VEN.S.MAHINDA THERO

S. Mahinda was born in Grantock, the capital of the capital of Sikhim a small state bordering Tibet in 1901, into a well-known family. His family. His family name was S.K Thashinamgal. His Professor of the Tibetan language at the University of Calcutta. The second in the family had been the Prime Minister of the king of Sikhim. The third was a Buddhist monk. He lived with his monk brother since his parents had died when he was still a child.

In 1913, his monk -bother and Venerable Nanatilaka a German Buddhist monk brought him to Sri Lanka. They took residence at Polgasduwa Arama Dodanduwa. He had studied Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit and Buddha Dhamma at Vidyodaya Pirivena, Saila Bimbaramaya, Dodanduwa, Ratmalana Raja Maha Viharaya and later on joined Maha Bodhi Vidyalaya, Maradana for his English education.

Sometime after the first world war, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk under the guidance of Ven. Ratagama Sri Chulasumana of the Anuradhapur sect. He was given the name S.Mahind (Sikhim Mahinda) Again in June,1913 he was reordained in the Syamopali sect, under Ven Lunupokune Sri Dhammananda, Principal of Vidyalankara Pirivena, Peliyagoda. His spiritual teacher was Ven. Kirigalpotte Dharmakirthi Sri Dharmarama Indrajothi Nayaka Thero, the chief incumbent of Ratmalana Raja Maha Viharaya. His higher ordination was made at the Malwathu Vihara, Kandy in 1931.

He continued his studies and was able to pass the preliminary and intermediate examinations of the Oriental Studies Society. This helped him to serve as teacher of Sinhala, Pali and Sanskrit at Ananda Collage, Colombo for abour four year from 1934.

True he was not a Sinhalese by birth but his love for the adopted country was obvious. This love for the country found expression in his poetical works. As poet he had two main Objectives. One was that he wanted to infuse vigour into the struggle for independence that had been activated by the national leaders. Nidahase Manttaraya, Nidahase Dahana and Siri Lak Amme are three poetical works of Ven.S.Mahinda. These compositions were a direct appeal to the nation aimed and straightforward.

He paid careful attention to helping in the development of children’s education. Several of his poetical works were intended for the children. Lama Kaw Kalaba became very popular in schools Kawmina,Kawmuthu, Ova Mutu Dama, Nandana Geetha and The Cradle of the nation were also intended for the children to read and enjoy. The language of these compositions is simple, the experiences that they speak of appeal to the young mind. Not only they make reading enjoyable, but also are greatly helpful in learning the right kind of behaviour, knowing about the glory of the past and emotional development of the children.

Several books on Buddhism, commentaries on some Sinhala classics and some biographies have also been written by Ven.S.Mahinda was poet and patriot of nobel make. He had definite message to the nation and he was sincere in his purpose

On 16.03.1951 at the age of 50 a life lived for the good of others came to an end at his temple at Alubomulla.