kandy Dalada Perahera they wanted to perform some meritorious deeds in return for what Ven. Chandima Thera has done for the Taiwanese and Buddhism in Taiwan. He didn't expect anything for himself but requested these philanthropists to build a home for the children left destitute due to the terrorist war, which engulfed our country for 30 years for which they readily agreed.

The home was named the Dhamma Chakra Children Home, and the Dhamma Chakra Child Foundation was established for the upkeep of the home.

The complex includes a Montessori, a meditation centre in addition to other facilities. The destitute children in the home could study up to University level and are given scholarships as well. Guidance is provided to them until they secure employment. Venerable Kumbukwewe Pannakiththi Thera is the head of the Dhamma Chakra Foundation. Ven Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera is dedicated to serve the cause of the poor. When the floods damaged most of the temples in one night in Galle and Matara districts the Venerable Thera visited every temple and decided to give a cash donation of Rs 100,000 to 60 temples with the help of the philanthropists in Taiwan. Within a short time he was able to make the donation which he considers a very special occasion in his life.

When Tsunami struck Sri Lanka he flew back to the country and began providing dry rations, clothing, and medicines to the victims. Permanent shelter was also provided to them. With the help from the philanthropists and the Government he also built the Taiwan Samadhigama in Ambalantota.

It consists of 300 cottages complete with electricity and other facilities. In addition the complex has a Montessori school, a computer centre, playground, conference hall, a complete hospital as well as an administration block and an internal road network connecting all cottages. Ven Dr. Chandima has also completed a housing complex in Bata Atha and built 25 houses in Panama for the tsunami affected people. When cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar in 2008 Ven Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera and his team helped the victims and put up the Metta Village, which was opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on June 15, 2009. The Ven. Thera requested the Mynamar Government to give him novice monks for promoting the Buddhist activities throughout Sri Lanka. The Government of Myanmar, for the first time in its history organized a mass celebration of ordaining young Burmese children as Buddhist monks in front of most sacred Shewedagon Pagoda and handed them over to Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima. Ven Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera with his team visited Myanmar six times to distribute financial, assistance, and zinc roof sheets in addition to completing the Metta village with 736 houses with all facilities.

Dr. Pallewela Sarada Thera who looks after the dhamma propagation in Sri Lanka is a tower of strength to Ven Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thera.