About Mahamevnawa
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is a place for everyone, regardless of background or experience, to learn and practice the ancient teachings of the Buddha. You will discover a like-minded community of people who are interested in finding happiness that is not based on endless consuming and accumulating more and more things. By learning and practicing the teachings of the Buddha, you will gain a peace and happiness that is not tied to the ups and downs of ordinary life.
Mahamevnawa, meaning “Great Cloud Monastery,” was the name of the first monastery established in Sri Lanka and the place where Arahant Mahinda Thero first introduced the Buddha’s teachings to the island.
The monestery is led by monks ordained and trained in the oldest tradition of Buddhism, Theravada. Through their guidance we are able to provide many opportunities for you to learn all of the Buddha’s teachings of mindfulness, meditation, morality, and generosity. We have several Dhamma programs as well as other chances to learn the teachings.
Starting of the Monastery
Mahamevanawa Buddhist Monastery was established to benefit the spiritual development of human beings through the teachings of Buddha. Founded in 1999 in Sri Lanka by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero, its sole purpose is to spread the original teachings of the Buddha. The monastery is a warm and welcoming place for everyone to investigate true happiness through Dhamma and meditation.
Here the Buddha’s teachings are presented in modern language that is easy to understand. What makes Mahanevnawa unique is the effort to bring the Supreme Dhamma to listeners in its original form. Because of this, both young and old listen to the Dhamma and practice virtue, concentration, mindfulness and wisdom to realize the Four Noble Truths revealed by the Supreme Buddha. Presently there are more than 650 monks, more than 100 Anagarika nuns, and thousands of lay disciples practicing Dhamma at Mahamevnawa Monasteries around the world. Currently there are more than 70 Sri Lankan and international branches including in Canada, United States, England, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, South Korea and India.
Learn more about our monasteries in Sri Lanka and overseas branches.
Chief preceptor
Chief preceptor of Mahamevnawa monastery is most Ven. Dodampahala Chandasiri Maha Thero. He is the precedent of Sri Lanka Amarapura Sangha sabha. He holds the position of chief monk of Sri Kalyanwansha nikaya. He is the instructor of all associated branches of Kalapaluwawa Gothama Thapovana monastery.
Ven. Maha thero is a great father of Sangha who wholeheartedly expects the growth of Mahamevnawa monastery and the Gauthama Buddha’s dispensation. More than 700 resident monks of Mahamevnawa monastery received ordination through the blessings and meritorious hands of Maha Thero.
May all beings be well and happy !!!