A Study of educational thought and educational contributions of the maha bodhi society of ceylon (Sri Lanka)

Abstract

This study i s an attempt to present the educational thought of the Maha Bodhi Society of Ceylon ( S r i Lanka) and trace i t s educational a c t i v i t i e s. Part I of t h i s study refers to the h i s t o r i c al background and the inception of the Maha Bodhi Society. The Buddhist Revival provides the background on which the significance of the educational thought and educati o n a l a c t i v i t i e s of the Maha Bodhi Society should be sought. Part I I s p e l l s out the educational thought of the society as expressed by Anagarika Dharmapala, i n terms of educational p r i n c i p l e s , aims of education and aspects of the curriculum. Part I I I i l l u s t r a t e s the educational a c t i v i t i es of the society divided i n t o four broad periods from i t s commencement i n 1898 t o i t s termination i n I960 with the take over of denominational schools. Part IV deals with the conclusion, whereby an attempt has been made t o evaluate the educational contributions of the Maha Bodhi Soci ty i n terms of educational thought and the educational program. This no doubt i s only a preliminary study, and by no means a complete one. However I believe t h is research study w i l l make some contribution to the h i s t o ry of education of our country.