In Britain: 1914-1923
The Life of Allan Bennett, Bhikkhu Ananda Metteyya - (Volume 1 of Allan Bennett, Bhikkhu Ananda Metteyya: Biography and Collected Writings) - Elizabeth J. Harris
Elizabeth J. Harris [+ ]
University of Birmingham
John L. Crow [+ ]
Florida State University
Description
Chapter Five examines the last nine years of Ananda Metteyya’s life, which were spent in Britain. He was forced to return to Britain because of the state of his health and disrobed (becoming a lay person again), because the journey would involve handling money. His intention was to join his sister on her return to the United States of America. When his passage to America was refused because of his health, Buddhists in the Liverpool area looked after him, with the Buddhist Society raising money for his support. During World War One, his health rallied and he returned to London, taking on responsibilities within the Buddhist Society, his passion for Buddhism undiminished. During these years, he struggled with poverty and chronic illness but continued to influence many through lectures, writing and conversation. He died of an intestinal obstruction on 9 March 1923.