2008 Woodie Awards
Big Monk on Campus
Spiritual waters run deep for this dedicated Valley student with a drive for excellence.
Susan Maltby
Issue date: 3/2/05 Section: News
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"People often ask about my robes, wondering if I'm too poor to buy clothes," said Hemaratana, a 32-year-old Sri Lanka native. "I tell them 'No, I am a monk and I have to wear this,' then they understand."
Hemaratana considers himself blessed to be living in the United States. "In my country monks are not allowed to drive," said Hemaratana, who now enjoys the daily commute from his monastery in Sun Valley. "I never drove before. I had to take 12 or 30 lessons," the monk explained with a laugh.
Leaving behind his parents and brother, Hemaratana immigrated to California in 2001. He says he doesn't get too homesick though, because he keeps busy and has three other monks for roommates who are also from Sri Lanka.
"I pray every morning at the temple at 6 a.m.," said Hemaratana. "The temple has many meditation classes taught by monks."
Fluent in the ancient languages of Pali and Sanskrit, this psychology major first entered the Buddhist priesthood at 13. "I moved into the temple and studied so many books. I read too many books," said Hemaratana. "I was called a 'Samanera.' After 20 years I had to [achieve] a higher ordination to become a monk."
As an important rite of passage into monkhood, his name was changed from Janaka Hemachandra to the name that now appears on his cherished driver's license.
After passing his driving test, Hemaratana was eager to get on the road. "The high priest from my country sent me some money to help out with my first car, an '85 Buick Century. Transmission problems led the car to the junk yard."
Soon afterwards, Hemaratana purchased his second car, a 1988 Mercedes Benz, which he drove for two years until he could afford the car he now drives, a brand new 2004 Toyota Corolla.
"I don't know why monks can't drive in Sri Lanka," said Hemaratana. "Most people go by bus. The transportation system there is very good."
With plans to graduate with an A.A. in psychology, Hemaratana has attended Valley for the past three years. Since 2003, he's been working at Valley's Learning Center welcoming students and helping them find tutoring resources.
Kristie Humphries, instructional assistant, said that it's always a pleasure to go into the office and see him working behind the counter.
"He started out as a student of mine and when he asked for a job I was happy to offer him the position," said Humphries. "He's patient and reliable. He's also got the greatest laugh. I know one of the reasons he has a job is to pay for his car and stuff."
Unlike many other college guys his age, Hemaratana doesn't use his driving privileges to go cruisin' for babes.
"Someday I'll be a high priest but I can't get married. If I got married I would be disrobed and banned from the temple," said Hemaratana. "If I meet the right girl, yeah I'd consider leaving the priesthood, but I'm not sure if I'll find someone like that."
