Ven Madoluwawe Sobhitha - A hero among destitutes

It is with great sadness that I write on passing of Ven Madoluwawe Sobhitha Thero, who passed away while under treatment for a brief heart condition. He had been an iconic monk here in Sri Lanka, where Buddhist monks have played a decisive role in the island nation's sociopolitical affairs throughout history. Just like the passing of Steve Jobs was reported in The Onion as 'The Last American Who Knew What * He Was Doing, Dies', it is only fair to say that this man has been the very last surviving member of those greats. Stuck in a land which has its entire moral compass utterly corrupted to the core, Ven Sobhitha thero had been a lighthouse in choppy uncharted dark waters called Sri Lanka.

All throughout his life he has fought for justice for his people, be it the corrupt and barbaric economic policies, loss of Sinhalese identity, devious measures to undermine free education and NHS (thank you, Aneurin Bevan), or establishment of a fake monarchy headed by a bunch of barbaric monkeys – the monk had been in the forefront of battle. He never swayed from his ideals, never went down on his knees in front of politicians asking for favours, never was bought and sold, and most of all, as a true son of Buddha, took everything with a healthy dose of equanimity. He had single-handedly provided the ideological basis for establishment of good-governance in the land, had criticised when it failed – staunchly honest as he ever was.

I am writing this in a land where Buddhist monks sworn to a life of austerity are driven around in Mercedes-Benz motors, where followers of the great renunciation hero of mankind amass wealth and fame and are bought by the dozen, where they preach to lose cravings after specifically requesting sear-steaks. In contrast, Ven Sobhitha didn't have a Mercedes, he never requested deviled sear-steaks, nor had he ever asked a politico for a favour. His life reminds me of 19th century Polish rabbi, Hofetz Chaim. When asked by a tourist where his furniture is, the rabbi countered by asking where is yours. The puzzled tourist is reported to have said 'Mine?, I'm only passing through" - to which the rabbi said "So am I." In the same vein, venerable monk also did not peruse earthly goods – even at the risk of his life and limb. Many a time they have attempted to buy him out, either by force or with money, I was told. As far as I know, he had been the sole monk who was not bought, never been bought is the distinction he will carry with him to his grave – I wonder how many people, either in the cloth or amongst laymen can claim that title.

I am writing this not far from where his body is being cremated, as I am penning these words, they have lit the funeral pyres. Just like late Sir John Kothalawala's government was the last legitimate government in this country, this man who is being cremated here had been the last of the legitimate Buddhist monks in this country – poor Sri Lanka is unlikely to bear another in any foreseeable time. With his passing, an unbroken line of true 'gramawasi' (meaning community dwelling) monks come to an end. Hated by all forms of politicians, and being a thorn in the side of legislators and corrupted officials, an eyesore to barbarians like the 'monk' who heads 'Bodu Balu Sena', news of his passing has been a jovial advent to most politicians and monks around here. However the measure of the man and his esteemed eminence can be observed by taking a quick walk today anywhere here, where the common people volunteered to raise a saffron flag at their home, office, or car. His loss has been deeply felt by people of other faiths – Muslims and Hindus specially, who have come forth in multitudes to honour him. While politically opinionated Sinhalese-Buddhists rejoice in his demise, the people of other faiths and the actual moral majority are in mourning.

In my humble opinion, greatest tribute and honour the venerable monk received in his passing is the open rejoicing of his demise by the corrupted peoples of Sri Lanka. It tells me he died an honest man, true to his soul and creed, he was never bought, and he stuck to his ideals and preachings of Buddha to the last breath. Some people say that G-d sees the moral corruption of the world and decides to destroy it, but refrains himself as he sees the very few good people still on Earth. For their sake, G-d does not destroy the world, and the wicked as well as the good see the sun rise next morning. With the passing of Ven Modoluwawe Sobhitha, I fear there is one less reason for people to have the sun tomorrow.