Anagarika Dhammapala: The Buddhist Revivalist and Freedom Fighter

Abstract

“To be brave and retaliate when they are given a below” is the prime and a sparking slogan preached by  Anāgārika Dhammapāla to the people of Ceylon to retaliate against the Aliens to achieve freedom of Dhamma and freedom from the bondage of Christians Rulers in Ceylon. He travelled from one corner of the country to other corner through villages by bullock cart to preach the value of freedom and ethics of Dhamma. He was pioneering revivalist and nationalist figure of Ceylon who is widely regarded as one of the most influential personalities in the modern revival of Buddhism in Asian Sub continental and sparked the movement to revive Mahābodhi Mahāvihāra at Bodhgaya, India; the major pilgrimage shrine after centuries of decline and neglect as well as key contributor to the spread of Buddhist teachings.

He played a significant role in anti colonial culture and national awakening in Ceylon through resistance to Christian missionary influence under Aliens rule.

He represented Buddhism at the World’s Parliament of Religion in Chicago in 1893 and introduced Buddhism to the West. Campaigned worldwide including Europe, America, Japan, Thailand, and India for Buddhist education, ethics revival and resistance of colonial cultural erosion.