K. Sri Dhammananda (born Martin Gamage, 18 March 1919 – 31 August 2006) was a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, scholar, and was an especially prominent figure for Buddhism in Malaysia.

K. Sri Dhammananda
TitleFirst Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia (1963-2006)
Personal
Born
Martin Garmage

(1919-03-18)18 March 1919
Matara, Sri Lanka
Died31 August 2006(2006-08-31) (aged 87)
Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
ReligionBuddhism
SchoolTheravada
EducationBanaras Hindu University
Senior posting
Based inKuala Lumpur, Malaysia
SuccessorKirinde Sri Dhammaratana

Early life

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Born in the village of Kirinde in Matara, Sri Lanka, Dhammananda spent most of his life and career in Malaysia. He was ordained as a novice monk (samanera) at the age of 12 and was fully ordained in 1940. After arriving in Malaya in 1952, now part of Malaysia, Dhammananda established himself as a leading Theravada Buddhist monk in the region and was appointed as the Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia.[1] He was also influential to the nearby Singaporean Buddhist community. In 2000, Dhammanada was honored with the Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja award by the Myanmar government.

Death

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Dhammananda died on 31 August, 2006 at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre in Selangor, Malaysia.[2] It was claimed that there were auspicious signs including lights and auras around the funeral site.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Simon, Marilyn (4 June 2018). "Love and kindness, key to harmonious living". Herald Malaysia. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Loving Monk". The Buddhist Channel. 6 September 2006.
  3. ^ "Odd Sighting At Dhammananda's Cremation". The Buddhist Channel. 7 September 2006.
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Buddhist titles
Preceded by
none
Honorary President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists
Served alongside: Hsing Yun

1995–2006
Succeeded by