Henepola Gunaratana

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, affectionately known as Bhante G, is a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk, author, and spiritual teacher. He is widely recognized for his profound contributions to Buddhist scholarship and practice, particularly in the West.

Early Life and Ordination

Born Ekanayaka Mudiyanselage Ukkubanda on December 7, 1927, in the village of Henepola, Sri Lanka, Gunaratana's early education involved both a Catholic missionary school and a Buddhist temple school. At the age of 11, he began training for a noviceship at a Buddhist temple. He was ordained as a novice monk at 12 and received his full ordination (upasampada) in 1947 at the age of 20. He adopted the name Henepola Gunaratana, with the first name signifying his birthplace and the surname a spiritual concept, a common Sinhalese custom.

Missionary Work and Education

Following his education in Sri Lanka at institutions like Vidyasekhara Pirivena Junior College and Vidyalankara College, Bhante Gunaratana was sent to India for missionary work as a representative of the Maha Bodhi Society. He served the dalit communities in Sanchi, Delhi, and Bombay. During this period, he met significant figures such as Prime Minister Nehru and the Dalai Lama. He later served as a religious advisor and educator in Malaysia.

Life and Contributions in the United States

Bhante Gunaratana arrived in the United States in 1968. He played a key role in Buddhist organizations in Washington, D.C., serving as General Secretary and later president of the Buddhist Vihara Society. He pursued higher education in the U.S., earning a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy in 1975 and later a Master's and Doctorate from American University. He also served as the first Buddhist chaplain at American University. In 1975, he assisted Vietnamese refugees arriving in Florida, providing comfort and aid. He has taught graduate-level courses on Buddhism at various universities, including American University and Georgetown University, and has lectured internationally.

Notable Works and Legacy

Bhante Gunaratana is most celebrated for his best-selling meditation guide, "Mindfulness in Plain English" (1992), which has introduced mindfulness practice to millions worldwide. He is also the author of numerous other influential books on Buddhist philosophy and meditation. In 1985, he founded the Bhavana Society, a monastery and meditation retreat center in High View, West Virginia, which he continues to lead. His work is instrumental in the dissemination of Theravada Buddhist teachings and practices in the Western world.