| Submission declined on 13 September 2024 by Liance (talk). The content of this submission includes material that does not meet Wikipedia's minimum standard for inline citations. Please cite your sources using footnotes. For instructions on how to do this, please see Referencing for beginners. Thank you. This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject.
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| Submission declined on 13 September 2024 by KylieTastic (talk). This submission's references do not show that the subject qualifies for a Wikipedia article—that is, they do not show significant coverage (not just passing mentions) about the subject in published, reliable, secondary sources that are independent of the subject (see the guidelines on the notability of people). Before any resubmission, additional references meeting these criteria should be added (see technical help and learn about mistakes to avoid when addressing this issue). If no additional references exist, the subject is not suitable for Wikipedia. This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject. Declined by KylieTastic 2 days ago. | |
Comment: On Wikipedia, articles about living persons must meet certain requirements. Information is required to be backed by a reliable source formatted as an inline citation to ensure that stated facts are verifiable. Please ensure the draft meets these requirements before resubmitting. ~Liancetalk 13:58, 13 September 2024 (UTC)
- Comment: Encyclopedic articles should be neutral, and referenced. "Venerable", "renowned", "Most Revered", "like a shine pole star", "impeccable", "profound" etc are all just puff. KylieTastic (talk) 08:38, 13 September 2024 (UTC)
- Comment: Unsourced puff piece KylieTastic (talk) 08:35, 13 September 2024 (UTC)
Nandapala Mahathera | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal | |
| Born | 10 May 1952 Rangamati |
| Religion | Buddhism |
| Nationality | Bangladesh |
| Parents |
|
| Organization | |
| Temple | Dighinala Bana Vihara |
| Founder of | International Sadhananandapala Banavihara Foundation |
| Senior posting | |
| Ordination | 15 May 1973 (2517 B.E) |
| Website | www.nandapalamahathera.com |
Venerable Nandapala Mahathera (born Subendu Bikash Chakma on May 10, 1952, in Rangamati, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh) is a Theravāda Buddhist monk and Meditation Teacher. He is the founder of the Sadhananandapala Banavihara Foundation and a key figure in the revival of Buddhism in Bangladesh and India. Venerable Nandapala Mahathera continued the spiritual legacy of His Eminence Bana Bhante and has been instrumental in spreading the teachings of the Buddha Sasana across Southeast Asia. Widely respected for his simple yet profound teachings, Venerable Nandapala has dedicated his life to the practice and dissemination of the Buddha's teachings, particularly focusing on meditation and ethical conduct. His teachings have attracted a vast following across Bangladesh and India, where he has played a vital role in promoting and preserving the Buddha Sasana.
Venerable Nandapala is known for his direct and practical approach to meditation, emphasizing balanced living and ethical conduct. His teachings have inspired both monastics and laypeople alike, forming a large community of followers across Bangladesh and India. His monasteries and meditation centers continue to attract students who study and practice the Dhamma under his guidance.
Early Life and Monastic Journey
editVenerable Nandapala was born in the Chakma tribal community, known for maintaining its cultural identity and ancestral traditions. His early life was shaped by the displacement caused by the construction of the Kaptai Dam in 1957, which submerged large parts of his homeland. As a young boy, he was deeply influenced by the Dhamma talks of His Eminence Bana Bhante, which ignited his desire to pursue monastic life.
At the age of 18, on November 14, 1970, Nandapala took novice ordination at the Tintila Bana Vihara in Rangamati, under the preceptorship of Bana Bhante. Despite the challenges of the Bangladesh War of Liberation in 1971, he continued his studies, displaying exceptional skill in learning Pāli and the Dhamma. He later traveled to Myanmar for higher Buddhist studies, eventually receiving full ordination and becoming a prominent disciple of Bana Bhante.
Higher Buddhist Studies
editIn 1972, Nandapala Samanera traveled to Burma (Myanmar) for higher Buddhist studies, focusing on the Abhidhamma and Pali scriptures. He was ordained as a Bhikkhu (fully ordained monk) in Arakan, Myanmar, before returning to Bangladesh to continue his studies and practice under the guidance of his teacher, Bana Bhante.
Establishment of Rajbana Vihara
editIn 1976, following the request of the Chakma royal family, Bana Bhante moved to Rangamati, where Rajbana Vihara was established under his leadership. Venerable Nandapala Mahathera oversaw the construction of this monastery, which became a significant center for Buddhist practice in the region.
Meditation at Jamachug Mountain
editIn the early 1980s, Venerable Nandapala Mahathera sought deeper spiritual insight and began a prolonged period of meditation on Jamachug Mountain, an isolated and dangerous area known for its wilderness and ghost stories. Undeterred, he established a meditation retreat there, spending 17 years in solitary meditation and ascetic practice, following the austere Forest Tradition of Theravāda Buddhism.
Legacy and International Work
editFollowing the wishes of His Eminence Bana Bhante, Venerable Nandapala Mahathera undertook extensive Dhammaduta (Buddhist missionary) activities, traveling to India in 1999 to revive Buddhism in Indian States of Bihar, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh. His teachings and meditation practices resulted in the establishment of several monasteries in these regions. In subsequent years, he also traveled to Vietnam and Nepal to spread the Dhamma.
Venerable Nandapala Mahathera's influence extends beyond Bangladesh, with invitations to teach Dhamma and meditation in countries like India, Vietnam, and Nepal. His work has contributed to the re-establishment of Buddhist values in these regions, earning him respect from dignitaries and laypeople alike.
Today, the Sadhananandapala Banavihara Foundation and its sister organizations continue to thrive under his leadership, promoting Buddhist education and meditation. His Bodhi Rasmi School provides holistic education, instilling moral and spiritual values in young students, ensuring that the legacy of Dhamma continues for future generations.
Venerable Nandapala Mahathera's teachings continue to influence Buddhist communities in Bangladesh, India, and globally. His focus on mindfulness, ethical living, and compassion have garnered him a reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary Theravada Buddhism. He has made significant contributions to the revival of Buddhism in regions where it had declined, and his efforts continue to foster spiritual growth and social well-being among his followers .
Social and Educational Contributions
editVenerable Nandapala Mahathera has been instrumental in bringing about positive social changes, particularly by promoting education, morality, and ethical practices. He established the Bodhi Rasmi School to provide quality education combined with character-building moral teachings. The school focuses on holistic education, integrating intellectual, moral, and cultural development to nurture compassionate and wise individuals.
His Moral and Ethics Training Program aims to instill virtues such as cleanliness, discipline, and respectfulness in youth, shaping them into responsible and ethical adults. Through his teachings and initiatives, Venerable Nandapala Mahathera continues to have a lasting impact on both the spiritual and social fabric of the communities he serves.
References
edit- Chakma, Pratap. The Life and Teachings of Venerable Nandapala Mahastabir. Sudakshina Chakma, 2009.
- Arunachal Times. "12th Maha Kathina Civara Dana Celebration." Arunachal Times, 24 October 2016. https://www.arunachaltimes.in/archives/oct16%2024.html.
- International Sadhananandapala Banavihara Foundation. "Biography of Nandapala Mahathera."
- International Association of Theravāda Buddhist Universities. "Buddhist Spiritual Leader of Bangladesh Bana Bhante Passes Away."