Henepola Gunaratana

Date of Birth: December 7, 1927

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Biography

Henepola Gunaratana, often referred to as Bhante G., is a renowned Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk, meditation teacher, and author. Born in Henepola, Sri Lanka, Bhante Gunaratana was ordained as a novice monk at the age of 12 and received higher ordination at the age of 20. He pursued his education at Vidyasekhara Pirivena Junior College and the Buddhist Missionary College in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he earned his higher ordination and advanced education in Buddhism. In 1954, he was sent to India and later to Malaysia to serve in various Buddhist missions. Bhante G. moved to the United States in 1968, where he earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from The American University in Washington, D.C. He is best known for his seminal work, “Mindfulness in Plain English,” which has been widely regarded as one of the most accessible introductions to mindfulness and meditation. Throughout his life, Bhante Gunaratana has dedicated himself to teaching the principles of Vipassana (Insight) meditation and has been a guiding force at the Bhavana Society, a meditation center in West Virginia, which he helped establish in 1982. His teachings emphasize mindfulness, loving-kindness, and the practical application of Buddhist principles in everyday life.

5 Interesting Facts about Henepola Gunaratana

1. Bhante Gunaratana was ordained as a novice monk at the tender age of 12.

2. He earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy from The American University in Washington, D.C.

3. His book, “Mindfulness in Plain English,” is considered one of the most influential texts on mindfulness meditation.

4. Bhante G. has taught meditation and Buddhism in over 30 countries.

5. He helped establish the Bhavana Society in West Virginia, a meditation center dedicated to the teaching and practice of Vipassana meditation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henepola Gunaratana

1. “Mindfulness is not just bare attention but a highly developed form of awareness.”

2. “The purpose of meditation is personal transformation.”

3. “The goal of meditation is to transform the mind.”

4. “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.”

5. “True happiness is found within, not in external circumstances.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a Buddhist monk, Henepola Gunaratana has taken vows of poverty and does not accumulate personal wealth. His highest “net worth” is not monetary but rather the widespread impact and influence of his teachings.