Clear Mountain Monastery Project Sri Lanka’s Meditation Renaissance: Forest Practice & the Magic of the Mind | Ven. Chandaratana Q&A
Dec 11, 2025
Venerable Chandaratana Panyadure, a Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist monk and deputy abbot, shares profound insights into meditation and mindfulness. He discusses the impact of Ven. Matara Ñāṇārāma on Sri Lanka’s forest tradition and how forest monasteries foster spiritual growth. Chandaratana emphasizes the importance of Satipaṭṭhāna, practical methods like mindful walking, and the joy found in Dhamma practice. He also reflects on the role of Pāḷi in teachings and the balance of lay engagement in politics, offering a holistic view of modern Buddhist practice.
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Forest Tradition Reborn In 1951
- Matara Srī Ñāṇārāma and Kadawedda Jinavamsa reestablished Sri Lanka's forest tradition starting in 1951.
- Their revival shifted practice from academic learning to deep meditation and spawned ~200 forest monasteries.
Nibbana Is Presented As Presently Attainable
- Nissarana Vanaya emphasizes that Nibbana is accessible here and now, not a remote future event.
- Jnanananda Thero's series "Nibbana: The Mind Stilled" clarified misconceptions and inspired renewed practice.
Build Samadhi Through Body-Based Mindfulness
- Emphasize body-based mindfulness as the gateway to samadhi; use mindful walking and kayānupassanā.
- Train attention to sustain 20–100 breaths or full walking rounds before shifting to vipassana.
