跨傳統的美籍僧人蘇曼伽羅：與及其開啟大馬佛青運動興起的特徵與局限

The Emergence of the Young Buddhist Movement in Malaysia Launched by the American Monk Ven. Sumangal

大馬佛青運動的播種者，是一位具有「卡里斯瑪」（Charisma）領袖特質的美籍僧——蘇曼迦羅（Ven. Sumangal 1903-1963）。學界認為蘇僧入馬弘化的成果與他白人身份及特殊成長背景無不緊密相關。為解開這項迷思，本研究試圖從他的傳記與弘化事蹟，探討其生平與及其開啟大馬佛青運動興起的作用。研究發現：首先，蘇僧占上時代的優勢和先機，獲得檳城佛學院提供的平臺。接著，其特殊成長背景賦予了他獨特的視野和格局，對不合時宜的傳統進行改革，最終引領一群知識青年促成運動的興起，這對大馬佛教發展史中有著非凡意義。可惜，蘇僧圓寂後，平日仰靠他核心領導的組織就失去了主力。從這也折射出蘇僧不擅深思博學，亦不擅組織建立。一方面，折射出大馬佛教適時調適與轉型的徵兆。

The sower of the young Buddhist movement in Malaysia was an American monk with unusual leadership charisma: Ven. Sumangal (1903-1963). Scholars believe that his success in propagating Buddhism in Malaysia is closely related to his white ethnicity and unique upbringing. This study aims to examine his biography and propagation efforts to explore his life and role in initiating the rise of the Buddhist youth movement in Malaysia. The research indicates that Ven. Sumangal capitalized on the advantages and opportunities of his time by gaining a platform provided by the Penang Buddhist College. Furthermore, his unique upbringing endowed him with a distinct perspective which allowed him to reform outdated traditions and lead to the emergence of a movement embraced by educated youths. This movement is very significant in the history of Buddhism in Malaysia. Unfortunately, after Ven.Sumangalo’s passing, the organization that relied heavily on his central leadership lost its main driving force without his deep knowledge and organizational ability. It also indicates the need for timely adaptation and transformation in the Buddhist landscape of Malaysia.