A Reimagining of Civic Duty: Anagarika Dharmapala’s Life and Legacy

By Rev. Dr. Dedunupitiye Upananda,

Chief Sanghanayake for North America at Asgiriya Chapter

In commemorating the 92nd death anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala, it is fitting to reflect upon the remarkable life and service of this extraordinary individual — a man whose influence transcended national boundaries and whose vision continues to inspire generations.

A Life of Purpose and Conviction

Born as Don David Hewavitharana on September 17, 1864, in Colombo, British Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), Dharmapala’s early life was shaped by a unique confluence of cultural influences. His parents, Don Carolis Hewavitharana and Mallika Dharmagunawardhana, were devout Buddhists who instilled in their children a deep respect for Buddhist teachings. The family’s wealth provided young David with access to prominent educational institutions operated by Christian denominations, including the Christian College of Kotte, St. Benedict’s College, St. Thomas’ College, and Colombo Academy (now Royal College).

Despite this diverse religious exposure, Dharmapala’s spiritual roots remained firmly grounded in Buddhism. His formative years were marked by regular visits to Buddhist monasteries, where he studied under revered monks such as Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Mahathera, a pivotal figure in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist revival movement and the founder of Vidyodaya Monastic College (now the University of Sri Jayewardenepura).

In 1894, David returned from a visit to India with a renewed sense of purpose, renouncing lay life and adopting the name Anagarika Dharmapala — Anagarika signifying one who has left household life, and Dharmapala meaning protector of the Dharma. Later in 1931, he formally entered the Buddhist monastic order as Venerable Sri Devamitta Dhammapala, before passing away in India on April 29, 1933.

A Champion of Humanism and Ethical Living

Dharmapala’s unwavering commitment to humanism was evident from his early years. Influenced by Buddhist ethics, he strongly advocated for religious harmony, believing that no religion should oppress another. His concerns about the violence described in the Old Testament and the consumption of beef — particularly in a country where cattle were revered by Hindus — drove him to initiate a nationwide movement against cattle slaughter. His campaign, encapsulated by the slogan “Eat No Beef” (Harak Mas Nokanu), gained immense support, particularly from Sri Lanka’s Hindu community.

In addition to his activism for animal welfare, Dharmapala dedicated himself to preserving sacred Buddhist sites in India, including Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kusinara — places deeply intertwined with the life of the Buddha. His humanism was not defined by hostility toward other religions but by a resolute determination to safeguard Buddhist heritage from encroachment.

The Philosopher-Activist with a Global Vision

Dharmapala’s exposure to Theosophy, a philosophical movement that sought to reconcile spirituality with universal truths, greatly shaped his worldview. Introduced to Theosophy by Col. Henry Steel Olcott and Helena Petrovna Blavatsky — prominent figures who embraced Buddhism following Sri Lanka’s famed Panadura Debate— Dharmapala found in their teachings a framework that aligned seamlessly with his Buddhist humanism. This ideological fusion remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Dharmapala’s participation in the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago further amplified his global impact. His address, emphasizing tolerance and compassion, captivated his audience. Among those inspired was Charles Strauss, a New York businessman who became the first American to formally embrace Buddhism on American soil under Dharmapala’s guidance.

While traveling through Hawaii en route home, Dharmapala encountered Mary Robinson Foster, a Hawaiian-American philanthropist grappling with emotional distress. With compassion and wisdom, Dharmapala offered her solace through Buddhist meditative practices. Grateful for his guidance, Foster later funded the establishment of the London Buddhist Vihara in 1926 — a significant milestone in spreading Buddhism to the West.

Foster’s bond with Dharmapala was particularly poignant. As a descendant of Hawaiian royalty, Foster had endured the tragic overthrow of Queen Lili’uokalani, the last monarch of Hawaii. Dharmapala’s empathy — as a fellow citizen of an oppressed nation — forged a deep connection that endured for decades.

A Voice for Psychological Insight and Cultural Sensitivity

Dharmapala’s teaching style resonated powerfully with Western audiences because he presented Buddhism not as a cultural tradition but as a psychological path grounded in timeless principles. He emphasized the akālika (immediate) nature of Buddhist wisdom, distilling complex teachings into practical insights that transcended cultural boundaries. His ability to frame Buddha-Dhamma in terms of mental well-being made his teachings particularly accessible in the West.

His close association with Paul Carus, a German-American theologian with an affinity for Buddhist philosophy, further solidified Dharmapala’s role as a bridge between Eastern spirituality and Western thought. Carus admired Dharmapala’s balanced approach, which closely mirrored the Buddhist concept of the Middle Path (majjimā paṭipadā).

A Visionary Entrepreneur and Social Reformer

Born into a prominent business family, Dharmapala possessed natural entrepreneurial acumen. Recognizing the economic challenges faced by rural Sri Lankans, he actively promoted the local textile industry, encouraging communities to revive the traditional handloom trade. This endeavor not only supported economic independence but also reinforced national identity during colonial rule.

A Prolific Writer and Thought Leader

Dharmapala’s literary contributions remain invaluable. His essays, speeches, and letters offer profound insights into personal development, social ethics, and spiritual practice. Ambassador Professor Ananda W.P. Guruge’s comprehensive anthology, Return to Righteousness (1965), preserves Dharmapala’s writings, serving as a guiding light for those seeking to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and resilience.

A Model of Professionalism and Integrity

Dharmapala’s tireless dedication to preserving Buddhist heritage demanded meticulous planning and unwavering discipline. His diary entries reveal a man deeply committed to professionalism and ethical conduct. He consistently emphasized the importance of accountability, urging even Buddhist monks to uphold high standards when engaged in dhammadūta (Buddhist missionary) work. While his critiques were often firm, they stemmed from a profound sense of responsibility and compassion.

A Legacy that Transcends Borders

Anagarika Dharmapala’s life was a testament to selfless service. Despite being born into affluence, he chose to dedicate his wealth, intellect, and labor to the welfare of humanity. His impact extended far beyond Sri Lanka, leaving indelible marks on Buddhist communities in the United States, Canada, England, France, Germany, and Japan.

In embracing the role of a bodhisattva in modern times, Dharmapala embodied the ideal of compassionate action. His legacy endures as a reminder that true fulfillment lies not in material gain but in a life devoted to the betterment of others — a profound lesson for citizens of the world today.

By Rev. Dr. Dedunupitiye Upananda

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Important Letter to the Supporters
31st March 2025
Dear supporters,
We, the trustees of the London Buddhist Vihara Trust (LBV Trust) are aware that you have received an email recently with a letter from the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust (ADT) in Sri Lanka. As this has been sent without the knowledge and the authority of the LBV Trust, it is important to explain the present situation at the London Buddhist Vihara.
London Buddhist Vihara (LBV) was registered as a Charity in December 2020 as it had been a long-awaited need to be regulated by the Charity Commission (CC) in the UK and fully protected by the legal system in the UK and other relevant authorities. Furthermore, LBV needed to be fully transparent. It was a condition laid down by the CC that LBV Trust had to be independent of ADT as the CC didn’t have the jurisdiction over organisations in Sri Lanka. In fact, the trustees had to give an undertaking confirming that and it was agreed by all.

LBV Trust is legally authorised to manage the LBV. The management and the maintenance of the building also is the responsibility of the LBV Trust. The Title Deed registered at the Land Registry in the UK confirms that the owner of the building is the Public Trustee of Sri Lanka, and the building was bought for the LBV after selling the previous property. The LBV is totally funded by the supporters. The major building extension that completed in 2021 was also possible due to the generous support of you all and the confidence that you have placed in the management. All the relevant documents in this regard are available at LBV.

Furthermore, the LBV is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for Data Protection and the ICO Licence is held by the LBV Trust which has the authority and the responsibility to control the Data of our supporters. If anyone breeches the Data Protection Regulations by misusing the personal information of the supporters, the LBV Trust is duty bound to report the matter to ICO.

The said letter that you received has so much misinformation that it seems to be an attempt to damage the reputation of the LBV trustees.The claim that the present trustees have been removed, and new trustees have been appointed by ADT is false. You could easily check this on the Charity Commission website under London Buddhist Vihara Trust (Charity No 1192854). It will show that the present trustees named below are still there. The Charity Commission does not follow instructions from third parties and there is a procedure to follow in these matters even for Authorised people. This is just one example of the misinformation contained in the letter to mislead the supporters. Not what is expected of an organisation which is expected to support the Mission of Anagarika Dharmapala.

In addition to this, a few individuals are disrupting the smooth running of the Vihara saying that ADT has given them the authority. They include a person who was appointed by LBV Trust on the recommendation of ADT but later removed due to serious violations and was reported to the Action Fraud as per the guidelines provided by CC.

These people are insulting and harassing our volunteers, the office staff and the visitors and the trustees have now handed over the matter to the lawyers following the advice from the relevant authorities. We think that is the correct way to handle such people.

A few months ago, the trustees got to know that their names as authorised signatories had been removed from the signing mandate of the Charity account maintained at Bank of Ceylon (UK) Ltwithout their knowledge. This account is registered at the CC. As per the Governing Document of LBV Trust, only the trustees can be the authorised signatories. The Head Monk was also included as an
additional signatory but as he is not a trustee, he does not have any authority to make decisions on the account. The trustees have reported this matter to the relevant authorities and as it is being investigated at present, we shall not comment further.
Some of you would know that LBV had a very difficult time in 2002 when a contractor filed a case against LBV regarding a dispute over a building project. ADT trustees were named as the defendants as ADT was managing LBV at the time through their representative. Part of the building was sealed off with a court injunction taken out by the contractor and as ADT had not filed answers, the case would have been decided ex-parte and the building could have been lost. Two of the present trustees were asked for help and they volunteered to do what they could despite their busy professional lives. There was no money left in the Vihara account for legal expenses. ADT didn’t provide any funds to defend themselves and it was the donations by our loyal supporters that financed the legal process. The said
volunteers were given Power of Attorneys to act on behalf of the ADT trustees, who did not come to UK. After more than two years of legal wrangling, the case was decided in favour of the LBV and the Building was saved. During that time the Vihara Management Committee (VMC) was formed with three volunteers including the two mentioned earlier. VMC managed the LBV with one more additional member joining in 2010, until 2020 when it was registered as a Charity. Since then LBV is being managed by LBV Trust as an independent UK Charity.

We want to say “Thank you” for your support over the years without which we would not have been able to do so much for LBV including the completion of the building project in 2021.

Link to the Charity Commission website:
https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5168206/trustees

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Devotees wishing to receive blessings at the Vihara are advised to make an appointment with one of the resident monks

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Situation at the London Buddhist Vihara-As was at 31 December 2024

Dear Supporters,

 We wish you all a Peaceful, Happy and Healthy New Year. 

As there are many new supporters, we feel that it is good to write to you all with some background information about the London Buddhist Vihara (LBV) and an update. 

Some of you would know the history of the LBV but it is good to mention it briefly here. As you know, the LBV moved to the present location in 1994. Ven. Vajiragnana, the Head Monk at the time, had the foresight and the courage to take that step with the generous help of the supporters who have been a great strength to him.
In the HM Land Registry title deed the proprieter of the building is listed as the Public Trustee of Sri Lanka acting as Custodian Trustee of the Anagarika Dharmapala Trust (ADT).   

 There was the need to make changes to the building for it to be suitable for a Vihara and it was done. Then in 2002, as more space was needed, a contractor was engaged to build an extension. The construction started with the donations received from the supporters. Unfortunately, for some reason the costs far exceeded the original estimate which LBV was unable to meet, and the contractor issued a High Court writ against the ADT demanding a payment of £95,000 for unpaid bills.

It was then that three people including two of the present trustees were asked by the ADT for help with the matter and they were given Power of Attorney’s (POA) as they had to represent the ADT in the UK.

The Vihara Management Committee (VMC) was formed at the time with the three persons mentioned above and they took the necessary action immediately by retaining lawyers and filing the required reply within the few days left. Failure to file a reply would have meant summary justice by the court which could have resulted in losing the LBV building bought with the supporters’ donations. However, thanks to the supporters who continued with their donations, the VMC managed to put up a defence and the case was decided in favour of the LBV after over two years of a difficult litigation process. Afterwards the VMC continued to manage the Vihara and in 2006 completed the extension that the contractor had left only partially completed. Again all the funding was by the donors and we all can be happy that Ven. Vajiragnana was able to see the completion and also move into his new quarters before his passing away in December 2006.

The VMC continued to manage the Vihara and welcomed a new member in 2010, who had been a supporter for a long time and was instrumental in the completion of the extension after the court case.

The continuing progress of the LBV demanded more space for its programs and also for accommodation of monks. Planning Permission was a big issue as the building has a Grade II listing and due to the limited space available. After several attempts with different architects, we eventually succeeded in getting planning permission from the Ealing Borough Council in 2019.

Although a substantial amount had been saved by the LBV, the estimated cost of the project was £1 million after lengthy negotiations and cost cutting. There were suggestions from the ADT, that it  should be done in stages as they felt that there was no likelihood of raising the required funds. The project was managed by one of our trustees who is highly qualified and experienced in that field thereby saving about £70,000 in project and cost management fees. Our supporters came forward once again raising a substantial amount of money. This support with the efficient management helped us to complete the project in one year and within the allocated budget despite the challenges faced during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.   

Getting LBV registered as a Charitable Trust had been a long term need as we were not able to benefit from Gift Aid. Furthermore, the accountant warned us that LBV would have to pay tax on the donations unless it becomes a charity. It was also important that the LBV is properly regulated under the Charity Commission (CC) regulations and is subject to the UK legal system.

This was achieved with the agreement and approval of the of the ADT who were involved right from the beginning of the formation of the Trust in December 2020.

During the formation process, the draft Trust Deed prepared by the ADT was not accepted by the CC and instead suggested that we use a Trust Deed prepared by the CC as it was necessary to ensure the independence of the LBV Trust from the ADT in order to act in the best interest of the LBV. CC stated that ADT as an organisation based in Sri Lanka was outside the jurisdiction of the CC and the Legal System of the UK. Furthermore, the trustees had to give an undertaking to the CC that they would act independently in the best interest of the LBV. With the formation of the Charitable Trust, the management of the LBV and the maintenance of the Building was officially transferred to the LBV Trust.

Therefore, the Trustees are legally bound to oversee the Vihara activities fulfilling the objectives of the late Anagarika Dharmapala and for efficient management including filing accounts, Annual Returns and Annual Reports with the CC according to the CC regulations.

It should be noted that the title deed of the building (HM Land Registry, Title No AGL38505) remains with the Public Trustee of Sri Lanka as the Custodian Trustee of the ADT. LBV has occupied the building for 30 years now.

In 2022 the ADT nominated a person to be appointed as a trustee by the LBV Trust, which was done in good faith although there were certain issues.

In September 2023 the new trustee and another trustee were found to be involved in serious violations of the signed Trust Deed, CC Regulations and the Charities Act 2011. These included making unauthorised changes to the CC register which was a criminal offence under the Charities Act. After clarifying the matters with the CC and as per the guidelines provided by the CC, they were terminated as trustees following the procedures laid down by the Trust deed and the Charities Act 2011. This was  after giving them the opportunity to provide explanations and also to attend a Trust meeting which were not taken up by either of them.

 As the trustees are responsible for the safety of the trust funds and also the Data Protection, the above action had to be taken by the other three Trustees as per the guidelines of the Charity Commission and the Charities Act 2011. If not, the other three trustees would have been guilty of not taking appropriate action in the best interest of the LBV and its supporters.

In December 2023, before commencing the fourth year of forming the LBV Trust, the LBV Trust has appointed a long standing, highly respected LBV coordinator as a trustee and the Trust now has 4 trustees who have been actively involved in the LBV matters for many years. 

As mentioned above, we the trustees, the Head Monk, Ven. Bandula and the resident monks have a high regard for our supporters who have helped the Vihara so much over the years. Should you require any clarification on these matters please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also check the current situation of the LBV Trust on the Charity Commission website under London Buddhist Vihara Trust (Charity registration 1192854).     

Finally we the undersigning Trustees, wish to reiterate to all the supporters that we shall be carrying out our duties and responsibilities with the main interest of safeguarding the London Buddhist Vihara  for which we are legally bound  under the UK Charity Commission regulations and the Charities Act 2011.

With Metta

1 Mr Gamini Amarasekera

2 Dr Lakdas Panagoda

3 Mr Leslie Dep*

4 Mr Harsha Siriwardane

Trustees of the London Buddhist Vihara Trust    
31 December 2024                         

Note: Leslie Dep submitted his resignation as a trustee from January 2025 due to personal reasons