Master Thera, a Buddhist leader at 16 Also Runs Vocational Schools
By Mohammad Nomani
At the World Peace Association, we regard our mentors with the highest respect and admiration. These people take time out of their very busy lives, and give us direction on how we can focus on resolving peace and conflict in the world, an issue that sits at the heart of our organization’s mission.
Meet Galboda Gnanissara Thera. One of our most respected Buddhist prelates, he is also the head priest and chief incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. At eight years old, he was brought to Gangaramaya Temple to be ordained, earning him the nickname Podi Hamuduruwo, which translates to “Little Monk.”
Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple
Gnanissara Thera has served in the highest roles in monasteries worldwide. Thera was appointed at 16 years old to take over the administration of Gangaramaya Temple. He also served as Sanghanayaka, the leader of all Buddhist temples, in the United States, before giving up his position to return to his home country of Sri Lanka.
He’s also gained recognition for his extensive community service work across the globe, including several community projects in Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United States. His main focus has been in the fields of vocational training, homeless shelters, services for the elderly,and sanitation.
Despite all the accolades, Thera is still down-to-earth. One of his charities provides local monasteries with toilets and cleaning supplies, but he doesn’t just advocate for better sanitation. Thera has been spotted cleaning toilets, setting an example for everyone that no job is too menial.
Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple
As far as vocational training goes, the Gangaramaya temple provides training for up to 7000 people on a daily basis with over 50 courses being offered every day. Training is held in the “Sri Jinaratana Training Institute” and subjects include secretarial courses, English language, electronics, motor mechanism, bricolage (tinkering), painting, blacksmith welding and electric wiring, among other classes.
The old people’s home at Gangaramaya temple was also started by Thera. The home is primarily used as a homeless shelter for old people who have been abandoned or have no family. He has also started orphanages that provide shelter, schooling and support in the upbringing of children who have been abandoned by their parents. The orphanage also accommodates children with intellectual and physical disability.
Gnanissara Thera has also been awarded a the Darshana Visharada honorary doctorate degree, also called the Darshana Visharada by the Asgiriya Chapter.
It’s an honor and a blessing to call Thera as our mentor. As the World Peace Association gets closer to our prayer and chanting ceremony in Nepal in January, we look forward to seeking more guidance as an international peace organization from professionals such as Thera so we can substantially grow in our efforts to provide peace and comfort to underserved and war torn communities in the world.
We pray that masters such as Thera will continuously provide us support and contribute regularly towards our efforts.