Godwin Samararatne
Sri Lanka·Theravada Buddhism (lay teacher)·Male·20th century
Godwin Samararatne was a prominent lay meditation teacher from Sri Lanka, known for his extensive teaching career at the Nilambe Meditation Centre near Kandy. He significantly influenced individuals worldwide through his meditation retreats and therapeutic work, with many attesting to the profound impact of his teachings after his death. Samararatne also collaborated with researcher Ian Stevenson on reincarnation studies.
Key Facts
- ›Born on September 6, 1932, in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
- ›Became the resident teacher at the Nilambe Meditation Centre.
- ›Collaborated with reincarnation researcher Ian Stevenson.
- ›Conducted meditation teachings internationally, including in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- ›Taught meditation to diverse groups, including Buddhists and Christian clergy.
- ›Died on March 22, 2000, after returning from a teaching tour in South Africa.
Important Relationships
- Ian Stevenson
- Venerable Sivali (Siri Gunawardana)
- Dr. L. Rodrigo
- Mr. Alahakoon
- Ven. S. Dhammika
- Ven. Yogavacara Rahula
- Joseph Goldstein
- Godwin Samararatne: Talks On Buddhist Meditation
- Godwin Samararatne: Living With Awareness
- Godwin Samararatne: Meditation For Everyday Life
- Godwin Samararatne: Seeing Emptiness
- Godwin Samararatne: Watching Thoughts and Emotions
- Godwin Samararatne: the Gentle Way of Buddhist Meditation
- Godwin Samararatne: Learning Through Meditation
- Godwin Samararatne: Discovering Meditation
Nilambe Meditation Centre, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Kegalle Public Library, D.S. Senanayaka Library, Kandy, Kandy General Hospital, Lewella, Sri Lanka
English
About Godwin Samararatne
Acharya Godwin Samararatne (1932–2000) was a widely respected lay meditation teacher from Sri Lanka, renowned for his significant contributions to Buddhist mindfulness and contemplative practice in the late 20th century. Based primarily at the Nilambe Meditation Centre in the hills near Kandy, he dedicated his life to teaching meditation to a diverse global audience, fostering awareness and therapeutic well-being.
Life and Teaching
Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Godwin Samararatne pursued a career as a librarian before dedicating himself to spiritual teaching. In the late 1970s, he became the resident teacher at the newly established Nilambe Meditation Centre, which grew to become a significant hub for meditation retreats. His teaching style was characterized by its accessibility and profound impact, attracting students from various backgrounds, including those from Buddhist and Christian traditions.
Samararatne also engaged in therapeutic work, assisting at the Psychiatric Ward of Kandy General Hospital, and became known for his counseling skills. His influence extended internationally through extensive teaching tours across Europe, Asia, and Africa during the 1980s and 1990s. He collaborated closely with the reincarnation researcher Ian Stevenson, co-authoring several articles on cases of rebirth.
Legacy
Following his death in March 2000, numerous tributes poured in from individuals worldwide who attested to the transformative effect of Samararatne's teachings on their lives. His work has been preserved through extensive archives of his talks, leading to the publication of numerous books and articles. The centers he helped establish, particularly Nilambe, continue to be active and influential in promoting meditation and Buddhist teachings.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Godwin Samararatne?
Godwin Samararatne was a highly regarded lay meditation teacher from Sri Lanka. He was based at the Nilambe Meditation Centre and is recognized for his impactful teachings on meditation and mindfulness.
Where was Godwin Samararatne based?
Godwin Samararatne was primarily based at his Meditation Centre in Nilambe, located in the central hill country near Kandy, Sri Lanka. He also conducted teachings internationally.
What was Godwin Samararatne's role in reincarnation research?
Godwin Samararatne was an active collaborator with reincarnation researcher Ian Stevenson from the mid-1960s to 1988. He co-authored several articles with Stevenson on the subject of rebirth and assisted with his studies in Sri Lanka.
What kind of meditation did Godwin Samararatne teach?
Godwin Samararatne taught meditation and mindfulness, drawing from Buddhist traditions. His teachings were accessible to people of all backgrounds, not just Buddhists, and included therapeutic applications.
What is the legacy of Godwin Samararatne?
Samararatne's legacy is marked by the profound influence he had on individuals worldwide, with many testimonials attesting to the positive impact of his teachings. The meditation centers he helped establish, such as Nilambe and Lewella, continue to flourish.
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