IN MEMORY OF VEN. PEMARATANA

Time flies, and by 13 April 1977, the late Ven. Pandit P. Pemaratana Nayaka Thera shall have passed away for exactly two years.

Ven. Pema, as he was popularly known, was born in Southern Sri Lanka on the 17th of May 1994. According to Bhante himself, it was his parents' desire that he became a bhikkhu. He was ordained as a novice monk at the Purana Vihara in Elgiriya, Akuressa, Sri Lanka by the most Venerable D. Gunananda Maha Tero. Ven. Gunananda was also responsible for his preliminary education in the 'Dhamma' and 'Vinaya'. Ven. Pema was later admitted to the Vidyalankara Oriental College, Kelaniya, Colombo for higher studies. He received 'Upasampada' (Higher Ordination) on the 9th of May 1934, when he was twenty years old, at the Chapter of Maha Sangha in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Ven. Pema came to Malaysia on the 5th of May 1955 first upon the invitation of the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society in Kuala Lumpur. And then he was invited to go to the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Penang in July 1956. Since then he became an active and influential Buddhist missioner in Penang and the northern part of the Peninsular until old age and poor health forbade him to do a lot of travelling. But he made himself always available at the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple, to give public talks, to conduct services, and to attend to devotees who came to him for advice and help on all sorts of problems. Every year, parents and students eagerly waited for the day Bhante would conduct a special blessing for them before examinations.

Ven. Pema founded the Mahindarama Sunday Pali School which was inaugurated on 6 September 1959. It was largely through his effort that the Mahindarama Sunday Pali School has become a leading Sunday school in Malaysia today. It has introduced Buddhism to many young people who are fortunate to be guided in life by the Dhamma and become useful citizens of the country

Ven. Pema was also instrumental in the formation of the Malaysian Buddhist Examination Syndicate, a joint effort by MBA and YBAM. He remained as the Vice President of the Syndicate since its very beginning and until his death. He was very concerned about the examination. Every year he would visit various examination centres on the examination day. He would also gave away prizes to top candidates in a special ceremony held yearly at the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple.

In an exclusive interview granted to Bro. Ooi Keng Chew and Sis. Thoe Yew Lee and published in Dharma Digest Malaysia (Issue No. 5, Sept-Nov 1989), Ven. Pema shared some of his views on Malaysian Buddhism with us.

On relationship between monks and lay-followers: "Bhikkhus and lay-followers must have a close relationship as they are interdependent. Bhikkus require the assistance of the lay-people. They cannot exist without them. In return, bhikkus must be grateful, must be friends of the devotees ............ Monks are important as Gurus, to help in personal problems like sickness, times of sorrow and so on. Quoting from the Mangala Sutta, "Seeing the virtuous monks is a blessing."

On the shortage of bhikkhus: "To overcome the shortage of bhikkhus, lay people can learn the Dhamma and dispense them. Bhikkhus will command more respect but capable lay-people (upasaka and upasika) can do the same as in Buddha's time."

On the importance of having a Sangha Council: "Because there is no Sangha Council here, the layman can kindly advise them (the Bhikkhus) if they trangress the vinaya rules. If they still do not correct themselves, then boycott them. It would be better, and to the advancement of Buddhism if there is a Sangha Council here. Now there are communication and cooperation among the Sangha of the Theravada, Mahayana and other traditions. We are lucky because there are few sects in Buddhism; not like other religions where there are many sects and they behave like enemies towards each other."

On ways to dispense the Dhamma: "Publication of Dhamma books, booklets, phamplets, etc. (especially in Bahasa Malaysia for the future generation) is one way of dispensing the Dhamma. We can hold classes, seminars and discussions on the Dhamma. However the most effective would be to broadcast the Dhamma through the radio and television. Bhikkhus must also master bahasa Malaysia and the other languages and also the local dialects in order to cater for a more diverse congregation."

On Sunday schools: "Parents are the problem! They burden their children with too many tuitions and activities, while religion become less important to them. Thus, tackle the parents first. Whenever and wherever we meet them, advise them to send their children to the Sunday school. The success of the school depends on the ability and interests of the monks. It is very difficult if the school is too academic. We must know the interest of the children, play with them and entertain them to keep them interested........"

On the future of Buddhism in Malaysia: Buddhism will grow ......... Buddhism is growing very significantly in the Western countries ........... Where there is freedom of worship, and the young people are interested, and we have monks and devotees, Buddhism will have a bright future in Malaysia.

In conclusion, many of us who were active Buddhist workers in the Eighties and played various roles in the YBAM and other Buddhist organisations will always be thankful to Ven. Pemaratana for his advice, encouragement and support that gave us the strength to overcome all the obstacles and confidence to face all the challenges. Ven. Pema will be remembered forever in the history of Buddhism in Malaysia for his tireless effort in the the promotion of religious education and the Buddha Dhamma.

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