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[[File:Nyanaponika Maha Thera.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Nyanaponika Maha Thera.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
[[Nyanaponika Thera]] or [[Nyanaponika]] Mahathera (July 21, 1901 – 19 October 1994) was a {{Wiki|German}}-born {{Wiki|Sri-Lanka}}-[[ordained]] [[Theravada]] [[monk]], co-founder of the [[Buddhist]] Publication {{Wiki|Society}} , contemporary author of numerous seminal [[Theravada]] books, and [[teacher]] of contemporary Western [[Buddhist]] leaders such as [[Bhikkhu Bodhi]].
+
[[Nyanaponika Thera]] or [[Nyanaponika Mahathera]] (July 21, 1901 – 19 October 1994) was a {{Wiki|German}}-born {{Wiki|Sri-Lanka}}-[[ordained]] [[Theravada]] [[monk]], co-founder of the [[Buddhist Publication Society]] , contemporary author of numerous seminal [[Theravada]] [[books]], and [[teacher]] of contemporary {{Wiki|Western}} [[Buddhist]] leaders such as [[Bhikkhu Bodhi]].
  
==Chronology==
+
=={{Wiki|Chronology}}==
  
*1901: born Siegmund Feniger in {{Wiki|Germany}}.
+
*1901: born [[Siegmund Feniger]] in {{Wiki|Germany}}.
 
*1936: moved to [[Sri Lanka]], [[Island Hermitage]], where he was [[ordained]] as a [[Buddhist monk]] by Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] (1878–1957).
 
*1936: moved to [[Sri Lanka]], [[Island Hermitage]], where he was [[ordained]] as a [[Buddhist monk]] by Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] (1878–1957).
 
*1958: helped to found the [[Buddhist]] Publication {{Wiki|Society}}:
 
*1958: helped to found the [[Buddhist]] Publication {{Wiki|Society}}:
 
**served as editor-in-chief until 1984,
 
**served as editor-in-chief until 1984,
 
**served as president until 1988.
 
**served as president until 1988.
*1994: [[died]] at the Forest Hermitage outside of Kandy, [[Sri Lanka]].
+
*1994: [[died]] at the {{Wiki|Forest}} [[Hermitage]] outside of {{Wiki|Kandy}}, [[Sri Lanka]].
  
;Detailed Biography:
+
;Detailed {{Wiki|Biography}}:
 
[[File:Mahakasyapa3.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:Mahakasyapa3.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] (Siegmund Feniger) was born in Hanau, {{Wiki|Germany}} on July 21, 1901 as Siegmund Feniger, the only child of a Jewish family.
+
Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] ([[Siegmund Feniger]]) was born in {{Wiki|Hanau}}, {{Wiki|Germany}} on July 21, 1901 as [[Siegmund Feniger]], the only child of a {{Wiki|Jewish}} family.
  
In 1922, he moved with his parents to {{Wiki|Berlin}}, where he met with other {{Wiki|German}} [[Buddhists]] and also had access to [[Buddhist]] literature in German [[language]]. He first came across the writings of Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] (1878–1957), the former German violin virtuoso Anton Gueth, which had already been published in {{Wiki|Germany}}. Young Siegmund had learned Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] had established a [[monastery]] for Western [[Monks]] on an island {{Wiki|lagoon}} (opposite the Railway station) Polgasduwa, Dodanduwa named [[Island Hermitage]]. This news stirred his {{Wiki|conscience}} to go to {{Wiki|Asia}} and become a [[Buddhist Monk]].
+
In 1922, he moved with his [[parents]] to {{Wiki|Berlin}}, where he met with other {{Wiki|German}} [[Buddhists]] and also had access to [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}} in {{Wiki|German}} [[language]]. He first came across the writings of Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] (1878–1957), the former {{Wiki|German}} violin virtuoso [[Anton Gueth]], which had already been published in {{Wiki|Germany}}. Young Siegmund had learned Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] had established a [[monastery]] for {{Wiki|Western}} [[Monks]] on an [[island]] {{Wiki|lagoon}} (opposite the Railway station) Polgasduwa, Dodanduwa named [[Island Hermitage]]. This news stirred his {{Wiki|conscience}} to go to {{Wiki|Asia}} and become a [[Buddhist Monk]].
  
However this expectation did not concretecize for some time. In 1932, his father [[died]] and he did not wish to leave his widowed mother in the lurch. Then {{Wiki|Adolf Hitler}} came to [[power]] in {{Wiki|Germany}}.
+
However this expectation did not concretecize for some [[time]]. In 1932, his father [[died]] and he did not wish to leave his widowed mother in the lurch. Then {{Wiki|Adolf Hitler}} came to [[power]] in {{Wiki|Germany}}.
  
In November 1935, he left {{Wiki|Germany}} along with his mother to {{Wiki|Vienna}}, where they had relatives. Having arranged his mother to stay in Vienna, in early 1936 he left {{Wiki|Europe}} for [[Sri Lanka]] and joined Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] at the [[Island Hermitage]], Polgasduwa, Dodanduwa.
+
In November 1935, he left {{Wiki|Germany}} along with his mother to {{Wiki|Vienna}}, where they had relatives. Having arranged his mother to stay in {{Wiki|Vienna}}, in early 1936 he left {{Wiki|Europe}} for [[Sri Lanka]] and joined Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] at the [[Island Hermitage]], Polgasduwa, Dodanduwa.
  
After several months of studies in June 1936 he was [[ordained]] as a [[novice]] under the name [[Nyanaponika]] and in 1937 was conferred Higher Ordination ([[Upasampada]]), under the Tutelage of [[Nyanatiloka Thera]].
+
After several months of studies in June 1936 he was [[ordained]] as a [[novice]] under the [[name]] [[Nyanaponika]] and in 1937 was conferred Higher [[Ordination]] ([[Upasampada]]), under the Tutelage of [[Nyanatiloka Thera]].
 
[[File:0069.JPG|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:0069.JPG|thumb|250px|]]
In 1939, after the Nazis invaded Poland, Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] arranged for his mother and other relatives to come over to [[Sri Lanka]]. Through the influence of her son and the generous hosts she embraced [[Buddha]] [[Dhamma]] and became a devoted [[Buddhist]]. She [[died]] in Colombo in 1956.
+
In 1939, after the {{Wiki|Nazis}} invaded {{Wiki|Poland}}, Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] arranged for his mother and other relatives to come over to [[Sri Lanka]]. Through the [[influence]] of her son and the generous hosts she embraced [[Buddha]] [[Dhamma]] and became a devoted [[Buddhist]]. She [[died]] in {{Wiki|Colombo}} in 1956.
  
When the {{Wiki|Second World War}} broke out in 1939, and the British Government had all German males resident in their colonies consigned for interment suspecting them to be German spies. The interment was first at Diyatalawa Army cantonment in [[Sri Lanka]] and later at Dehra Dun in northern [[India]].
+
When the {{Wiki|Second World War}} broke out in 1939, and the {{Wiki|British}} Government had all {{Wiki|German}} {{Wiki|males}} resident in their colonies consigned for interment suspecting them to be {{Wiki|German}} spies. The interment was first at {{Wiki|Diyatalawa}} {{Wiki|Army}} cantonment in [[Sri Lanka]] and later at {{Wiki|Dehra Dun}} in northern [[India]].
  
Despite these traumatic [[experiences]] as prisoner of [[war]], during this period, Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] completed the {{Wiki|German}} translations of the [[Sutta Nipata]], the [[Dhammasangani]] (the first book of the [[Abhidhamma Pitaka]]) and its commentary. He also compiled an {{Wiki|anthology}} of texts on [[Satipatthana]] [[Meditation]]. That was when at Diyatalawa and the [[balance]] [[writing]] of what Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] began was concluded at Dehra Dun, [[India]].
+
Despite these traumatic [[experiences]] as prisoner of [[war]], during this period, Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] completed the {{Wiki|German}} translations of the [[Sutta Nipata]], the [[Dhammasangani]] (the first [[book]] of the [[Abhidhamma Pitaka]]) and its commentary. He also compiled an {{Wiki|anthology}} of texts on [[Satipatthana]] [[Meditation]]. That was when at {{Wiki|Diyatalawa}} and the [[balance]] [[writing]] of what Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] began was concluded at [[Dehra Dun]], [[India]].
  
With the [[cessation]] of [[war]], the two [[Bhikkhus]] were released from interment at Dehra Dun and returned to [[Sri Lanka]] in 1946 and resided at the [[Island Hermitage]], Dodanduwa. In early 1951 they were conferred citizenship of [[Sri Lanka]].
+
With the [[cessation]] of [[war]], the two [[Bhikkhus]] were released from interment at [[Dehra Dun]] and returned to [[Sri Lanka]] in 1946 and resided at the [[Island Hermitage]], Dodanduwa. In early 1951 they were conferred citizenship of [[Sri Lanka]].
  
In 1946, Ven. [[Nyanatiloka]] [[Thera]] was [[offered]] a hermitage in the Udawattekelle Forest Reserve, and being advanced in age preferred the cooler climate of Kandy rather than to the hot and stuffy sea - coast climate of Dodanduwa. In 1947, Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] too joined him at the new Kandy Hermitage.
+
In 1946, Ven. [[Nyanatiloka]] [[Thera]] was [[offered]] a [[hermitage]] in the Udawattekelle {{Wiki|Forest}} Reserve, and [[being]] advanced in age preferred the cooler climate of {{Wiki|Kandy}} rather than to the [[hot]] and stuffy sea - coast climate of Dodanduwa. In 1947, Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] too joined him at the new {{Wiki|Kandy}} [[Hermitage]].
 
[[File:009 n.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
[[File:009 n.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
In 1952, both [[Venerable]] [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] and [[Nyanaponika]] There were invited by the [[Burmese]] ({{Wiki|Myanmar}}) Government for consultation in preparation of the [[Sixth Buddhist Council]], to be convened in 1954 to re-edit and reprint the entire [[Pali Canon]] and its commentaries. On the conclusion of the consultations Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] stayed in [[Burma]] for a period of training in [[Insight]] [[Meditation]] ([[Vipassana]]) under the renowned [[meditation]] [[teacher]] Ven. [[Mahasi Sayadaw Thera]].
+
In 1952, both [[Venerable]] [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] and [[Nyanaponika]] There were invited by the [[Burmese]] ({{Wiki|Myanmar}}) Government for consultation in [[preparation]] of the [[Sixth Buddhist Council]], to be convened in 1954 to re-edit and reprint the entire [[Pali Canon]] and its commentaries. On the conclusion of the consultations Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] stayed in [[Burma]] for a period of {{Wiki|training}} in [[Insight]] [[Meditation]] ([[Vipassana]]) under the renowned [[meditation]] [[teacher]] Ven. [[Mahasi Sayadaw Thera]].
  
The [[experience]] he gathered motivated him to write his best known work, The [[Heart]] of [[Buddhist meditation]] published by [[Buddhist]] Publication {{Wiki|Society}} with many editions and translated into more than seven languages. This is a prescribed text in universities in the Study of [[Buddhism]].
+
The [[experience]] he [[gathered]] motivated him to write his best known work, The [[Heart]] of [[Buddhist meditation]] published by [[Buddhist]] Publication {{Wiki|Society}} with many editions and translated into more than seven [[languages]]. This is a prescribed text in [[universities]] in the Study of [[Buddhism]].
  
In 1954, the [[teacher]] and the pupil returned to [[Burma]] for the opening ceremonies of the [[Council]], which was held in a cave-structure built similar to the Sattaprani Caves in [[Rajagaha]] ([[Rajgir]]) of [[India]], where [[first Buddhist Council]] was held. For the closing ceremonies in 1956 Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] went to [[Burma]] alone as his [[teacher]] was indisposed.
+
In 1954, the [[teacher]] and the pupil returned to [[Burma]] for the opening {{Wiki|ceremonies}} of the [[Council]], which was held in a cave-structure built similar to the [[Sattaprani]] [[Caves]] in [[Rajagaha]] ([[Rajgir]]) of [[India]], where [[first Buddhist Council]] was held. For the closing {{Wiki|ceremonies}} in 1956 Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] went to [[Burma]] alone as his [[teacher]] was indisposed.
  
In 1957, the health of Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] deteriorated and he moved to {{Wiki|Colombo}} for easy and ready {{Wiki|medical}} [[attention]]. Finally on May 28, 1957, the great pioneering [[scholar]] [[monk]] [[died]] and was accorded a State [[Funeral]] at the Independence Square, {{Wiki|Colombo}} attended by the Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, many State officials, both the laity and [[religious]] dignitaries and prelates of all [[Nikayas]].
+
In 1957, the [[health]] of Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]] deteriorated and he moved to {{Wiki|Colombo}} for easy and ready {{Wiki|medical}} [[attention]]. Finally on May 28, 1957, the great pioneering [[scholar]] [[monk]] [[died]] and was accorded a [[State]] [[Funeral]] at the {{Wiki|Independence}} Square, {{Wiki|Colombo}} attended by the [[Prime Minister]] [[S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike]], many [[State]] officials, both the laity and [[religious]] dignitaries and prelates of all [[Nikayas]].
  
His ashes were enshrined at the Polgasduwa [[Island Hermitage]], Dodanduwa and a tombstone was built to perpetuate his [[memory]]. Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]], thereafter keeping up to the request of his [[teacher]], revised Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]]'s German translation of the complete [[Anguttara Nikaya]], retyping the five volumes in full by himself, and also compiling a forty paged index to the work.
+
His ashes were enshrined at the Polgasduwa [[Island Hermitage]], Dodanduwa and a tombstone was built to perpetuate his [[memory]]. Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]], thereafter keeping up to the request of his [[teacher]], revised Ven. [[Nyanatiloka Thera]]'s {{Wiki|German}} translation of the complete [[Anguttara Nikaya]], retyping the five volumes in full by himself, and also compiling a forty paged index to the work.
[[File:Norbulingka.jpg|thumb|250px|]]
 
Six months after the [[death]] of his [[teacher]], the career of Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] was to be launched in a new [[direction]], a permanent contribution to the spread of [[Buddhism]] worldwide. A prominent lawyer in Kandy A.S. Karunaratne suggested to his friend, Trinity College [[teacher]] in retirement Richard Abeysekera, that they start a {{Wiki|society}} for the publication of [[Buddhist]] literature in English, mainly to be distributed abroad. The unanimous decision was Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] in the Udawattekelle Forest Reserve Aramaya would be the best director of the Institution. Thus on the New year's Day of 1958, the [[Buddhist]] Publication {{Wiki|Society}} (BPS) was born.
 
  
Devoting his entire time and [[energy]] to writings of the {{Wiki|society}}, he wrote tracts, encouraged others to write, collated important [[Suttas]], translated them and had them published. In addition to his own writings he had 200 [[Wheel]] titles and 100 [[Bodhi]] Leaves (booklets) authored by numerous [[scholars]] and books were issued during his editorship of the BPS.
+
Six months after the [[death]] of his [[teacher]], the career of Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] was to be launched in a new [[direction]], a [[permanent]] contribution to the spread of [[Buddhism]] worldwide. A prominent lawyer in {{Wiki|Kandy}} A.S. Karunaratne suggested to his [[friend]], {{Wiki|Trinity}} {{Wiki|College}} [[teacher]] in retirement Richard Abeysekera, that they start a {{Wiki|society}} for the publication of [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|literature}} in English, mainly to be distributed abroad. The unanimous [[decision]] was Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]] in the [[Udawattekelle Forest Reserve Aramaya]] would be the best director of the Institution. [[Thus]] on the [[New year's]] Day of 1958, the [[Buddhist Publication Society]] ([[BPS]]) was born.
  
Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera]]'s biography is completely submerged in his writings. With advancing age having a heavy toll on his strength, in 1984, Ven. [[Nyanaponika]] [[Thera]] retired as editor of BPS and in 1988 he retired as President, accepting appointments as BPS's distinguished Patron. His [[fame]] and [[recognition]] as an exponent of authentic [[Theravada Buddhism]] reached all corners of the globe.
+
Devoting his entire [[time]] and [[energy]] to writings of the {{Wiki|society}}, he wrote tracts, encouraged others to write, collated important [[Suttas]], translated them and had them published. In addition to his [[own]] writings he had 200 [[Wheel]] titles and 100 [[Bodhi]] Leaves (booklets) authored by numerous [[scholars]] and [[books]] were issued during his editorship of the BPS.
  
In 1978, the {{Wiki|German}} {{Wiki|Oriental}} {{Wiki|Society}} appointed him an {{Wiki|honorary}} member in [[recognition]] of his combination of objective {{Wiki|scholarship}} with [[religious]] practice as a [[Buddhist Monk]]. In 1987, the [[Buddhist]] and [[Pali]] University of [[Sri Lanka]] at its first convocation, conferred on him its first ever Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor of Literature.
+
Ven. [[Nyanaponika Thera's]] {{Wiki|biography}} is completely submerged in his writings. With advancing age having a heavy toll on his strength, in 1984, Ven. [[Nyanaponika]] [[Thera]] retired as editor of BPS and in 1988 he retired as President, accepting appointments as BPS's {{Wiki|distinguished}} {{Wiki|Patron}}. His [[fame]] and [[recognition]] as an exponent of [[Wikipedia:Authenticity|authentic]] [[Theravada Buddhism]] reached all corners of the {{Wiki|globe}}.
  
In 1990, he received the Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor of Letters from the {{Wiki|University of Peradeniya}}. In 1993, The Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha to which he belonged for 56 years, conferred on him the honorary title of Amarapura Maha Mahopadhyaya Sasana Sobhana (The Great Mentor of the Amarapura Maha Sasana Sabha, Ornament of Teaching).
+
In 1978, the {{Wiki|German}} {{Wiki|Oriental}} {{Wiki|Society}} appointed him an {{Wiki|honorary}} member in [[recognition]] of his combination of [[objective]] {{Wiki|scholarship}} with [[religious]] practice as a [[Buddhist Monk]]. In 1987, the [[Buddhist]] and [[Pali]] {{Wiki|University}} of [[Sri Lanka]] at its first [[convocation]], conferred on him its first ever [[Honoris Causa Degree]] of Doctor of {{Wiki|Literature}}.
  
His last birthday which fell on July 21, 1994, was celebrated by his friends and the BPS [[staff]] with the release of the BPS edition of his book. The [[Vision]] of [[Dhamma]], a collection of his writings from [[Wheel]] and [[Bodhi]] leaves series. On the 19th of October 1994, the last day of his 58th Rains [[Retreat]] as a [[Bhikkhu]], he breathed his last in the pre-dawn quietude of the Udawattekelle forest hermitage.
+
In 1990, he received the [[Honoris Causa Degree]] of Doctor of Letters from the {{Wiki|University of Peradeniya}}. In 1993, The [[Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha]] to which he belonged for 56 years, conferred on him the {{Wiki|honorary}} title of [[Amarapura Maha Mahopadhyaya Sasana Sobhana]] ([[The Great Mentor of the Amarapura Maha Sasana Sabha]], [[Ornament of Teaching]]).
 +
 
 +
His last birthday which fell on July 21, 1994, was celebrated by his friends and the BPS [[staff]] with the [[release]] of the BPS edition of his [[book]]. The [[Vision]] of [[Dhamma]], a collection of his writings from [[Wheel]] and [[Bodhi]] leaves series. On the 19th of October 1994, the last day of his 58th Rains [[Retreat]] as a [[Bhikkhu]], he breathed his last in the pre-dawn quietude of the [[Udawattekelle forest hermitage]].
  
 
==Publications (partial list)==
 
==Publications (partial list)==
  
*[[Abhidhamma]] Studies: [[Buddhist]] Explorations of [[Consciousness]] and Time (1998)
+
*[[Abhidhamma]] Studies: [[Buddhist]] Explorations of [[Consciousness]] and [[Time]] (1998)
 
*Great [[Disciples]] of the [[Buddha]] : Their [[Lives]], Their Works, Their Legacy (2003)
 
*Great [[Disciples]] of the [[Buddha]] : Their [[Lives]], Their Works, Their Legacy (2003)
 
*The [[Heart]] of [[Buddhist Meditation]] (1954)
 
*The [[Heart]] of [[Buddhist Meditation]] (1954)
*Numerical Discourses of the [[Buddha]] (2000), with [[Bhikkhu Bodhi]]
+
*[[Numerical Discourses]] of the [[Buddha]] (2000), with [[Bhikkhu Bodhi]]
 
*The [[Vision]] of [[Dhamma]] (1986)
 
*The [[Vision]] of [[Dhamma]] (1986)
  
 
{{W}}
 
{{W}}
 
[[Category:Thera's‎]]
 
[[Category:Thera's‎]]

Latest revision as of 10:31, 24 February 2015

Nyanaponika Maha Thera.jpg

Nyanaponika Thera or Nyanaponika Mahathera (July 21, 1901 – 19 October 1994) was a German-born Sri-Lanka-ordained Theravada monk, co-founder of the Buddhist Publication Society , contemporary author of numerous seminal Theravada books, and teacher of contemporary Western Buddhist leaders such as Bhikkhu Bodhi.

Chronology

Detailed Biography
Mahakasyapa3.jpg

Ven. Nyanaponika Thera (Siegmund Feniger) was born in Hanau, Germany on July 21, 1901 as Siegmund Feniger, the only child of a Jewish family.

In 1922, he moved with his parents to Berlin, where he met with other German Buddhists and also had access to Buddhist literature in German language. He first came across the writings of Ven. Nyanatiloka Thera (1878–1957), the former German violin virtuoso Anton Gueth, which had already been published in Germany. Young Siegmund had learned Ven. Nyanatiloka Thera had established a monastery for Western Monks on an island lagoon (opposite the Railway station) Polgasduwa, Dodanduwa named Island Hermitage. This news stirred his conscience to go to Asia and become a Buddhist Monk.

However this expectation did not concretecize for some time. In 1932, his father died and he did not wish to leave his widowed mother in the lurch. Then Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany.

In November 1935, he left Germany along with his mother to Vienna, where they had relatives. Having arranged his mother to stay in Vienna, in early 1936 he left Europe for Sri Lanka and joined Ven. Nyanatiloka Thera at the Island Hermitage, Polgasduwa, Dodanduwa.

After several months of studies in June 1936 he was ordained as a novice under the name Nyanaponika and in 1937 was conferred Higher Ordination (Upasampada), under the Tutelage of Nyanatiloka Thera.

0069.JPG

In 1939, after the Nazis invaded Poland, Ven. Nyanaponika Thera arranged for his mother and other relatives to come over to Sri Lanka. Through the influence of her son and the generous hosts she embraced Buddha Dhamma and became a devoted Buddhist. She died in Colombo in 1956.

When the Second World War broke out in 1939, and the British Government had all German males resident in their colonies consigned for interment suspecting them to be German spies. The interment was first at Diyatalawa Army cantonment in Sri Lanka and later at Dehra Dun in northern India.

Despite these traumatic experiences as prisoner of war, during this period, Ven. Nyanaponika Thera completed the German translations of the Sutta Nipata, the Dhammasangani (the first book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka) and its commentary. He also compiled an anthology of texts on Satipatthana Meditation. That was when at Diyatalawa and the balance writing of what Ven. Nyanaponika Thera began was concluded at Dehra Dun, India.

With the cessation of war, the two Bhikkhus were released from interment at Dehra Dun and returned to Sri Lanka in 1946 and resided at the Island Hermitage, Dodanduwa. In early 1951 they were conferred citizenship of Sri Lanka.

In 1946, Ven. Nyanatiloka Thera was offered a hermitage in the Udawattekelle Forest Reserve, and being advanced in age preferred the cooler climate of Kandy rather than to the hot and stuffy sea - coast climate of Dodanduwa. In 1947, Ven. Nyanaponika Thera too joined him at the new Kandy Hermitage.

009 n.jpg

In 1952, both Venerable Nyanatiloka Thera and Nyanaponika There were invited by the Burmese (Myanmar) Government for consultation in preparation of the Sixth Buddhist Council, to be convened in 1954 to re-edit and reprint the entire Pali Canon and its commentaries. On the conclusion of the consultations Ven. Nyanaponika Thera stayed in Burma for a period of training in Insight Meditation (Vipassana) under the renowned meditation teacher Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw Thera.

The experience he gathered motivated him to write his best known work, The Heart of Buddhist meditation published by Buddhist Publication Society with many editions and translated into more than seven languages. This is a prescribed text in universities in the Study of Buddhism.

In 1954, the teacher and the pupil returned to Burma for the opening ceremonies of the Council, which was held in a cave-structure built similar to the Sattaprani Caves in Rajagaha (Rajgir) of India, where first Buddhist Council was held. For the closing ceremonies in 1956 Ven. Nyanaponika Thera went to Burma alone as his teacher was indisposed.

In 1957, the health of Ven. Nyanatiloka Thera deteriorated and he moved to Colombo for easy and ready medical attention. Finally on May 28, 1957, the great pioneering scholar monk died and was accorded a State Funeral at the Independence Square, Colombo attended by the Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, many State officials, both the laity and religious dignitaries and prelates of all Nikayas.

His ashes were enshrined at the Polgasduwa Island Hermitage, Dodanduwa and a tombstone was built to perpetuate his memory. Ven. Nyanaponika Thera, thereafter keeping up to the request of his teacher, revised Ven. Nyanatiloka Thera's German translation of the complete Anguttara Nikaya, retyping the five volumes in full by himself, and also compiling a forty paged index to the work.

Six months after the death of his teacher, the career of Ven. Nyanaponika Thera was to be launched in a new direction, a permanent contribution to the spread of Buddhism worldwide. A prominent lawyer in Kandy A.S. Karunaratne suggested to his friend, Trinity College teacher in retirement Richard Abeysekera, that they start a society for the publication of Buddhist literature in English, mainly to be distributed abroad. The unanimous decision was Ven. Nyanaponika Thera in the Udawattekelle Forest Reserve Aramaya would be the best director of the Institution. Thus on the New year's Day of 1958, the Buddhist Publication Society (BPS) was born.

Devoting his entire time and energy to writings of the society, he wrote tracts, encouraged others to write, collated important Suttas, translated them and had them published. In addition to his own writings he had 200 Wheel titles and 100 Bodhi Leaves (booklets) authored by numerous scholars and books were issued during his editorship of the BPS.

Ven. Nyanaponika Thera's biography is completely submerged in his writings. With advancing age having a heavy toll on his strength, in 1984, Ven. Nyanaponika Thera retired as editor of BPS and in 1988 he retired as President, accepting appointments as BPS's distinguished Patron. His fame and recognition as an exponent of authentic Theravada Buddhism reached all corners of the globe.

In 1978, the German Oriental Society appointed him an honorary member in recognition of his combination of objective scholarship with religious practice as a Buddhist Monk. In 1987, the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka at its first convocation, conferred on him its first ever Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor of Literature.

In 1990, he received the Honoris Causa Degree of Doctor of Letters from the University of Peradeniya. In 1993, The Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha to which he belonged for 56 years, conferred on him the honorary title of Amarapura Maha Mahopadhyaya Sasana Sobhana (The Great Mentor of the Amarapura Maha Sasana Sabha, Ornament of Teaching).

His last birthday which fell on July 21, 1994, was celebrated by his friends and the BPS staff with the release of the BPS edition of his book. The Vision of Dhamma, a collection of his writings from Wheel and Bodhi leaves series. On the 19th of October 1994, the last day of his 58th Rains Retreat as a Bhikkhu, he breathed his last in the pre-dawn quietude of the Udawattekelle forest hermitage.

Publications (partial list)

Source

Wikipedia:Nyanaponika Thera