Nalanda Buddhist Society members and devotees extend our felicitations and warmest wishes to Venerable Sri Pandita Dr. Henepola Gunaratana Māha Nāyaka Thero on his 95th birthday, today!  Fondly known to many as ‘Bhante G’, Ven. Gunaratana is a renowned Buddhist meditation teacher and author who dedicated his life to Dhamma propagation around the world.

Born in rural Sri Lanka, he left the householder’s life since age 12 and took full ordination at age 20 in 1947.  The venerable left his homeland as a young monk to propagate the Dhamma in India, Malaysia, and the United States of America. He is the Founder-President of Bhavana Society in the U.S.A. and at 86 years old, venerable received the title of Chief Sangha Nāyaka Thera(senior-most and honorary ‘Chief monk‘) of the USA and North America.

Nalandians are honoured to be associated with Ven. Sri Gunaratana and are grateful for his teachings at Nalanda Centre on numerous occasions over the past decade.  We have benefited tremendously from his wise teachings and benevolent guidance.  We wish Bhante a blessed birthday, and may you live long in good health and spirit.