Dhammic Life

31st August 2006 : As Malaysians are in the midst of celebrating the 49th Independence Day, the Buddhist community, especially Malaysian Buddhists lost a virtous Buddhist monk, Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda or better known as Chief Reverend among Buddhist circles. He was the Chief High Priest for Malaysia and Singapore.

News of his passing away shocked me. Earlier, I was informed by my Dhamma friends that Chief Reverend was very sick. Today at 12.42pm, I received a text informing me that Chief Reverend was dying and requested that I radiate metta (send thoughts of loving kindness) to him so that he'll pass away peacefully. I text this urgent message to all I know within the Buddhist cirle.

The next moment at 1.28pm, another text was received. I hoped it wasn't about Chief Reverend but nature's law over ruled.

"With birth comes death. It is a natural part of life." Thus taught our Lord Buddha.

The text read, "Chief Rev had officially passed away at 12.45pm on 31st Aug 2006." Well, reality has spoken. Yes, with birth comes death. This fact is true to all : regardless of how great or how unsignificant one's life is. Though Chief Reverend may be gone, those whose lives he has touched by his books, public talks, sermons and personal guidance will remember him.

Indeed the pen is mightier than the sword. To me, he lived the life of a great Jina, (conqueror). He brought the medicine of Dhamma to the masses by writing countless books and articles. His life was indeed a shining example of Dhamma Vijaya, Victory Through The Dhamma. Many Malaysian Buddhists are now good and knowledgable Buddhists because of his books and sermons. This is only one of his many victories in spreading the Dhamma.

Out of his many books, I personally think "What Buddhist Believe" is the greatest Dhamma gift he has offered to the world. It has helped me, and I believe all those who have read the book, be they Buddhist or not understand the real Buddhism,a religion minus the dogma and superstition.

I had the rare chance to see him up close on 2 occasions. The first time was during the Mahasanghika Dana in Penang way back in 1998. I presented him a cut out of the Buddha made of a dried Bodhi leaf. The second time was at the Kuching Buddhist Society with my UNIMAS Buddhist friends in 2002. He was there for a Dhamma tour to commemorate his 50 years in Dhamma service.

Though advanced in age, his voice was thunderous and filled with confidence. He was one of the few gifted Dhamma speakers who can really inspire those who listened. Besides his tone of voice, he presented the Buddha's teachings as a living message through his vast knowledge of the Tipitaka.

Rarely can one find such a highly educated monk working tirelessly to revive the flame of Dhamma in all Buddhists. He wrote books, gave talks and had Dhamma tours till his health forbid him to do so. Thus, the world, specifically the Buddhist world has lost such a rare jewel. If you do not know this great man, please go to http://www.ksridhammananda.com/ .

We, Malaysian Buddhists are so indepted to him. Showing our gratitude to him, we shall not cry in despair but should amulate his great example. His death will not be in vain. Let us continue his great Dhamma work. Let us live a more quality Buddhist life as the late Chief Reverend wished.

In mark of respect, I suggest we the Malaysian Buddhist community :

1. not to hold any happy celebrations for 3 days

2. wear white or light coloured clothes

3. have at least a day to hold a merit making ceremony in Chief Reverend's honour.

May Chief Reverend attain Nibbana!