Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, known affectionately as “Bhante G,” was ordained as a Buddhist at age twelve in his native Sri Lanka. In 1968 he was invited to the United States to serve as general secretary of the Buddhist Vihara Society in Washington D.C., where he received his Ph.D. in philosophy from The American University. He is the founder of the Bhavana Society and abbot of its monastery in the Shenandoah Valley. He is the author of Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness and Mindfulness in Plain English.
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana
Recent Articles
Vipassana Meditation Takes Gumption
In the direct, insightful style for which he is known, Bhante Henepola Gunaratana teaches the meditation technique known as Vipassana and explains why only meditation addresses the human condition.
The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English
Bhante Gunaratana explains that the Four Foundations of Mindfulness are mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and dhamma.
Facing Death, Mindfully
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana tells the story of coming face-to-face with death when his plane's engine set on fire.
The Taste of Liberation: The Jhanas
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, author of the classic meditation manual Mindfulness in Plain English, explains the jhanas and how they can be reached.
How to celebrate Mindfulness Day on September 12
What is mindfulness? Celebrate Mindfulness Day on September 12th with this excerpt from Bhante Gunaratana's classic book Mindfulness in Plain English.