Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thero

Biography Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Thera was born on 23 August 1896 in Kirindigala, Balangoda, to the family of N. A. Matthias Appuhamy (Maddumahamy) and B. Heenmanike. He was ordained under the guidance of Daamahana Dhammananda Thera and Deniyaye Seelananda Thera was his primary teacher (Upaadhyaayanwahanse). Balangdoda Ananda Maitreya Thera received his Upasampada on 14 July 1916 at Olu Gantota Udakukhepa Seema, Balangoda. Ananda Maithreya Thera received the Thripitaka Vaagishwaracharya Pravachana Visharada Raajakeeya Panditha honorary degree from the Government of Sri Lanka. In addition to that, Nayaka Thera has received two honorary titles, Saahithyasuuri from Vidyodaya University and Saahithya Chakrawarthi from Vidyalankara University.

The humbleness of Maha Nayaka Thera's character is clearly shown when he publicly stated that he had no liking whatsoever for titles and awards, but that he was rather accepting it to satisfy the presenter. He quoted Buddha in his speech saying "I often remind myself of my Great Buddha's preaching in the Samyutta Nikaya or the Abhidhamma Pitaka of the worthlessness and futileness of the craving for awards, titles, and commanding positions."

Survey of writings

Ananda Maitreya Thera wrote nearly fifty books on Suttas (scripture), Vinaya (monastic discipline), on Abhidhamma (philosophy), and on Pali and Sanskrit grammar. His book, Sakyasimhavadanaya hevat Buddha Charitra (The Life of the Buddha), is considered as a textbook. Most of his books are written in English and Sinhala languages.

Meditation on Breathing Easy Steps to English Life of the Buddha Bhavana Deepaniya Sambodhi Prarthana A Hand Book of Spoken English Dhamsabhava Sathara Paramarthaya Buddha Dharmaya Vidharshana Bhavanava Meditation sur la respiration Maithree Bhavanava Anaphanasathi Bhavanava Shamatha Bhavanava Udānaya

Ananda Maitreya Thera translation of the Dhammapada is published internationally. The Dhammapada: The Path of Truth: Softcover, Wisdom Pubns.