In the present day Bhikkhu society, the revered Thera is a beacon of hope and example. The Thera with great conviction and devotion continues his journey exactly in the manner that the Buddha had recommended for his disciples to follow. His exceptional qualities are well portrayed in the fact that he never handles money in a world people, even monks cant do without it.

He goes from house to house barefooted to obtain alms with his Bowl in the manner the Bhikkhus were accustomed to in the past. He always advises the importance of the value of following the practice of Pindapatha and encourages the student monks to follow it. Thus devotees not only in Maharagama, but also in Unuwathura Bubule, Bowelawatte, Ambakotte, Matale, Peradeniya, Kandy, Mihintale, etc. consider it as a fortunate opportunity bestowed on them to serve a spoon of rice into the Theras bowl during his various journeys.

This revered Buddhist prelate, Ampitiye Sri Rahula Maha Thera or Loku Hamuduruwo, residing at the Sri Vajiranana Dharmayatanaya, in Maharagama, reached his 100th birthday on December 24, 2013.

The Thera was born to a wealthy and reputed family in Ampitiya, a suburb of Kandy. His Father Simon Rajapaksa named him as Dharmadasa and after been ordained in the Bhikkhu sasana came to be known as Venerable Ampitiye Sri Rahula Thera.

He received his primary education at St. Marys College (a seminary) at Ampitiya. Since his parents were devoted Buddhists they were keen that their son gained knowledge in Buddhism.

Subsequently he was sent to the Daham Pasela in Dalukgolle temple. Having had gained sufficient knowledge in Buddhism, Christianity and English language, he entered the Order of the Sangha on 4th May 1936. His preceptor was Ven. Sri Saddhamma Jothipala Kavidhaja Vinayachariya Weragampita Sri Revatha Maha Thera, the Chief incumbent of Kamburugamuwa Devagiri Temple.

Ven. Rahula Thera attended Vajiraramaya temple while he was residing at the Dodanduwa hermitage and received his higher ordination at Udakukkhepa Seema Malakaya at Kelaniya, on 30th June, 1936.

He didnt attend any pirivena, but received his preliminary education Dhamma Vinaya, languages from Ven. Revatha Maha Thera.

The mentors of Sri Rahula Thera were Venerable Pelene Sri Vajiranana Maha Thera, Venerable Thalangama Indrasara Maha Thera and Venerable Ahangama Sri Pragnaloka Maha Thera.

Due to his vibrant interest in acquiring knowledge, wisdom and discipline, Ven. Ampitiye Sri Rahula Thera was chosen as the Disciple in Attendance of Venerable Sri Vajiranana Maha Thera.

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Buddhist spirituality