Degrees and Titles
In 1955, the Government of Myanmar (then Burma) conferred him the title "Agga Maha Pandita" (Great Chief Scholar) to honour his unprecedented service at the Sixth Buddhist council. To honor his unique service to the Buddha Śāsana, Myanmar also conferred him the highest Sangha title, "Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru" (Most Eminent Great Spiritual Teacher), which is equivalent to Sangharaja in 1997. Ananda Maithreya Thero received the "Thripitaka Vaagishwaracharya Pravachana Visharada Raajakeeya Panditha" honours degree from the Government of Sri Lanka. In addition to that, Nayaka Thero has received two honorary titles, "Saahithyasuuri" from Vidyodaya University and "Saahithya Chakrawarthi" from Vidyalankara University.
The humbleness of Maha Nayaka Thero's character is clearly shown, when he publicly stated that he had no liking whatsoever for titles and awards, but that he was rather accepting it to satisfy the presenter. He quoted Lord Buddha in his speech saying "I often remind myself of My Great Buddha's preaching in the Sanyuktha nikaya of the Abhidhamma Pitaka of the worthlessness and futileness of the craving for awards, titles and commanding positions".
Read more about this topic: Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero
Famous quotes containing the words degrees and/or titles:
“Gradually we come to admit that Shakespeare understands a greater extent and variety of human life than Dante; but that Dante understands deeper degrees of degradation and higher degrees of exaltation.”
—T.S. (Thomas Stearns)
“Lear. Dost thou call me fool, boy?
Fool. All thy other titles thou hast given away; that thou wast born with.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)