Gangodawila Soma Thero

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Infobox Buddhist biography
name = Gangodawila Soma Thero


img_size =
img_capt = Ven.Gangodawila Soma Thero in meditating posture
landscape =
birth_name =
other_names =
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birth_date = birth date|1948|4|24
birth_place = Gangodawila (Sri Lanka)
death_date = death date and age|2003|12|12|1948|4|24
death_place = St. Petersburg (Russia)
nationality =
denomination =
school = Amarapura Sri Dharmarakkhita (Theravada-Sri Lanka)
lineage =
title = Head of [http://www.vihara.org.au/t7/ Buddhist Temple Victoria] (Australia)
workplace =
education = Isipathana College, Colombo, Bhikkhu Training Centre, Maharagama (Sri Lanka)
occupation =
teacher = Most Ven.Madihe Pannaseeha thero
reincarnation_of =
predecessor =
successor =
student =
spouse =
partner =
children =
website =

Gangodawila Soma Thero (24 April 1948 - 12 December 2003) was a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka. Following tradition, he used the name of his birthplace, Gangodawila, in front of his name. Ven Soma thero followed the example set by his teacher, Most Ven Madihe Pannaseeha thero and served the Buddha Dhamma and the Sinhala Buddhists both as a learned monk and as a social reformer.

The cause of his untimely death remains in dispute.

Biography

Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thera was born in Gangodawila, a semi-urban locality in the outskirts of the capital city of Colombo.

Soma Thera was ordained in 1974 when he was 26 years of age under the tutelage of two of the most revered monks in Sri Lanka – Most Reverend Venerable Madihe Pannasiha Maha Nayake Thera and Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Maha Thera. He received training at the Bhikkhu Training Centre, Maharagama – an institution established by these two monks for the training of novices who enter the Order of the Maha Sangha.

Having obtained his higher ordination in 1976, Some Thera continued to study the Buddhist texts in Pali, their original language. He was particularly interested in doing research into the teachings of the Buddha and have written several books based on such research.

His mission was to mould the younger generation to live according to the Dhamma. He had the right approach in handling youth problems and soon they rallied round him in an organisation called 'Tharunu Saviya' (Strength of the Youth).

A keen student of meditation, he also took time off to be in solitude in distant, lonely locations where he could meditate undisturbed. His interest in meditating on the qualities of the Buddha made him work on an exhaustive study on the subject. His published work 'Buddhastupa' is a useful guide to those interested in such meditation.

Soma Thera's links with Victoria dates back to 1986 when he was invited by some Sri Lankans to spend some time preaching the Dhamma. After six months he returned to Sri Lanka. When he came back in 1989, the groundwork had been done to set up the Buddhist Vihara Victoria.

Soma Thera's last visit to Sri Lanka made him realise the need to inject Buddhist values into the minds of people, travelling widely throughout the country spreading the message of the Buddha on how to lead simple lives based on the Five Precepts. Thousands flocked to listen to his sermons, which were delivered in simple language yet most effectively. Most of the listeners were young men and women. He discussed religious and social issues on television and these became popular.

The Buddhist Vihara Victoria

The Buddhist Vihara Victoria, a new temple, was established in 1993 at Noble Park. This was established in view of spreading the Dhamma to not only the Sri Lankan community but also other nationalities. At present all religious work is going well. As this premises is not big enough to provide the Buddhist service on a global scale, Soma There bought another convert|5|acre|m2|sing=on block of land with the help of the community to found the [http://www.vihara.org.au/t7/ Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara] . 800 trees were planted on the land and necessary plans were drawn up.

Prior to being ordained Venerable Soma had been engaged in business, but had worked closely with the Siri Vajiragnana Dharmayathanaya as a student leader and lay preacher. His teachers were the most Venerable Madihe Pannaseeha Maha Nayaka Thero and Venerable Ampitiye Rahula Thero. His love and veneration for his teachers was exceeded only by his deep and abiding veneration of Lord Buddha.

Educated at Isipathana Vidyalaya, formerly Greenlands College, Venerable Soma, in lay life known as Somaratna played Rugby for the school.

Venerable Soma first visited Australia in 1986, when he came on an invitation from the Buddhist temple at Richmond, where he stayed for a period of three months. Venerable Soma realised that Mahayana practices had a strong foothold in Australia and felt that there was a need for a Vihara where Theravada practices could be followed correctly. When he returned to Australia in 1989, Venerable Soma established the first Sinhala Vihara in Melbourne. This was known as the Melbourne Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara and was situated at Regent Street in Springvale. In 1993, he moved away from the Melbourne Sri Lankan Buddhist Vihara and established Buddhist Vihara Victoria at 21 Rich Street, Noble Park. Later, this Vihara was moved to Berwick and is called the Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara.

Venerable Soma was a farsighted person and his vision was to pave the way to establishing a centre of Buddhist philosophy in Australia. Sakyamuni Sambudddha Vihara was established with the intention of becoming a Buddhist Education, Research and Information Centre for scholars of the Dhamma and to cater to all those who were interested in the study and practice of the Dhamma.

In 1996 he returned to Sri Lanka after seven years in Australia. This was intended to be a short stay to revitalise his spiritual development and to be at the side of his father who had suffered a stroke. The stay was extended as his father became more gravely ill and his presence was required to comfort his mother who was also ailing. While in Sri Lanka Venerable Soma became aware that Buddhists and the Dhamma were increasingly under siege from various outside influences that threatened to distort the word of Lord Buddha and destroy Buddhism. He was moved by the plight of the rural people, especially those living in areas under threat from terrorist attacks, who were undergoing great hardship and suffering and had no one to turn to for help.

When Venerable Soma returned to Australia for a short visit, he launched a campaign to raise funds to reconstruct several tanks in these areas so that the villagers could engage in their traditional occupation of agriculture and be assured that they would not want for food. To support and sustain the villagers, he organised the local Buddhist monks at the village Viharas to move more closely with the people and help them in various ways.

On his return to Sri Lanka he was also appalled to note that alcoholism was rife in the country. He immediately began a campaign to open the eyes of the nation, especially the younger generation to the depravities of drink.

He also carried out a campaign to root out misconceptions entertained by all Buddhists with regard to the worship of Hindu deities practiced by Buddhists, and especially the practice of having Hindu Kovils as an integral part of a Buddhist Vihara. He also campaigned against the bringing in of Sai Baba worship into Buddhism. These campaigns were not against those who held beliefs in other religions. His campaign was against engaging in these practices and beliefs and identifying them with the Buddha's teachings. His message was that as Buddhists, we did not need to turn to any "higher power", as the Buddha had shown the way to peace, prosperity and contentment through the Dhamma.

Venerable Soma Thero Venerable Soma was a great man. His greatness lay in the fact that he was not afraid to speak out where he saw a wrong. If someone engaged in practices that were contrary to the teachings of Lord Buddha, he was not slow to point this out at the same time explaining what practices should be followed. Many people have followed his advice and have profited from this. He worked tirelessly in Sri Lanka to awaken the nation, especially the younger generation, to the Dhamma. He travelled far and wide and everywhere he went his sermons were well attended. His sermons were generally held in a Vihara so that everyone who wished to could attend. Even the few sermons he conducted in private houses attracted large crowds some coming out of curiosity to see the Monk who, single handed, had succeeded in waking up a nation not only appealing to Buddhists, but also to many who were non-Buddhists but who were wise enough to understand the truth of his words.

When Venerable Soma spoke out he did so frankly and fearlessly. He did not believe in sugar coating unpalatable truths in order to spare the feelings of individuals. His forthrightness may offended some, but those who had the wisdom understood his message without ambiguity. Those who did not wish to hear the truth, found refuge in taking offence and finding fault with the Thero. In all his work, his inspiration was always Lord Buddha.

His deep and abiding veneration of Lord Buddha was evident in his words. His knowledge of the Dhamma was profound and was reflected in the many books he wrote. His final book was completed the night before his death.

One of the most remembered of his qualities was his service to the sick. Whenever he learned of someone being in hospital or being very ill, he would make all efforts to be at the sick persons bedside to comfort the family and the sick person by chanting pirith and with encouraging words. If someone had lost a dear one, The Thero would speak words of comfort to help the person come to terms with his or her loss.

Venerable Soma had the courage of his convictions and would face any adverse situation strong in his belief that since his actions were just and righteous, he would win through. This courage helped him to face the darkest period of his life during the late eighties and early nineties in Australia. Many were the calumnies thrown at him during this time, but he forbore to answer those who maligned him. Realising that he could not be destroyed in this manner, one by one his critics were silenced or reduced to carrying out whispering campaigns, which more often than not could not be sustained due to lack of interest. Once his fame began to spread in Sri Lanka and many people came to know Venerable Soma, those who sought to discredit him found it was even harder to get people interested in what they had to say against him.

Being an outgoing person, Venerable Soma was one of the prime movers in the Interfaith group which was very active in the Greater Dandenong area. Realising the importance of networking, Venerable Soma set about building a network of contacts in the Springvale, later the Greater Dandenong Council, and also with the politicians of the area, at both the federal and state levels. Such was the strength of the ties his network that invitations sent out to participate in the Katthina ceremony, were always accepted and it was not unusual to have at least 20 to 25 people from the interfaith group, the council and federal and state MPs attending these functions. He also made appearances on ABC television as a panellist in discussions on theological matters to give the Buddhist point of view.

He was also consulted when Sri Lankans wished to establish a Vihara. He travelled to many cities in Australia to advice devotees on these matters. His advice was always to keep in mind that any Vihara should be open to anyone who wished to learn about and practice the Dhamma, and should not have a narrow focus as only catering to the needs of Sri Lankans. However, it was also necessary to ensure that the pristine Dhamma was followed and the traditions of Theravada practices were followed. He also helped in the establishment of the Sinhala School at Brunswick, which today boasts nearly 200 students.

Buddhist monks from the Vietnamese and Cambodian communities had become his close friends. Following his advice, they have within a short period constructed their Viharas and are close to completing these projects.

The contribution made by Venerable Soma to Buddhists the world over cannot be quantified. Through his frequent travels to many countries, he sought to teach the pristine words of the Buddha Dhamma to those who had forgotten or had never been given this valuable wisdom. He never sought self aggrandisement, whatever steps he took, was in keeping with his motive of furthering the good of the Buddha Sasana. His efforts in Sri Lanka had the effect of bringing to the fore several younger monks who found a champion in Venerable Soma. He gave them the courage to come forward and work for the betterment of the Sasana, which they had been unable to do, as they received no encouragement from the senior monks who had up to then been silent.

Sri Lanka has lost a son who loved his motherland dearly. The people have lost a leader who helped them to be aware of their great Buddhist heritage and made them realise their capability as a nation. Buddhists around the world have lost a teacher who taught them how to make the Buddha Dhamma a part of their life and not limit it to something precious tucked away and limited to a temple.

As dayakas of the Vihara that Venerable Soma established, we should uphold Buddhist values in the way he showed us through example and precept, making sure that our actions are always in keeping with the Dhamma. This is the way in which we can alway honour our Soma Hamuduruwo.

Death

Venerable Gangodawila Soma Thera of the Vajiraramaya Maharagama died in St. Petersburg, Russia on 12 December 2003 in his 56th year. 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.

Sri Lankans were shocked and saddened by his death. The circumstances of his death aroused suspicion. It was widely believed that he was murdered by Christian fundamentalists. Therefore two autopsy tests were carried out. A commission was appointed to investigate the death. Out of the four people in the commission, 3 deduced that it was intentional but the other thought the evidence was not enough.

Our Soma Thero

The Melbourne Sri Lanka Buddhist Vihara is in Springvale. Ven. Soma spoke entirely from the Tripitaka, and could cross-reference at will from many discourses to provide a comprehensive picture.

So, what made Soma Hamuduruwo special? For starters, he always called laymen by name, instead of the impersonal 'mahattaya', or a title (which, contrary to popular belief, meant nothing to him), he used each dayaka's given name thereby demonstrating a commitment to them. He appreciated the action, not the person, thus reinforcing a fundamental Buddhist principle.

He considered it his role to point out ways in which laymen's behaviour could be changed to make life more pleasant for them. This he did sometimes quite bluntly, and although it alienated the less edified, those who stuck with him found their lives much enriched and enhanced. The bluntness disguised a lot of karuna and metta, and accepting advice given with such compassion could do only good.

There was a foul period in his life when some dayakas who did not appreciate his strength and straight-talk wanted to evict Ven. Soma from the Springvale temple. Some spent many sleepless nights at the temple trying to make sense of that calamity. Through it all, Ven. Soma concentrated on the Virtues of the Buddha, and meditated on them. Two very good things resulted from that time - the Buddhist Vihara Victoria in Noble Park, and the esteemed book Buddhastupa.

Ven. Soma believed that Buddhism was for everyone, not just people of his own community. He presented the Buddhist way of life through emphasising the cultivation of the Five Precepts. He very rarely spoke of abhidhamma although he had a thorough knowledge and understanding of it. He believed that we should practise seela (virtue) within the Five Precepts, and that alone would put us on the path to nibbana.

In the early 90s they started a monthly bana program with a few families who lived far from the temple. Soma hamudhuruwo would visit on a Friday evening, and hold a Buddha pooja and a children's sermon in the living room of one family. Then he would present a prepared sermon to the adults, often presenting very controversial concepts. He enjoyed the interactive sessions as much as we did. He had developed this style, using controversy as bait to engage the audience. However, we feel that he may have alienated other audiences with this type of presentation!

The following day would be for dana. The children participated in these events with interest - perhaps initially for the lollies he gave out! But the children have developed values we can be proud of. Why wouldn't they be, they grew up eating pappadams out of the paththraya!

He was there when we needed him, even when he was overseas. He was especially available in time of bereavement or sickness. Many would remember occasions when Ven. Soma had to be driven back to the temple via a hospital to provide solace to the sick!

If he had to make a choice, he prioritised according to the need of the dayakas. Sometimes this meant that he would postpone a function of a close devotee.

The thing that made Ven. Soma stand out was his vision. He looked at events through the Eye of the Dhamma, and planned accordingly. He always set his goals high, a literal example of this is the 8 m flagpole at the Berwick Vihara. Ven. Soma insisted on the 15 m pole that flies the flag today! He never compromised the value of the Dhamma, and never sweetened or altered it to satisfy the listener. He presented it as it was, and we could take it or leave it. A common reply to opposition was, "This is not something I say, this is what Lord Buddha said. If you have any complaints, you should sort it out with Lord Buddha!" This was usually said in jest, but once inspected the sutra in question, taken in context, what he had preached made perfect sense.

What impressed most was his constant striving for improvement. He wanted very much to communicate with the younger generation. On the drive up to Bendigo to attend the funeral of my uncle, the Reverend Canon Sydney Weragoda of the Anglican Church, he spent the time listening to a taped version of some pertinent English vocabulary, practising the pronunciation as well.

He was sometimes accused of creating religious disharmony. Those who knew Ven. Soma and his beliefs would never agree. What he did was point out facets or interpretations of belief systems that were detrimental to society. He was an active and popular member of the Multi-Faith organization in Victoria. However, he did not support the view that Buddhism is the same as all the other religions. He always emphasised that only Buddhism talks about the Four Noble Truths, and that there is no omniscient, omnipotent being.

Ven. Soma in Russia a few days before his death, said that there was nothing for us to do anyway, as his life was now in the hands of his doctors. He said he was quite happy, whichever way things went. The only thing we could do for him now, Ven. Soma emphasised, was to live life the way he had shown us.

References

* [http://www.vihara.org.au/t7/ Sakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara]
* [http://www.spur.asn.au SPUR Sri Lanka]
* [http://www.sobhana.net/audio/sinhala/soma/index.htm Dhamma Talks]
* [http://www.geocities.com/savethelanka/index.html Soma Thera]

News Updates

* [http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/12/24/new14.html Ven. Soma Thera's approach would have paved way for just, free and peaceful society - Sri Lanka Muslim Federation] - 24/Dec//2003 Daily News
* [http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/12/24/new02.html Ven. Soma Thera's cremation today] - 24/Dec/2003 Daily News
* [http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/00323130009.htm Fears of religious clashes grip Lanka] - 23/Dec/2003 The Hindu, India
* [http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_503861,00410008.htm Lankan monk's death, a grievous blow to Sinhala-Buddhist revival] - 21/Dec/2003 Hindustan Times, India
* [http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/12/23/new02.html Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera's cremation tomorrow] - 23/Dec/2003 Daily News
* [http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/12/23/new17.html Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera was in the fore front to protect, safeguard nation and Buddhism - Samastha Lanka Pevidi Sanvidanaya] - 23/Dec/2003 Daily News
* [http://www.dailymirror.lk/2003/12/23/front/1.asp CBK won't allow religious conflict] - 23/Dec/2003 Daily Mirror
* [http://www.colombopage.com/#December2273550UN Soma Thera's relatives seek commission to inquire into death] - 23/Dec/2003 Colombopage.com
* [http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/12/22/new02.html Mourners flock to pay last respects] - 22/Dec/2003 Daily News
* [http://www.dailymirror.lk/2003/12/22/front/7.asp Jana Vijaya editor questioned] - 22/Dec/2003 Daily Mirror
* [http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2003/12/21/new02.html State funeral for prelate] - 21/Dec/2003 Sunday Observer
* [http://www.sundaytimes.lk/031221/plus/7.htm Soma Hamuduruwo had a mission to fulfil] - 21/Dec/2003 The Sunday Times
* [http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/12/20/new14.html Lankan Ambassador in Moscow says] - 20/Dec/2003 Daily News
* [http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story_page/full_story_18122003_1.htm Ven. Soma Thero's death due to heartattack] - 18/Dec/2003 Lankatruth
* [http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/12/18/new02.html Remains of Ven. Soma Thera arrive today] - 18/Dec/2003 Daily News
* [http://www.go2lanka.com/stories/161203.html Buddhists in Sri Lanka and Australia demand a full investigation into the death of Venerable Soma Thera] - 16/Dec/2003 Go2lanka.com
* [http://www.spur.asn.au/News_2003_Dec_12.htm Patriot of Sri Lanka and popular leader of the Sinhalese venerable Gangodawila Soma Thero dies in Russia] .- 12/Dec/2003