30 years in the life of Bhante Rewatha: not an end in sight!
By Anthony Philip Narloch
The 3rd of December marks a very special milestone for us all: it is the 30th anniversary of Bhante Kamburala Rewatha Thero as a monk. Bhante Rewatha has flourished in his spiritual and pastoral career; from humble beginnings as a novice monk in 1981 at the tender of 10, he has attained the lofty title of Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain(Siyam Nikaya-Kotte Chapter).
Bhante first took his monastic vows when he was 10, enrolling at the Sri Dharmapala Pirivena under the guidance of Venerable Malewana Punnarathana Thero . His academic accomplishments and intellect was already readily apparent at such a young age, when he managed to achieve the Royal Pandith degree during his tenure as a trainee novice monk. This stalwart academic prowess was no mere run of good luck, as plainly evidenced by the fact that Bhante Rewatha managed to not only successfully pass his Advanced level examination but furthermore, acquired the highest mark within the entire island.
For some of us, higher education is an opportunity to test our intellect against the anvil of progress and have it sharpened. For Bhante Rewatha however, it seems that it was not just his mind, but his heart that was strengthened during his academic career. During his time at university, Bhante Rewatha found himself heavily involved in both extracurricular activities in addition to charitable functions and events. His experiences during this time obviously left a positive and significant mark upon him, as evidenced by virtue of the fact that he still continues these activities even to this day.
In 1999, he obtained his M.A. in Pali language and Buddhist philosophy from the University of Kelaniya, Colombo, after which he returned to Sri Dharmapala Pirivena as a teacher.
Bhante Rewatha arrived on UK soil in 2001, and has since then played a pivotal role in the promotion of Buddhist doctrine and the Sri Lankan culture. Opening the Scotland Buddhist Vihara in the Maryhill district of Glasgow, June of 2002, Bhante quickly made a favourable impression among the local population and further afield.
2001 was the year in which Bhante Rewatha first visited the United Kingdom, visiting London at the personal behest of Most Venerable Somaratha Thero, the Head Monk of Thames Buddhist Vihara.
2009 was an especially noteworthy chapter in the already distinguished and incredible rise to power for Bhante Rewatha, when he was awarded the honourable title of Chief Sangha Nayake of Great Britain. In a manner befitting such a remarkable accomplishment, Bhante given the great privilege of being personally welcomed by Mahinda Rajapaksa at the presidential reception held within Temple Trees.
Bhante is a registered secondary school teacher accredited and recognised by the General Teaching Council; thereby achieving another impressive milestone: the first Sri Lankan Buddhist monk in the whole of the UK to hold such qualifications.
In keeping with his commitment to and affinity with, teaching as a whole, Bhante has also been responsible for the founding of the Buddhist College UK. At present, Bhante spends his time divided between the provision of meditation classes and Puja at the Vihara, and the discharge of his pastoral and academic duties at the Glasgow of University where he serves in a dual-capacity as both lecturer and Buddhist Chaplain.
At present, Bhante is also involved in a post-graduate research project which seeks to measure the effect of mindfulness within the context of healthcare and education.
And yet, despite all of the accomplishments and deeds he has managed to fit into such a short space of time, does Bhante Rewatha have any intention of slowing down? Absolutely not.
The 3rd of December marks not only the 30th year of anniversary of Bhante Rewatha’s career, but furthermore, it also marks the official date upon which he will begin the process of writing and drafting his 4th(!) book which will outline his distinguished career far more than this brief and humble article ever could.
