When I lived in Sri Lanka, every year we would have a week of chanting at my temple. It is a beautiful annual event with several thousand people chanting for twenty four hours a day. Around the temple Bodhi tree they build a colorful gazebo and monks chant continually. Many people support this event with devotion. Among them I saw a young Buddhist monk who was always smiling. He walked around the Bodhi tree doing all the cleaning and taking care of the offerings to the Buddha. He would smile at the people who brought offerings and flowers to the Buddha. He would help them in ordering the colors and shape of flowers. It was a beautiful deed and interesting to observe. I saw this young monk always find focus and devotion in the moment. I loved to watch him . When I would go to watch him, he would always ask “Bhante, do you want to help me make these flowers beautiful?” He would put some jasmine flowers my hands and tell me that this would be a good blessing for me. This how I saw this faithful and devout young monk named Somananda. He was truly attending to the Buddha with simple smile on his face . I have seen that sometimes temple devotees bring him gifts of candy and chocolates. The people love him.
Bhante Somananda was born in Sri Lanka on February 19,1986 in the small village of Lagamuwa, Kandy . He has six brothers and sisters and he is the fifth child in his family. When he was ten years old, he entered the monastery for his monk training at Subodharama International Bhikkhu Training College in Sri Lanka.
I always tell him that he is a good nurse. Once, I was hospitalized for a few weeks in Sri Lanka. Somanada was my caregiver. When I was in pain he always gave me a foot massage . He has so much kindness and gratefulness. I am always telling him that he has healing hands. Truly, he does.
Anther interesting thing I saw in his character is how well organized he is. He loves to clean because he can not handle messes. His room is always clean and neat .
In 2012, I sponsored him to Blue Lotus Temple. I think he is a good addition to our center. He was at our home temple Great Lake Buddhist Vihara under Bhante Sankichcha’s tutorial. Now he is back at Blue Lotus. I know he still has a long way to go in this country as a young monk. We must support and encourage him as he becomes more dedicated to his journey.
~ Bhante Sujatha