Dear Piya, Dr Bittar and friends,
what Piya say is right, the title of "chief monk" is conventional
rather than official. The status is, for the most, recognised among
Theravada buddhists. If I am not wrong, it is given to Ven.
Dhammananda by the Thai Patriarch to recognise his contribution in
dhammaduta works(?). Informally, and light-heartedly, some Buddhists
would address him that way as a form of respect.
metta,
Yong Peng
--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, Piya Tan wrote:
Your kind sentiments are well noted. However, please note that
neither Malaysia nor Singapore have any "chief monk" or "high
priest" although certain Nikayas or "sects" may have their own head
priests appointed by their own HQs in Sri Lanka or elsewhere.