Introduction
Most Venerable B. Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Māhathero is a towering figure in the Malaysian Buddhist landscape. Since his arrival from Sri Lanka over 40 years ago, he has dedicated his life to spiritual guidance, social welfare, and the promotion of a compassionate Buddhist identity in Malaysia. Known for his "Dhamma in Action" approach, he has touched the lives of thousands through his extensive humanitarian projects and his role as a spiritual advisor to numerous societies.
Early Life and Mission to Malaysia
Born in Sri Lanka, Venerable Sri Saranankara embarked on his monastic journey with a deep commitment to the Buddha’s path of service. In the early 1980s, he arrived in Malaysia to serve the spiritual needs of the local community. What began as a mission to support a small temple in Sentul evolved into a nationwide movement of Dhamma propagation and social service.
Building a Spiritual Sanctuary: Sentul Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple
Under his visionary leadership as Abbot, the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul was transformed from a modest temple into a vibrant center for Buddhist practice. Today, it stands as a significant monastery with a resident Sangha, providing:
Daily Religious Services: Catering to the spiritual needs of the diverse Buddhist community in Kuala Lumpur.
Monastic Training: Serving as a hub for resident Bhikkhus to practice and study.
Cultural Hub: Promoting the rich traditions of Sri Lankan and Malaysian Theravada Buddhism.
The Architect of Compassion: Maha Karuna
Venerable Sri Saranankara is perhaps most widely recognized for founding the Maha Karuna Buddhist Society. His philosophy centers on the idea that spiritual practice must be coupled with compassion for the less fortunate. Key milestones of his compassionate work include:
Social Welfare: Establishing the Upekkha Compassionate Home for the elderly and underprivileged.
Healthcare Initiatives: Spearheading mobile clinics and medical camps locally and internationally.
Education: Providing scholarships and school supplies to children in rural areas through various "Back to School" programs.
Leadership and Spiritual Guidance
Beyond Sentul, Venerable has been instrumental in the birth and growth of several prominent Buddhist societies in Malaysia, including:
Kinrara Metta Buddhist Society (KMBS)
Mudita Buddhist Society
Sungai Long Buddhist Society
His wisdom is sought after by many; he serves as a Spiritual Advisor to dozens of Buddhist organizations across both Malaysia and Sri Lanka, fostering unity and collaboration within the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia (TBCM).
Ecclesiastical Honors
In recognition of his tireless service and contributions to the "Sasana" (the Buddhist dispensation) in Malaysia, Venerable has received high-ranking honours from the Sangha in Sri Lanka:
2008: Conferred the prestigious ecclesiastical title of "Adhikarana Sangha Nayaka" (Chief Judiciary High Monk) of Malaysia by the Malwatte Chapter of the Syamupali Nikāya in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
2012: Appointed as a Monastic Advisor to the Theravada Buddhist Council of Malaysia.
