Anagarika Dharmapala

This is a short biographical film of the great Sri Lankan revivalist Anagarika Dharmapala, who was the founder of the Maha Bodhi Society, and helped with getting Buddhist representation at the Bodhgaya site, and many other projects in Sri Lanka, India and western countries.

The film is mainly an illustrated narration, and although well done, with interesting photographs and a competant summary of his life’s work, one could have wished for a more full-scale biography, which surely cannot be beyond the capabilities of those responsible.

As it is, for those who know nothing, or less, about his work, this film still serves as an introduction to his lifetime’s dedicated service to the Buddhist cause, and outlines some of his major achievements.

These include the establishment of Buddhist educational facilities in Sri Lanka, including colleges, schools and Sunday schools; Buddhist national newspapers; the establishment of the Maha Bodhi society, which has helped so many over the years, and establishments of temples and Buddhist societies in western countries.