Who Was Anagarika Dharmapala?

Anagarika Dharmapala: The Pioneer of Buddhist Revivalism in Sri Lanka

Anagarika Dharmapala, born on September 17, 1864, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the modern Buddhist revivalist movement. His contributions to the resurgence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and globally made him an iconic figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Dharmapala’s life journey, marked by religious fervor and intellectual pursuit, not only transformed the Buddhist community in Sri Lanka but also left a lasting impact on the global understanding of Buddhism.

Early Life and Education

Anagarika Dharmapala was born to a wealthy and respected family in Colombo. His birth name was Don David Hewavitharana. He belonged to a high-ranking Buddhist family, and his early exposure to Buddhist teachings was at the family temple. Despite being raised in a predominantly colonial environment under British rule, Dharmapala’s exposure to Buddhist teachings, both in Sri Lanka and abroad, shaped his future. He was educated in Colombo at the local schools, where he showed great intellectual promise.

However, Dharmapala’s education was not limited to the formal schooling system. During his youth, he became fascinated with the ancient Buddhist scriptures and teachings. He also explored various Buddhist philosophies that led him on a path of spiritual awakening. At a young age, Dharmapala was drawn towards the study of Buddhism, especially the teachings of the Theravada school of Buddhism.

Religious and Philosophical Influences

Dharmapala’s life was shaped by the religious climate of Sri Lanka during the late 19th century. At that time, Buddhism was under threat, primarily due to the colonial policies of the British Empire. The British administration had adopted a policy of promoting Christianity while undermining local traditions and religions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. Moreover, many Buddhist temples had fallen into disrepair, and the Buddhist community was losing its influence in Sri Lankan society.

This atmosphere of decline inspired Dharmapala to dedicate his life to the preservation and promotion of Buddhism. The collapse of Buddhism under colonial rule ignited a sense of nationalism in Dharmapala, and he sought to reinvigorate the Buddhist faith, viewing it not only as a spiritual pursuit but as a powerful means of resistance against British colonialism.

In his early twenties, Dharmapala was profoundly influenced by Western scholars of Buddhism, including the works of Sir Edwin Arnold, who wrote The Light of Asia (1879), a poetic rendering of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Dharmapala’s exposure to these ideas, combined with his commitment to restoring Buddhism to its former glory, would become the driving force behind his work.

The Journey to India and the World

In 1891, Dharmapala made a significant pilgrimage to India. This journey would become one of the most crucial moments in his life and in the history of the modern Buddhist revival. He visited Bodh Gaya, the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment, and other important Buddhist sites across India. His experiences in India solidified his conviction that Buddhism was not only a religious tradition but a civilization that deserved to be revived.

During his stay in India, Dharmapala met numerous monks, scholars, and intellectuals, which reinforced his belief in the importance of the Buddhist renaissance. He encountered a great deal of frustration during his travels, as he found that many of the sacred Buddhist sites had fallen into neglect, with temples and stupas in ruins due to centuries of neglect and colonization. The visit to Bodh Gaya, in particular, where the Buddha attained enlightenment, struck him deeply, leading to his firm resolve to restore the site to its former glory.

Dharmapala also encountered a group of Indian intellectuals, led by the famous Indian reformer Swami Vivekananda. Although their ideas were different, they shared a common goal of revitalizing Indian spiritual traditions. Vivekananda, who advocated for Hindu revivalism, and Dharmapala, who was a Buddhist revivalist, exchanged ideas on how to strengthen indigenous religions and cultures in the face of colonial domination. Dharmapala was instrumental in the development of a network of Buddhist intellectuals who shared his vision of spreading the teachings of the Buddha, especially among the colonial subjects in Asia and beyond.

Founding of the Mahabodhi Society

One of Dharmapala’s most significant contributions to Buddhism was the founding of the Mahabodhi Society in 1891. The society’s primary goal was the restoration and maintenance of Buddhist holy sites in India, especially Bodh Gaya, which was in dire need of repair. Dharmapala took on this task with great passion, and under his leadership, the Mahabodhi Society successfully campaigned for the restoration of the Mahabodhi Temple, the site where the Buddha achieved enlightenment.

The Mahabodhi Society became a central institution in the Buddhist revival movement, not just in India but globally. It provided a platform for the dissemination of Buddhist knowledge and teachings, especially in the Western world. The society’s efforts were instrumental in raising international awareness about the plight of Buddhism under colonial rule. Dharmapala’s work at the Mahabodhi Society positioned him as a key figure in the global Buddhist community.

Political and Social Impact

Anagarika Dharmapala’s work went beyond religious revivalism; he also became involved in the political landscape of Sri Lanka. He sought to inspire the Sinhala Buddhist majority to unite in a national struggle against the British Empire. His emphasis on Buddhist identity was also a call for social reform, advocating for the protection of Buddhist values and cultural heritage in the face of colonialism.

In addition to his focus on religious and cultural restoration, Dharmapala was deeply concerned with the social welfare of the Buddhist community. He worked to uplift the lives of marginalized Buddhist communities, such as the low-caste groups, and to ensure they had access to education and social services. He also campaigned against the caste-based discrimination prevalent in some parts of Sri Lankan society. His efforts contributed to the rise of Buddhist nationalism, which would later play a significant role in Sri Lanka’s struggle for independence.

The Global Buddhist Movement

Dharmapala’s vision was not confined to Sri Lanka or India. He believed that Buddhism had a universal appeal and could bring peace and harmony to the world. His travels across the globe took him to places such as Japan, Burma, and Europe, where he spread the teachings of the Buddha and advocated for the restoration of Buddhism’s place in global culture. Dharmapala was one of the first Buddhist leaders to engage with Western intellectuals and bring the teachings of Buddhism to the West.

His lectures and writings, including his address to the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, left a lasting impact. Dharmapala’s eloquent presentation of Buddhism at the Parliament helped to bring attention to the religious and philosophical depth of Buddhism and its potential contribution to global dialogue on spirituality and peace.

Legacy

Anagarika Dharmapala passed away on April 29, 1933, but his influence continues to be felt to this day. He is remembered as a reformer, an intellectual, and a patriot who worked tirelessly to restore Buddhism’s place in the modern world. His efforts not only revived Buddhism in Sri Lanka but also contributed to its global dissemination. Through the Mahabodhi Society, the restoration of Buddhist holy sites, and his teachings, Dharmapala laid the foundation for the modern Buddhist revival movement.

In Sri Lanka, Dharmapala’s legacy is celebrated as a national hero who contributed significantly to the cultural and spiritual resurgence of the island. His efforts in promoting Buddhism, social reform, and nationalist ideals continue to inspire generations of Sri Lankans and Buddhists around the world.

Conclusion

Anagarika Dharmapala’s life and work represent a powerful intersection of spirituality, intellectual pursuit, and nationalistic pride. He was a visionary who understood the need for a global movement to preserve and promote Buddhism, both as a spiritual path and as a cultural force. Through his tireless efforts, he was able to achieve a level of success that few other religious figures in the modern era have reached. His legacy lives on in the Mahabodhi Society, in the millions of people he inspired, and in the continuing influence of Buddhism in the modern world.