Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero

World-renowned Dhamma Teacher and Lecturer

It is a great honor for us to introduce you to a special guest of the Budart Festival – Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero, the head of Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanodaya Maha Nikaya and the abbot of two major Theravada monasteries in Sri Lanka.

Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero is the abbot of Radjaguru Sri Subuthi Maha Viharaya, founded by an outstanding scholar and meditation practitioner Venerable Sri Subuthi Maha Nayaka Thero in late 19th century. He is also in charge of the Dipadutthamarama temple – the only Thai temple in Sri Lanka. The historical connection of the temples of Sri Subuthi and Dipadutthamarama with the royal family of Thailand continues for more than 125 years. 

At present Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thero is also a head of three Buddhist educational institutions: Rajaguru Sri Subhutu primary school (Waskaduwa), Sri Subhuti Dharma School, and Sri Gunananda Dhamma School. 

Maha Nayaka Thero is an author of multiple scholarly publications: The Buddhist Interpretation of the Idea of Atom, The Heritage of Sri Lankan Buddhism and the Western World, Recollections of Sri Subuthi – the First Abbot (Parts 1, 2, and 3) and many others.

Mahindawansa Maha Thero's main aspiration is to propagate Buddhism globally and allow as many people as possible to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and progress in meditation practice. Maha Thero has participated in various international conferences, cultural events, and educational programs. The geography of his missionary tours is vast and includes such countries as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, England, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, etc.