Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder

Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena was born in the Himalayan region of Ladakh - a state in the northern most part of India. He was brought up in a religious family among people with an ancient Buddhist tradition where peacefulness, humility and innocence are the way of life. At seventeen, he joined the Indian Army where he developed a strong sense of discipline.

The year 1977 was a significant year in his life when he felt the inner spiritual call, he left the army and became a disciple of the renowned scholar and celebrated monk, Venerable Acharya Buddharakhita Maha Thera, the Founder President of the Mahabodhi Society Bangalore India. After having received full ordination, Ven. Sanghasena undertook enthusiastic studies of the Dharma and also practiced various modes of Buddhist meditation.

In 1986 Ven. Sanghasena founded the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC). Since then he has strived tirelessly to put the Buddha’s teachings of compassion into action through multifarious charitable humanitarian works scattered over the 300 acres of moon-like desert land.

Ven. Sanghasena has distinguished himself as a tireless spiritual and social worker and in public recognition of his selfless services to the society, he was awarded the "National award for the welfare of people with disabilities" by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. He also received several awards and certificates from a number of international organizations. In 1999 his name was included in the prestigious book Marquis' who is who. Marquis who's who believes the men and women around the globe whose achievements influence the people of today are worthy of permanent record. In 2002, he was nominated as the ‘Man of the year 2002’ by the American Biographical Institute, ABI Inc.

Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena has traveled extensively around the world and participated in many international conferences, seminars and workshops. He urges everyone to promote spiritual; and cultural values, literacy, environmental protection, non-violence, inter-religious harmony, co-existence and world peace. He supports the improvement of the status of women, poverty stricken people and raises his voice against destructive weapons, human injustice, economic imbalance and racism.

Ven. Sanghasena is also associated with several international organizations such as:

For details about Venerable Sanghasena and for his projects, contact:

Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC)
Devachan, P.O. Box # 22, Leh Ladakh- 194101, India.
Phone: 0091-1982-264372, Fax: 0091-1982-264401
Website: www.mahabodhi-ladakh.org
E-mail: gyamsa_retreat@yahoo.com or mimcdevachen@hotmail.com