The Chief Reverend Dr K Sri Dhammananda
The Most Ven. Dr. K Sri Dhammananda Maha Nayaka Thera was very well known for his tireless Buddhist missionary work. His base was the Brickfields Buddhist Temple in KL. It was in this temple 20 yers ago that I learned most of my Buddhism from him. For about one year, every Friday night at 8pm sharp without fail, I would be there listening to his talk. That period was special for me as Chief Reverend (that was how everyone addressed him) was answering all my questions. He had very kindly consented to answer all my questions which I submitted to him. So over a period of about one year I learned my Buddhism, Chief Reverend's style!! I recorded all these talks and also have transcribed them into 2 books.
It is common knowledge that geniuses, artists, great musicians and all others who have very special abilities are born with these talents. However there is one area often overlooked or taken for granted simply because it is just plain ordinary fare. Each of us also brought with us a certain affinity towards certain interest. As for me, since I was small I was always interested in Buddhism. I still have with me hand-written and typed copies of notes on Buddhism which I copied from books borrowed from the local library when I was a young student. It was to my second sister's credit that I was enrolled in the Sunday School at the Penang Buddhist Association when I was (I think) 10 years old. Although I did not learn much over that short period, the experience left a permanent imprint in my spiritual pursuit, later in life.
The first Buddhist book I bought for (I think) $2.50 at that time in 1968 was "Why Worry" by the Chief Reverend. Exactly 40 years ago!! I still have the book with me. Now the latest edition is twice the thickness and I got it free from the temple!! You can see both the pictures here.
My first Buddhist book (bought 1968)
Fast forward a bit to 1978, I went to work in KL. I was at that time staying just opposite the Brickfields Buddhist Temple. What a coincidence!! The apartment is Bangunan Tong Weng just next to the newly built Temple Of Fine Arts, along Jalan Berhala. Strangely at that time I wasn't attracted to the temple just opposite. I knew Chief Reverend was there, but did not make attempt to be there. It was only when I shifted to Subang Jaya and when my daughter was big enough to attend Sunday School that I began to associate more with the temple. It was during this time that I really became a student of the Chief Reverend.
The Chief's forte was in his ability to write books and give talks. He was a natural speaker (often a real joker) creating laughter in an otherwise bland and sober sermons! His most influential book is "What Buddhists Believe".
Chief's most influential book.
Chief's autograph on the book.
The Chief Reverend, my revered Teacher lived until age 87. A very fruitful and pure life. Whatever it is, nature takes its course.
Anicca Watta Sankhara
(All component things are impermanent.)
*****************************************
Latest Up-date (2 Dec 2008)
Chief Reverend IS now in You Tube:
Today (31 August) is a very special day for this nation, Merdeka. It is extra special for me. Merdeka means Independence or Freedom. For this nation, Merdeka means freedom from the shackle of colonial control. My revered Dhamma (Religious) Teacher also celebrated Merdeka today. It was today two years ago that my revered Teacher gained freedom from this cycle of births and deaths. My revered Teacher passed away today two years ago. Today is his 2nd death anniversary.
The Most Ven. Dr. K Sri Dhammananda Maha Nayaka Thera was very well known for his tireless Buddhist missionary work. His base was the Brickfields Buddhist Temple in KL. It was in this temple 20 yers ago that I learned most of my Buddhism from him. For about one year, every Friday night at 8pm sharp without fail, I would be there listening to his talk. That period was special for me as Chief Reverend (that was how everyone addressed him) was answering all my questions. He had very kindly consented to answer all my questions which I submitted to him. So over a period of about one year I learned my Buddhism, Chief Reverend's style!! I recorded all these talks and also have transcribed them into 2 books.
It is common knowledge that geniuses, artists, great musicians and all others who have very special abilities are born with these talents. However there is one area often overlooked or taken for granted simply because it is just plain ordinary fare. Each of us also brought with us a certain affinity towards certain interest. As for me, since I was small I was always interested in Buddhism. I still have with me hand-written and typed copies of notes on Buddhism which I copied from books borrowed from the local library when I was a young student. It was to my second sister's credit that I was enrolled in the Sunday School at the Penang Buddhist Association when I was (I think) 10 years old. Although I did not learn much over that short period, the experience left a permanent imprint in my spiritual pursuit, later in life.
The first Buddhist book I bought for (I think) $2.50 at that time in 1968 was "Why Worry" by the Chief Reverend. Exactly 40 years ago!! I still have the book with me. Now the latest edition is twice the thickness and I got it free from the temple!! You can see both the pictures here.
My first Buddhist book (bought 1968)
Latest edition (2008)
Fast forward a bit to 1978, I went to work in KL. I was at that time staying just opposite the Brickfields Buddhist Temple. What a coincidence!! The apartment is Bangunan Tong Weng just next to the newly built Temple Of Fine Arts, along Jalan Berhala. Strangely at that time I wasn't attracted to the temple just opposite. I knew Chief Reverend was there, but did not make attempt to be there. It was only when I shifted to Subang Jaya and when my daughter was big enough to attend Sunday School that I began to associate more with the temple. It was during this time that I really became a student of the Chief Reverend.
Justin Choo with The Chief (1988)
Chief Reverend came to Malaysia in 1952 and was at the Brickfieds temple until his death. The temple has since changed its name to Brickfields Buddhist Maha Vihara. Every Friday night the Chief would give his 8pm evening talk. He used to joke that the old record had been going on for umpteen years. (For you youngsters, "old record" means the ancient record player!) The Chief was the spearhead who disseminated Buddhism, especially to the university students. The current well educated young Buddhists are the fruits of the Chief's untiring dhammaduta (missionary) legacy.
Chief Reverend came to Malaysia in 1952 and was at the Brickfieds temple until his death. The temple has since changed its name to Brickfields Buddhist Maha Vihara. Every Friday night the Chief would give his 8pm evening talk. He used to joke that the old record had been going on for umpteen years. (For you youngsters, "old record" means the ancient record player!) The Chief was the spearhead who disseminated Buddhism, especially to the university students. The current well educated young Buddhists are the fruits of the Chief's untiring dhammaduta (missionary) legacy.
The Chief's forte was in his ability to write books and give talks. He was a natural speaker (often a real joker) creating laughter in an otherwise bland and sober sermons! His most influential book is "What Buddhists Believe".
Chief's most influential book.
The Chief Reverend, my revered Teacher lived until age 87. A very fruitful and pure life. Whatever it is, nature takes its course.
Anicca Watta Sankhara
(All component things are impermanent.)
*****************************************
Latest Up-date (2 Dec 2008)
Chief Reverend IS now in You Tube:
Who Is The Buddha? : The Buddha Explained Himself
Buddhism : Nothing To Believe
