Acharya Buddharakkhita

Acharya Buddharakkhita (; 1922–2013) was an Indian Buddhist monk and prolific writer who established the Maha Bodhi Society of Beṅgaḷūru. It is affiliated with the Maha Bodhi Society of Kolkātā founded by Anagarika Dharmapala, with both organisations functioning independently of each other.

He was born in Imphal, Manipur, in 1922. His parents were Vishnupada and Sailavaladevi Bandopadhyaya. 1942, he took part in the Quit India Movement.

He joined the Indian defence services after his graduation from the Institute of Engineering Technology, Calcutta. He participated in World War II, after which he resigned to find truth and freedom. He became a monk in 1948. He travelled all over India and also taught in Sri Lanka and Burma. Finally he established the Maha Bodhi Society in Bangalore to propagate Buddhism. He also established schools, hostels, hospitals and an artificial limb centre for the society. He had written 150 books and published two periodicals. He was honored with Abhidhaja Aggamaha Saddhammajotika award by the Myanmar government.

He died at Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore, on 23 September 2013.