Ven. Katugastota Uparathana Thera’s journey in America

BY ANURADHA KODAGODA, The Sunday Observer, 26 Jan 2025

Silver Spring, Maryland (USA) -- North America’s Chief Judicial Sanganayaka and Viharadhipathi of the Maryland Buddhist Temple in America, Ven Katugastota Uparathana Thera has made significant strides in spreading Buddhism across America for the past few decades. He has worked as a Consultant on meditation at the University of Washington and was also a former Consultant on the Sinhala Language and culture at the US State Department. Recently he was honoured with a prestigious lifetime award from former American President Joe Biden. Ven. Uparathana Thera reflected on his impactful journey in an interview with the Sunday Observer during his visit to Sri Lanka recently.

Ven Katugastota Uparathana Thera recalled, “I went to America in the early 1980s. My gurudev, Henepola Gunaratana Nayaka Thera is now 98-years-old. He played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhist philosophy in America by lecturing in American universities about Theravada Buddhism and on meditation. Ven Uparathana Thera’s academic journey reached greater heights because of this association. He said, “At the same time, it helped me in my higher education in America and to obtain my PhD. My gurudev, Ven Gunaratana Thera played a great role in spreading the Buddhist philosophy in America.”

Written a number of books

Ven Uparathana Thera has also written a number of books in English on Theravada Buddhism. His book ‘Mindfulness in Plain English’ has been translated into 30 languages ​​and has been included in the list of best-sellers.

Because of this association, Ven Uparathana Thera also got the opportunity to work on meditation, the Tripitaka Dharma and Theravada Dharma. After graduating from the Kelaniya University, Ven Uparathana Thera got the opportunity to go to America on the invitation of his gurudev, Gunaratna Thera. He was able to get the green card at the same time. “So it was easy to work. I went there for his help”, Ven Uparathana Thera said.

Washington, D.C. is a city with a large number of embassies representing almost every country in South Asia, Europe and the rest of the world and a large number of migrants from different countries live in America, the Thera said. “Our main goal was to popularise Buddhism among these nations. Many of them have never seen our robes before. However, a large number of people showed great interest in learning about Buddhist philosophy. At first many people thought we were Indians”, the Thera said.

In this environment, he had the opportunity to engage and educate Americans. “I continued my higher education in Washington. At that university, I had the opportunity to teach them what Buddhism is and who the Buddha is.” Guided by Ven. Henepola Gunarathana Nayaka Thera, Ven. Uparathana Thera found invaluable support. “Due to the propaganda we have been doing for a long time, many have offered me the opportunity to work with the White House,” he said

Reflecting on the divisions within the Buddhist community in America, he said, “At that time Buddhists living in America were divided and comprised the Sri Lankan Buddhists, the Thai Buddhists and the Vietnamese Buddhists. There were huge divisions in this regard.” To foster unity, they set up an international Buddhist Association of America. Ven. Uparathana Thera said how uniting the Buddhist community enabled them to finally represent themselves at the White House. “Through the Association, we were able to bring all the Buddhists under one umbrella and spread the Buddhist ideology and as a result Buddhist unity. Thus we got the opportunity to be represented at the White House”, he said.

When a President is elected to the White House, other than the bhikkhus, priests of other religions gather and bless the President. We were saddened that we did not get this opportunity. The reason was because they did not know about us, ” he said.

Ven. Uparathana Thera’s commitment and that of the others to collaborate, led to a meaningful outreach. “We went to all the temples in America and joined them in preaching Buddhism and practising various religious activities. To continue this endeavour we got contributions from the Buddhists living in America as well as from Americans who appreciate Buddhism.”

Ven. Uparathana Thera is the chairman of the Association, while Wangmo Dixey, originally from Tibet, is the president of the Association and is a Buddhist American woman. The Thera said, the specialty of the Association is that they recognise and respect the differences in the concept of Buddhism among the different countries in Asia and share the experience and acquire the main features of Buddhism and liberation without creating divisions.

In 2022, during the Biden administration, they celebrated Vesak at the White House for the first time. “We were given about an hour for that. At first, only five or six of us got the chance to go to the White House. But now about 25-30 get the opportunity to participate. This is a great pride for us as Buddhists.” He added that they hope to hold the Vesak celebration this year at the Washington Monument grounds with representatives from other Buddhist countries. The celebration will include a Perahera and other cultural events related to Vesak, Ven Uparathana Thera said.

The support of Asians has been crucial for this recognition. “Hindu priests helped to introduce us to the White House,” the Thera said. “Since we are all Asian, with their help and understanding, we were able to show that Buddhism was a non-violent religion and the spread of kindness and friendship was a major part”, the Thera said. This cooperation led to the momentous celebration of Vesak at the White House which Ven. Uparathana Thera viewed as a significant acknowledgment of Buddhism in America.

Unique nature of Buddhism

Speaking of the unique nature of Buddhism, he said, “Buddhism is a unique religion. There is no God who created us. The Buddha was born as a human being and reached the status of a Buddha”. Ven. Uparathana Thera was aware that this concept might be challenging for many to grasp, especially for the Americans as their religious beliefs are typically based on a God who is the creator. “This is not something that followers of other religions can quite believe. Because all other religions refer to a ‘God’ who created man. At the beginning, we had to debate a lot about this. But with time, many Americans were motivated and understood the Buddhist philosophy.”

As a result, many teachings of Buddhism have gained traction in the U.S. today. “Many of the teachings of Buddhism are currently very prevalent in America. Concepts such as mindfulness are even stated in their school textbooks.”

Given the fast-paced, stressful life in America, Ven. Uparathana Thera sees Buddhism as particularly relevant. “America is a very developed country and that’s why people are busy. They suffer from mental stress and various mental complications very quickly. To get rid of this, Buddhism has activities and guidelines. Many Americans know about this. They are willing to accept it”, the Thera said.

He also spoke proudly of the largest Buddhist meditation centre built in West Virginia under the leadership of his gurudev, Gunaratana Thera. “Under the leadership of Ven. Henepola Gunaratana Nayaka Thera, this Buddhist meditation centre began construction in 1982 on a 10-acre plot of land in West Virginia which is about 100 km away from Washington” , the Thera said.

Ven. Uparathana Thera was also involved in setting up the Centre. “My gurudev worked hard to collect funds for this. The Americans helped a lot. It was at the time when I went to Washington and every weekend I went there with my friends and they helped us to build and to supervise the construction”, he said.

Once the centre was built, he dedicated himself to serving the community. “I too was involved in building the place and following the construction of the meditation centre, I worked as a cook to serve food for the people who came to meditate there.” Over time, the centre gained popularity. “Currently, it is a fully functioning Buddhist meditation centre”, he said.

Meditation chambers

There are separate meditation chambers for women and for men.” Ven Uparatana Thera said, “Over time, this became a popular meditation and Buddhist centre among the Americans. Now it is operating as one of the largest Buddhist meditation centres in West Virginia, spread over 50 acres.”

Ven. Uparathana Thera explaining the non-conversion aspect of Buddhism said, “We never persuade anyone to convert to Buddhism. As we know, that is something against the Buddha’s preaching.” He said, “Buddhism is a philosophy and we only preach Buddhism in an understandable manner and introduce it as a philosophy and that is exactly what the Buddha has done.”

His contention is that Americans are drawn to the Buddhist philosophy because of its promise of ultimate freedom. “American’s like the Buddhist philosophy as it’s all about obtaining ultimate freedom. Therefore, we don’t feel the need to persuade anyone to convert to Buddhism. Those who really appreciate inner freedom and mindfulness always choose Buddhism as a pathway.”

However, he acknowledges that language barriers can limit the spread of Buddhist teachings. “There are many talented and spiritual bhikkhus in the country who preach Buddhism clearly and in an engaging manner. The only problem is most of them are restricted to Sinhala and don’t think about learning different languages”, the Thera said

Ven. Uparathana Thera’s view is that “There are ample opportunities where you can expand the philosophy of Buddhism around the world if you know different languages such as English, German and French.”

Recognising the challenges many people face today, he said, “The world is getting chaotic day-by-day and people are drowning in a lot of pressure, anxiety and stress.” He sees the Buddhist philosophy as a necessary remedy. “The Buddhist philosophy brings a lot of clarity to oneself and as the agents of the Buddha and his philosophy, we believe that spreading this noble philosophy around the world is much needed”, the Thera said. Through his commitment, Ven. Katugastota Uparathana Thera continues to inspire not only the Buddhist community in America but also a wider audience who seek peace and understanding through the teachings of Buddhism.