Endorsement of Venerable Ananda
By Venerable Professor Induragare Dhammarathana Maha Thera
5/8/20241 min read
It is with immense joy and deep respect that I present the endorsement to Venerable Panadure Ananda Thero, an extraordinary Theravada Buddhist meditation master and monk. His teachings are not merely about Buddhism; it is Buddhism—a distilled, practical guides to the profound teachings of the Sutta Pitaka.
Drawing inspiration from the insightful explanations of the late Most Venerable Katukurunde Ñāṇananda Maha Thera and Most Venerable Dankande Dhammaratana Maha Thera, he offers a direct path to overcoming any form of suffering or stress in this very moment. Venerable Ananda’s teachings are not only for those who are new to the spiritual journey but also for seasoned practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding and practice devoid of unnecessary complexities. He is a precious resource presenting the essence of the Buddha's teachings in a manner that is both accessible and transformative.
One of his remarkable features is its detailed exposition of both insight meditation (vipassanā) and tranquilizing meditation (samatha). These techniques are meticulously described with a clear structure—starting, middle, and end— guiding others through each stage of practice. Venerable Ananda skilfully illustrates how these meditative practices, when properly cultivated, lead to higher levels of spiritual awakening and profound inner peace. In his teachings, you will find practical insights that illuminate the path to liberation, emphasizing the lived experience of freedom from mental constructs, desires, and the illusion of self. Venerable Ananda masterfully guides us to see beyond the superficial layers of existence and recognize the underlying truths that lead to genuine liberation.
I wholeheartedly commend Venerable Ananda to all seekers of truth, whether they are just beginning their journey or have been walking the path for years. It is a remarkable contribution to the spiritual world of our time, and I am confident that he will serve as a guiding light for many on the road to awakening.
Theravada Buddhist Monk,
Senior Professor,
Department of Eastern studies, University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.