MAHABODHI MANAGEMENT TEAM
Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita, founder-President of Maha Bodhi Society, Bangalore was born on March 12, 1922, on full moon day, in Imphal, Manipur state of India. Having completed his engineering and having served in the Indian British Army, after the Second World War, he felt the call of spiritual life. He renounced household life and wandered all over India in search of truth. Ultimately he took ordination under Most Venerable Chandamani Mahathera of Kushinagar and studied Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Burma for 6 years. He was editor in the Sixth Buddhist Synod held in Rangoon, Burma. In 1956 he came to Bangalore and established Maha Bodhi Society and its sister organizations. He passed away on September 23, 2013 leaving a great legacy of Dhamma for all his monastic and lay followers.
Venerable Bhikkhu Kassapa Mahathera was born on Feb 13, 1950, in Ladakh to a traditional Buddhist family.
He worked as a government veterinarian before joining Mahabodhi. Inspired by Most Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita (Bada Bhanteji), he took Pabbajja ordination in 1989 under Most Venerable Ananda Mitra Mahathera, a renowned Buddhist monk of modern times.
He received Upasampada (higher ordination) in 1992 from Ven Ananda Mitra Mahathera, and has since dedicated his life to Dhamma practice and serving the underprivileged. He was in charge of all Mahabodhi branches in Arunachal Pradesh for nearly 7 years. Later he was appointed as Vice President of MBS by Most Ven Acharya Buddharakkhita and after his passing away, he was appointed as the President and Abbot of MBS and all its branches.
He has travelled extensively in India and abroad and given Dhamma discourses and taught meditation. He has selflessly served various communities across India, embodying Buddhist values. Presently, he resides in Mahabodhi Bodhgaya Center conducting meditation and guiding lay community besides discharging his presidential duties and also guiding the Sangha of Mahabodhi.
Venerable Bhikkhu Ananda Thera was born in Belgaum, Karnataka, India, to a spiritually inclined family. At 19, he took Pabbajja ordination under Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita in 1986. Subsequently, he took Upasampada or higher ordination in Myanmar.
He studied Buddhist philosophy, psychology, and Pali language under Most Ven acharya Buddharakkhita and completed a BA in Education and Sociology.
He has been working as the General Secretary of MBS for nearly 30 years. As the General Secretary of MBS, he has established various centers in India, promoting Buddhism and social services.
Venerable Ananda travels extensively, teaching Buddhism and conducting meditation retreats in Europe, USA and Asia, and oversees projects including schools, hostels, medical centers, and monasteries. He has written and edited several books on Buddhism.
VICE- PRESIDENT
Venerable Bhikkhu Panyarakkita Thera became a monk at a young age under Most Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita. He received his higher ordination in the year 2005. He studied Dhamma extensively under the tutelage of Venerable Acharya for a long time. He established Tawang Mahabodhi Centre and subsequently discharged various responsibilities in Mahabodhi branches in Arunachal Pradesh.
His compassion extends to social welfare initiatives, including founding hostels for the elderly (Mahabodhi Home for Elders) and underprivileged children. He travels internationally, conducting retreats and lectures on Buddhism, and guides numerous projects for education, healthcare, and community development. Through his tireless efforts, Venerable Panyarakkhita embodies the principles of Buddhist compassion and wisdom.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI NONGTAW
Venerable Bhikkhu Sangharakkhita Thera is a Buddhist monk, scholar, and meditation teacher. As a devoted disciple of Acharya Buddharakkhita, he embodies the principles of compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness. He became a novice monk under Bada Bhanteji and later received his higher ordination in 2005 in Bodhgaya. He is one of the senior monks of MBS who has discharged many important responsibilities such as Director of Mahabodhi Mysore, Treasurer of Maha Bodhi Society and Director of Mahabodhi Meditation Center, Bengaluru and brought about many improvements.
Under his guidance, numerous individuals have found spiritual growth and inner peace. He has travelled to Europe and taught Dhamma and meditation to many.
As Director of Mahabodhi Skill Development Center and Forest Meditation Center in Nongtaw, Ven. Sangharakkhita Thera oversees various programs promoting spiritual development, education, and skill-building.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI NAMSAI R
Venerable Bhikkhu Dhammacitta Thera was born on April 19, 1981, and became a novice monk at the young age of 10. He joined the Maha Bodhi Society in May 2000 and received his monastic training under the Most venerable Bada Bhanteji. He received his higher ordination on December 23, 2005, at the old Burmese Vihāra in Bodhgaya.
Following his ordination, he shifted to the Mahabodhi Diyun center in Arunachal Pradesh, where he assisted Ven Kassapa Mahathera. Later he joined hands with Ven Panyaloka Thera to develop the Mahabodhi Namsai center. Subsequently, he shifted to his parent monastery in Mahabodhi Bangalore remained as a monastery in charge and imparted monastic education and guided disciplinary activities in monastery. Subsequently, he again shifted back to Mahabodhi Namsai center as the director.
He is deeply committed to Dhamma and has taught dhamma and meditation to many. He has continued his sincere commitment to Buddhist teachings and community services and benefitted traditional Buddhist community.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI NOBINCHERA
Venerable Bhikkhu Dhammaloka is the Director of the Nobinchera Center in Tripura.
Ven. Bhikkhu Dhamamloka Thera is a Buddhist monk, scholar, and meditation teacher. As a devoted disciple of Acharya Buddharakkhita, he embodies the principles of compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness. He became a novice monk under Bada Bhanteji and later received his higher ordination in 2005 in Bodhgaya. He is one of the senior monks of MBS who has discharged many important responsibilities such as Director of Mahabodhi Mysore, and Treasurer of Maha Bodhi Society.
Under his guidance, numerous individuals have found spiritual growth and inner peace. He has travelled to Europe and taught Dhamma and meditation to many.
Currently, he is dedicated to the ambitious project of constructing a 108-foot Buddha statue, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the spiritual landscape of the region and promoting the values of Buddhism through significant cultural initiatives.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI DIPHU
Ven. Bhikkhu Panyaloka, born in 1976 in Jorhat, Assam, was ordained as a monk in 2000 and received his bhikkhu ordination in 2005. He was thoroughly trained under Most Ven Acharya Buddharakkhita and also assisted Bada Bhanteji in writing several Dhamma books and edited Dhamma magazine for a long time. He has been engaged in writing and editing several Dhamma books, showcasing his commitment to Buddhist education and literature.
In 2009, he served as an assistant to Ven Kassapa Mahathera in Diyun. Later on, under the guidance of Bada Bhanteji, he established the Namsai Mahabodhi Center in 2012, where he remained until 2020. He developed Mahabodhi Lord Buddha College, monastery, hostel and ran many activities. He also contributed to the Bodhgaya Center as an assistant to Ven Kassapa Mahathera. Presently, he is the director of Mahabodhi Diphu Centre, which is an upcoming monastery in Assam. He wishes to develop it into a full-fledged Dhamma center and a branch of MMI.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI RESEARCH CENTRE
Ven. Bhikkhu Buddhadatta Thera is a dynamic teacher and the Director of the Mahabodhi Research Center (MBRC). He received his higher ordination in the year 2009. He underwent training under Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita in various Dhamma subjects.
He was director of Mahabodhi Dhammaduta Vihara and also the principal of Mahabodhi Monastic Institute. Later he assumed the responsibility of Mahabodhi Research Centre. He has organized numerous diploma and PhD courses, workshops, and seminars, establishing himself as a very capable Buddhist monk. His contributions to Buddhist education are significant, reflecting his commitment to spreading the teachings of the Buddha. He has delivered Dhamma talks and taught meditation in both India and West. He has also authored and edited Dhamma books and magazines.
SECRETARY
Ven. Bhikkhu Sugatananda Thera was born in Calcutta in 1979 to a traditional Hindu family. He earned an LLM from National Law School of India University, Bengaluru ad worked as a successful corporate lawyer for some years. Afterwards, he renounced his worldly life for monkhood. He received his higher ordination in 2012.
He underwent training under the tutorship of a great Buddhist scholar of modern times, Most Venerable late Dr. Acharya Buddharakkhita in Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma as well as Pali language. He has also practiced meditation under the guidance of great meditation masters such as Most Ven Ajahn Anan Akincano and Most Ven Ajahn Dtun Thiracitto.
Earlier, he was the abbot of Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara for nearly two years. Presently, he is working as the Secretary of MBS and sister organizations. He has given several public talks and conducted meditation retreats for both people in India and West. He is engaged in teaching, offering meditation retreats besides discharging his administrative responsibilities. He has also written and edited some Buddhist publications.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI HYDERABAD
Venerable Bikkhu Buddhapala Thera is a Theravada Buddhist monk born in 1987 in Zanskar, UT Ladakh. He was educated at the Mahabodhi Residential School in Bangalore, and later got inspired to pursue a monastic life and took novice ordination in 2001. He received his higher ordination in the year 2009. After serving as a Dhamma teacher and principal at the Mahabodhi Monastic Institute, he became the director of the Mahabodhi Society's Hyderabad Branch in 2015. His work involves Dhamma teachings, interfaith activities, and organizing and conducting meditation retreats, various Buddhist publication activities and overall management of the monastery. Under his able guidance Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara in Hyderabad has transformed into a beautiful spiritual place attracting people from all sections of society seeking peace and happiness.
He has also traveled to the USA and Europe, sharing Buddhist teachings and guided many people from western world in Buddhist meditation practices.
CHIEF ADVISOR TO (MMI) AND MONASTIC TRAINING PROGRAM
Ven. Bhikkhu Dhammaratana Thera serves as the Chief Advisor to the Mahabodhi Monastic Institute (MMI) and the Monastic Training Program, recognized as a wonderful Dhamma teacher.
He became monk at an early age under most venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita and later received his higher ordination in the year 2005. He was trained under venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita and then travelled to Myanmar and subsequently to Thailand for higher Buddhist education. He completed his Master in Buddhism from Myanmar. After returning to MBS, he has been appointed as the Chief Advisor of MMI. He is presently teaching the monks in various Dhamma subjects.
He provides guidance and teachings and conducts meditation for both monks and lay devotees, fostering their understanding of Buddhism. His contributions include organizing various educational initiatives, workshops, and seminars, which enhances the spiritual development of the community. He has also some edited Dhamma books.
CO-ORDINATOR OF MBS DHAMMADUTA MONKS
Venerable Bhikkhu Dhamma Datta Thera is originally from Leh, Ladakh. In 2002, at the age of 12, he entered monastic life as a novice under the guidance of the Most Venerable Achariya Buddha Rakkhita at the Maha Bodhi Society Bengaluru. Under Ven. Achariya Buddha Rakkhita’s mentorship, he received both his monastic education and training. In 2010, Ven. Dhamma Datta received Higher Ordination in Bodhgaya.
,br>
Throughout his monastic journey, he has taken on various responsibilities. He served as a warden of the monastic hostel, a Dhamma teacher, and held roles such as marketing in-charge and treasurer. Additionally, he worked as the assistant in-charge of branch monasteries and schools of Mahabodhi centers like Diyun, Mysore, and Bodhgaya.
,br>
In 2017, Ven. Dhamma Datta traveled to Myanmar to deepen his studies in Pali and Abhidhamma. In 2022, he joined the International Theravāda Buddhist Missionary University in Yangon, Myanmar for advanced studies and is currently in the final year of his BA in Buddha Dhamma.
DIRECTOR. MAHABODHI USA
Ven. Bhikkhu Nyanarakkhita Thera, originally from Tripura, is the Director of the Brahma Vihara Monastery in Dallas, USA. He became a novice monk at young age and later shifted to Mahabodhi Bangalore, where he received his intensive monastic training under the guidance of Ven Acharya Buddharakkhita for a long time. Later he received his higher ordination in the year 2010.
He stayed in Mahabodhi Bangalore for some time taking care of novices. Later he was instructed by Bada Bhanteji to start a Mahabodhi center at his place and that is how Mahabodhi Suknachari center came into existence. He established school and monastery and then ran it for many years, benefitting the community in various ways. He has given several Dhamma talks and taught mediation to many.
He was requested by Mahabodhi Sangha to establish a center in USA and thus he travelled to USA and after spending some time there, started residing in Brahma Vihara Monastery in Dallas. He subsequently started managing the monastery there. He has presently engaged in teaching Dhamma and meditation to all lay devotes from various segments of society and currently focused on developing an overseas center to promote Buddhist teachings.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI DIYUN
Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghadatta Thera joined the Maha Bodhi Society at a very young age in May 2002, receiving Anagārika ordination on June 5, 2002. He was bestowed with Sāmaṇera ordination on November 28, 2006, and received his higher ordination on November 28, 2010. After serving as Superintendent of Mahabodhi Monastery in Bengaluru for five years, he shifted to Mahabodhi Diyun Center in 2016 as assistant director.
Currently, he is the Director of Mahabodhi Maitri Mandala Diyun Branch, taking care of a very big center consisting of school, hostel for boys and girls, medical center, monastery and various other activities. He has been a very capable monk who has given several Dhamma discourses and taught meditation to the lay community. Under his able leadership, Mahabodhi Diyun center has grown into a model center for community services and has become a true example of compassion in action. His deep commitment towards monastic life has been an example for many.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI DEOMALI
Ven. Bhikkhu Assaji Thera was born in 1988 in Tripura and joined monkhood at an early age and served under Bada Bhanteji. Later he received his higher ordination in 2013. He discharged various responsibilities in Mahabodhi Bangalore before shifting to Mahabodhi Deomali. He has developed this center immensely. He has started school, hostel and monastery and imparting quality education and spiritual guidance to the local community.
As a hard-working monk, he is currently guiding students at the Mahabodhi Deomali Center. His dedication to teaching and mentoring reflects his deep commitment to Buddhist community development programs.
DIRECTOR, MAHABODHI KANUBARI
Venerable Bhikkhu Nyanapala Thera is the Director of the Mahabodhi Kanubari Center in Arunachal Pradesh, where he actively teaches Dhamma to students in schools and monasteries. Under the mentorship of Venerable Acharya Buddharakkhita Mahathera, he received monastic training. Later he received his higher ordination in 2013. He was the director of Mahabodhi Tawang and later was assigned the responsibility of Mahabodhi Kanubari branch by Ven Kassapa Mahathera.
He is dedicated in instilling Buddhist values and principles among the youth. His responsibilities include engaging with local communities, guiding novice monks, and fostering a deeper understanding of Dhamma, which are integral part of Maha Bodhi Society's broader mission to enhance Buddhist education and humanitarian efforts throughout India.
Under his able leadership, Mahabodhi Kanubari center is growing rapidly, benefitting many in the field of education and spirituality and also community development.
MEMBER
Director of Mahabodhi Sukanachari Centre, Tripiura
MEMBER
Director of Mahabodhi Chichingchera, Tripura
MEMBER
Director of Mahabodhi Harina Center, Tripura
MEMBER
Director of Mahabodhi T. Narasipura Centre, KA
MEMBER
Director of Mahabodhi Diphu Center, Assam
MEMBER
Director of Mahabodhi KGF Centre, Karnataka
MEMBER
Superintendent of MMI, Bengaluru
Venerable Sakyananda Bhikkhu, born on February 17, 1995, is one of the important monks Mahabodhi. He was an engineering student who left his studies to pursue a monastic life at Mahabodhi Bangalore. He received Anagārika ordination on June 5, 2012, and higher ordination (Upasampadā) in 2017. Fluent in Assamese, Hindi, and English, he has extensive experience in teaching Dhamma and meditation, serving as Chief Warden responsible for the well-being of novice monks and engaging in various charitable activities, including animal rescue programs and community outreach programs.
MEMBER
Director of Mahabodhi Positive Living Society,
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
VEN. BHIKKHU BODHICITTA – Principal, Mahabodhi Monastic Institute, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU NYANASILA – Asst. Principal, Mahabodhi Monastic Institute, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU KUMARA – Principal, Mahabodhi School, Suknachari, Tripura
VEN. BHIKKHU PANYASIHO – In Charge of Hostels, Mahabodhi Suknachari, Tripura
Ven. BHIKKHU RATTHAPALA – Asst.Treasurer, MBS, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU DHAMMABODHI – Asst. In Charge of Mahabodhi Mysore Center
VEN. BHIKKHU SIVALI – In Charge, Moral Education, Mahabodhi Center, Mysore
VEN. BHIKKHU MUNINDO – Teacher at MMI, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU PANYASARA – Purchase Supervisor, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU SOBHANA – Teacher at MMI, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU VIMALARAKKHITA – Medical In charge, MMI, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU KHEMINDO – Teacher at MMI, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU RATNAJYOTI – Teacher at MMI, Hyderabad
VEN. BHIKKHU JINAVAMSA – Teacher at MMI, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU VIMALABODHI – On Teaching work to Maharashtra
VEN. BHIKKHU DHAMMATISSA – On Teahing work in Karnataka
VEN.BHIKKHU ACHALASILA – Asst. In Charge of Mahabodhi Monastery, Chichingchera
VEN. BHIKKHU DHAMMINDO – Sanghadana organisation
VEN. BHIKKHU VASETTHO – Mahabodhi Monastery, Diyun
VEN. BHIKKHU NYANARAKKHO – Teacher at Mahabodhi Hyderabad Center
VEN. BHIKKHU KHANTIPALA – Teacher at MMI, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU SAKYANANDA – Asst. In Charge of Mahabodhi Bodhgaya
VEN. BHIKKHU DHAMMANANDA – Asst.In Charge Mahabodhi Namsai Center
VEN. BHIKKHU DHAMMAMANO – MMI, Bengaluru
VEN. BHIKKHU BHADDIYA – MMI, Bengaluru
VEN. DHAMMAPALA – Meditation Teacher, Mahabodhi Hyderabad
Upasaka Vajira Dorjey – General Manger at Headquarters Bengaluru
Upasaka Jigmet Jyothi – CEO, Mahabodhi Education Program, Mysore
Upasaka Tsering Vittho – Manager, Mahabodhi Scholarships & Sponsorships
Upasaka Tashi Subho – Manager at Mahabodhi Tawang Center
Upasaka Gunava Bodh – Manger at Mahabodhi Diyun Center
Upasaka Chetan Bodh – Manager at Mahabodhi Hyderabad Center
Upasaka Nagarjuna Bodh – Manager at Mahabodhi Meditation Center, Bengaluru
Upasaka Kent Bodh – Manager, Lord Buddha College, at Mahabodhi Namsai Center
Upasaka Robin Chakma – Manager at Mahabodhi Center, Chichingchera