Birth anniversary of Podi Hamuduruwo: A monk’s lifelong dedication to a temple community

• Ven. Gnanissara Thera is comparable to a rampart that provides protection and strength to the modern bhikku community
• Ven. Gnanissara Thera’s vision is as wide and deep as the great ocean

The character of Gnanissara Nayaka Thera is elegant, exquisite and contemporary

The Most Venerable Thera, well-known both at home and abroad as “Podi Hamuduruwo” has never ever desired to be referred to as the Nayaka Thera. Today, December 14, is the birth anniversary of Dr. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, also known as Podi Hamuduruwo, the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple of Colombo. We celebrate this event. This article is dedicated to the above auspicious occasion.   

Ven. Gnanissara Thera is comparable to a rampart that provides protection and strength to the modern bhikku community and also a fine mirror that reflects the simplicity, dignity, humility and the profundity our Hela Buddhist clergy have preserved over the years. Ven. Gnanissara Thera’s vision is as wide and deep as the great ocean. Many significant examples flow through my mind as I recall the past.   

Ven. Gnanissara Nayaka Thera was born on December 14, 1943, and ordained in the village of Galaboda in the Matara district on November 8, 1954 as a student of Ven. Vacissara Nayaka Thera, who was the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple at the time. Podi Hamuduruwo, after completing his primary education at the Gnanissara Pirivena, entered Vidyodaya University in 1961 and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree. As Podi Hamuduruwo reached adolescence, Ven. Vacissara Nayaka Thera lost his sight. Hence, inevitably all the responsibilities of the Gangaramaya Temple fell upon the shoulders of young Podi Hamuduruwo. 

 
Since then Ven. Gnanissara Thera has taken the Gangaramaya Temple on a new path. When comparing the temple that existed in the past with that of the present, the progress is clearly apparent not only in terms of the precepts of the temple, but also with regards to various other aspects which are religious, socio, national and academic for Podi Hamuduruwo.   

"Podi Hamuduruwo, after completing his primary education at the Gnanissara Pirivena, entered Vidyodaya University in 1961 and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree. As Podi Hamuduruwo reached adolescence, Ven. Vacissara Nayaka Thera lost his sight. Hence, inevitably all the responsibilities of the Gangaramaya Temple fell upon the shoulders of young Podi Hamuduruwo"

It was customary to sit on a small chair located at the entrance to the temple from 6 to 7 in the morning. Podi Hamuduruwo would read both Sinhala and English newspapers to obtain information on the existing situation and upcoming events in the country. His special skill was to distinguish between events and reality, which surrounded they.   
Ven. Gnanissara Thera speak to all those who visited the temple from near or afar. Even the most rural villager wearing a frayed sarong and a shirt, with a handkerchief on his shoulder would be of great value to Podi Hamuduruwo to learn of what transpired in the county.   

“Where about are you from?”   
“I am from Kakirawa, Hamuduruwane.”   
“Who else came here with you?”   
“I came with the folks from the village, Hamuduruwane.”   
“What do you do for a living?” Podi Hamuduruwo questions further.   
“Farming Mung and Kidney beans”, the villager replies.   
“What is the price for them nowadays? Have you no trouble from animals?   
Likewise, a string of questions follows. Finally, Podi Hamuduruwo would send these villagers away only after handing a pirith chanting book and tying a pirith thread around the wrists of every devotee. Gnanissara Thera never discriminated against any person identifying their status or wealth.   

If there is a temple in Sri Lanka, where the chief Incumbent sits on a small chair in the vestibule without being seated on a comfortable couch inside a great hall, I think that it is the Gangaramaya itself.   
Podi Hamuduruwo has created a change in Gangaramaya which evoked true religious devotion where visitors are blessed, having the reliquary placed upon their heads and Paritta strings tied around their wrists. Anyone could visit and engage in a conversation with Podi Hamuduruwo on general or personal matters. Ven. Gnanissara Thera never hesitated to help as much as he possibly could.   

Devotees’ needs are met 

If a disabled person or the relatives of a disabled individual would approach Podi Hamuduruwo saying they had no means to buy a wheelchair or a pair of crutches, they would leave the temple having their needs met, and eventually wishing Podi Hamuduruwo well.   
Gnanissara Thera always thought of possible ways to turnaround one’s slender means so that a person has the ability to make a reasonable living.   

Another great service rendered by Podi Hamuduruwo is the establishment of the Jinaratana Vocational Training Institute to guide the youth who had their education disrupted during the eighties. The institute is still up and running under the guidance and leadership of Podi Hamuduruwo. For decades, many courses such as mechanics, carpentry, electronics and so forth have been taught free of charge while providing a government recognised certificate thus introducing students to the society as thoroughly qualified individuals. Many students have rebuilt their lives from Sri Jinaratana Vocational Training Institute, today, being pioneers in various fields at home and abroad. This was Podi Hamuduruwo’s far-sighted vision.   

Ven. Gnanissara Thera showed much kindness and compassion to even animals and plants. One day when we visited the temple, a tree in the temple premises had died and had to be removed. But Podi Hamuduruwo was not keen on leaving the place empty hence, a tree of the same size was planted the following day. Podi Hamuduruwo never liked to have any tree belonging to the temple to be cut down; always desiring to grow as many trees as possible and encouraging cultivation by giving away plants freely. This is what Ven. Thera told us about the cultivation of plants within the country.   

"During one instance when the price of rice in Colombo went up to the extent that people were unable to afford it, Podi Hamuduruwo made food packets at Gangaramaya and sold them on the street for fifty rupees. By doing so Podi Hamuduruwo intended to show that it was still profitable to sell a packet of rice at a lower price"

“During the recent past, it has been the Gangaramaya Temple which is a pioneer in promoting cultivation within the country. Some time ago, while travelling in India, I saw a banner with “Tree Bank” written on it. That day I came up with an idea to start a new programme called the “Tree Bank” in Sri Lanka as well. It gained much publicity. The news appeared in the newspapers. I did this in order to develop cultivation here in Sri Lanka. At the time folks living in Kataragama had never even seen a Mahogany tree. The amount of seeds and plants given to others were innumerable. Thousands of Mahogany, Jackfruit and Arecanut trees were planted. These can be inhabited by birds or animals or a tree deity can find residence in them! We also get oxygen to breathe. The country receives sun, rain and prosperity.” As a result of the Covid plague, nature itself has given us the opportunity to understand what a real and far-sighted plan that was.   

I also recall the sweepers who worked for the Colombo Municipal Council collecting seeds from under various trees and bringing them to Podi Hamuduruwo. It gave great pleasure to Podi Hamuduruwo who would pay for the seeds and plant them as required. When Podi Hamuduruwo performed this great mission, he did not think of his own legacy or the entire student body, but it was a vision for the country and the humanity as a whole.   
Ven. Gnanissara Thera would call and feed a cat that kept walking around him whenever he was seated. It was a common sight. Hundreds of Parrots and Mynah birds drank water and food was sent to the top of a large mango tree in the temple premises to feed hungry animals. These wonderful creative thoughts are that of Ven. Gnanissara Thera.   

When Podi Hamuduruwo made long journeys, he would generally buy some rice from a mother who sold a few packets of rice; while sitting under an umbrella. If two others accompanied Podi Hamuduruwo, it is customary to buy three packets of rice. Ven. Gnanissara Thera always buys an extra packet of rice to give away to any needy person who approaches him or to feed a stray dog or a cat. Podi Hamuduruwo did so, with the intention of helping the impoverished in whatever means possible.   
On another instance Podi Hamuduruwo went to a river bank accompanied by another monk to visit a temple located in the middle of a river. There seemed to be no boat. After a while a boatman saw them and approached. He was quite elderly. Podi Hamuduruwo joined in conversation with him during the boat ride.   

“Who owns the boat? Is it yours?”   
“No Hamuduruwane. I am renting it.”   
“How much do you have to pay the owner?”   
The boatman states the amount.   
“How much do you manage to keep?”   
“Only about five hundred rupees. Somedays there isn’t any money left even to have some rice.”   
As the boat approached the other side of the river Podi Hamuduruwo took a piece of paper from the bag, wrote on it and gave it to the boatman.   

Take this and go to Gangaramaya Viharaya in Colombo tomorrow morning. There is a Thera by the name of Jinaratana. Give the letter to him. There are three new boats in the Gangaramaya Viharaya. Choose one and bring it here in the temple lorry. Do not take money from the monks who visit this temple.”   
These are inherent qualities of Podi Hamuduruwo. These are highly meritorious deeds done in silence and only known to a few individuals.   

Nawam Perahera 

Our Ven. Gnanissara Thera always requested each and every government that came into power to bring down the prices of essential food items. During one instance when the price of rice in Colombo went up to the extent that people were unable to afford it, Podi Hamuduruwo made food packets at Gangaramaya and sold them on the street for fifty rupees. By doing so Podi Hamuduruwo intended to show that it was still profitable to sell a packet of rice at a lower price. He must have felt the need to do so after hearing about the hardships experienced by the poor and the needy visiting the temple.   

Our Ven. Thera is very fond of organic farming and home remedies. It is something he greatly appreciates. He drinks various herbal (plant, seed and flower) infusions. There are more local fruits such as star fruits or bananas on his table than apples, grapes or other foreign fruits.   
Many of the incidences I have mentioned above underscores the moderate, humble and genuine lifestyle of Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera.   

Furthermore, the building for the Sri Jinaratana Technical Training Centre, near the Beira Lake, was also constructed under the guidance of Podi Hamuduruwo, as far as we know in the absence of an engineer or a designer. Podi Hamuduruwo visited the building site four or five times a day and met with the masons to oversee the building work and provide advice on the construction of the building. It highlights the depth of the engineering knowledge that Podi Hamuduruwo possesses.   
Roofing sheets and bricks removed from houses in Colombo were also arranged to be collected by Podi Hamuduruwo and given away freely to those who could not afford the high cost of such items. He would even arrange for them to be freely transported.   

The Bhikkhu within the monastic robe of Gnanissara Nayaka Thera has healed the hearts of millions and made monasticism truly revered. The admonition to the government was that nothing was asked for in return, so the advice given by Podi Hamuduruwo always had prestige, significance and courage.   
The Nawam Maha Perahera of Gangaramaya, the beautiful cultural festival held in the city of Colombo, was also an initiative of Podi Hamuduruwo. The Nawam Maha Perahera, which features many elephants and traditional artistes, has revolutionised the Sri Lankan perahera dynasty.   
Podi Hamuduruwo also constructed a pilgrims’ rest at Kataragama, which is available freely to all visitors. Podi Hamuduruwo once told us that he would not charge a fee for the Kataragama Pilgrims Rest as long as it is under his authority.   

The Buddha Rashmi Vesak Festival, held annually with the collaboration of the Prime Minister’s Office, is now world famous. Another interesting incident took place at the end of one of these annual Vesak festivals.   
On the last day of a Vesak festival, the crowd had eased due to the heavy rain. At around three in the morning the staff working at the temple was cleaning the area. The news that a vendor being unable to sell the boiled chickpeas that he had intended to sell to the crowd reached Ven. Gnanissara Thera.   
“Come here and give those chickpeas to these men.” Podi Hamuduruwo pointed at his staff paying for the chickpeas in the process.   

The character of Gnanissara Nayaka Thera is elegant, exquisite and contemporary. That is where current monasticism should be directed. Anyone who lives under the shadow of Ven. Gnanissara Thera would only praise this path. Podi Hamuduruwo created a generation of bhikkhus within the Gangaramaya Temple who would follow his path and continue his vision.   
Finally, we wish good health, happiness and longevity to Dr. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, The Chief Incumbent of The Hunupitiya Gangarama Viharaya and The Chief Sanghanayaka of The Nawa Korale, who endowed the nation with the vision of a glorious monastic life.   

(Written by Asanka Artygala and translated by Pooja Ranasinghe)   

The Nawam Maha Perahera, which features many elephants and traditional artistes, has revolutionised the Sri Lankan perahera dynasty (AFP)