A monk is a person who practices religious asceticism, living either alone or with any number of monks, whilst always maintaining some degree of physical separation from those not sharing the same purpose. The concept is ancient and can be seen in many religions and in philosophy.
VEN. DATUK KIRINDE DHAMMARATANA NAYAKA MAHA THERO
Ven. Datuk Kirinde Dhammaratana Thero the Chief Incumbent of Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is known throughout Malaysia and internationally for his outstanding services to the Buddha Sasana. His efforts in the promotion of religious knowledge, social interaction and cultural understanding amongst Malaysians are highly commendable. He has earned a great reputation as a successful missionary monk who was well trained under the guidance of Ven. Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda Nayaka Maha Thero, the former Chief Incumbent Bhikkhu of the Buddhist Maha Vihara.Born on 24th July 1948 in Kirinde, Sri Lanka to Mr. Basnayaka Mudiyanselage Siriwardena, an Ayurvedic Physician, and Mrs. Withanaarachchilage Dayawathie, he had his early education at the Central College of Deyiyandara, Sri Lanka. In 1965 at the young age of 17 he entered the Sasana as a novice monk under the name of “Kirinde Dhammaratana”, as a pupil of Ven. Kotawila Sri Deepananda Nayaka Thero.
He was appointed as Chief Sangha Nayaka of Malaysia in 2007 by the Malwatta Chapter, Kandy, Sri Lanka. He was awarded a Datukship by the Yang Dipertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia in November 2010.
VENERABLE VIJITHA THERO
Resident Monk of Buddhist Maha Vihara
Venerable W. Gnanobhasa Thero
Resident Monk of Buddhist Maha Vihara
