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Gangodawila Soma Thero (24 April 1948 – 12 December 2003) was a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) from Sri Lanka. Following tradition, he used the name of his birthplace, Gangodawila, in front of his name; thero is a term for an elder monk. Soma thero followed the example set by his teachers, Madihe Pannaseeha Thero and Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thero and was both a learned monk and a social reformer. The cause of his death remains in dispute.
Gangodawila Soma Thero | |
|---|---|
ගංගොඩවිල සෝම හිමි | |
| Title | Chief incumbent of Buddhist Temple Victoria (Australia) |
| Personal | |
| Born | 24 April 1948 Gangodawila, Sri Lanka |
| Died | 12 December 2003 (aged 55) Saint Petersburg, Russia |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Nationality | Sinhalese |
| Denomination | Theravada |
| School | Amarapura Nikaya Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte |
| Alma mater |
|
| Teachers | |
Teachings
editBefore his return to Sri Lanka, the knowledge and the practice of the Dhamma had dwindled within Sri Lankan society. The practice had been diminishing for centuries following the rule of King Rajasinghe I. The great Buddhist revival programs had been rejuvenating the practice since the Kandyan kingdom into the mid-20th century. But following civil unrest, political instability, and war during the last 3 decades of the 20th century, the practice was again becoming forgotten. During that crucial time, Soma thero started propagating the Dhamma, creating a new enthusiasm among the people.[1][2]
He worked to teach Sri Lankan people the importance of diligence. He spoke of the importance of relinquishing sleepiness or "Thina-middha" and paying attention when listening to the Dhamma. He also spoke on the importance of observing the Five Precepts. He emphasized letting go of false views and beliefs, such as worshipping deities over the Buddha.[3]
He also gave worldly advice, such as the importance of learning the English language.
Soma thero was a proponent of vegetarianism and he spoke against killing animals for meat.
Death
editGangodawila Soma Thera of the Vajiraramaya Maharagama died in St. Petersburg, Russia on 12 December 2003, at age 56. He was in Russia to accept an honorary doctorate conferred by the Russian Government. He was rushed to a hospital in St Petersburg after a heart attack. He underwent two emergency operations.
The circumstances of his death aroused suspicion. Some accused certain political parties of Sri Lanka whilst others accused born again Christians. A Special Presidential Commission was appointed to investigate this tragedy by President of Sri Lanka.[4][5]
References
edit- ^ "Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thero - බුද්ධ රශ්මි - Buddharashmi". Retrieved 31 January 2021.
- ^ "Ape Soma Hamuduruwo - අද ගැන එදා දුටු අපේ සෝම හාමුදුරුවෝ" (in Sinhala). 11 January 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
- ^ "Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thero - Importance of Observing the Five Precepts - YouTube". youtube.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
- ^ "Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan president warns against anti-Christian violence".
- ^ "Asian Tribune". Archived from the original on 12 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
External links
edit- https://www.gangodawilasomathera.com/(Official Website for Late Gangodawila Soma Thera)
- Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara (incl. sermons and videos)
- Dhamma Talks
- Dhamma Talks
- Most Ven Soma Thera at the Wayback Machine (archived 27 October 2009)
- Most Ven Gangodawila Soma Thero MP3 Sermons,E-Books and Videos
- Most Ven Gangodawila Soma Thero Dhamma Deshana