Henepola Gunaratana

Date of Birth: December 7, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Henepola Gunaratana, commonly known as Bhante G, is a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk and an esteemed figure in the world of Buddhist meditation and mindfulness. He was born in 1927 in the small village of Henepola in Sri Lanka. Bhante G entered the monastic life at the age of 12 and received his higher ordination at the age of 20. He pursued his education at the Vidyalankara College and the Buddhist Missionary College in Colombo. In the late 1950s, he moved to India to serve as a missionary, and in 1968, he went to the United States to serve the Sasana Sevaka Society, which later became the Bhavana Society. He earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from American University in Washington, D.C., focusing on the intersection of Buddhism and Western psychology. Bhante G is widely known for his teachings on mindfulness and meditation, and his book “Mindfulness in Plain English” is considered a seminal work in the field. He continues to teach, write, and guide students at the Bhavana Society in West Virginia.

5 Interesting Facts about Henepola Gunaratana

1. Bhante G is one of the first Theravada Buddhist monks to bring mindfulness and meditation practices to the Western world.

2. He authored “Mindfulness in Plain English,” a widely respected and accessible guide to meditation.

3. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from American University, where he specialized in the intersection of Buddhism and Western psychology.

4. Bhante G has been a monk for over 70 years, dedicating his life to teaching and spreading the Dhamma.

5. He founded the Bhavana Society in West Virginia, which serves as a retreat center for meditation and Dhamma study.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henepola Gunaratana

1. “Mindfulness is not just a buzzword or a trend; it is a way of life that brings clarity and peace.”

2. “Meditation is not an escape from life, but a preparation for really being in life.”

3. “True happiness comes from letting go of what we think we need and accepting what is.”

4. “The mind is like a garden; cultivate it with care and it will bloom with peace and joy.”

5. “Understanding and compassion are the keys to resolving conflicts, both within ourselves and with others.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a Buddhist monk, Bhante G does not accumulate personal wealth. His life’s work and the resources of the Bhavana Society are dedicated to spiritual teaching and community service.