Nestled in Pflugerville, Texas, the Austin Buddhist Maha Vihara stands as a spiritual sanctuary dedicated to the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings within the Theravada tradition. Established on June 3rd, 2006, under the guidance of the Venerable Panditha Yatagama Sumanajothi Nayaka Thero, this temple was founded by the Sri Lankan Buddhist Association Inc. of Austin, a non-profit organization, to serve the local community by presenting and fostering the Buddhist way of life through meditation, reflection, and communal engagement. Functioning as both an educational and religious institution, the Austin Buddhist Maha Vihara offers a space for spiritual growth and community connection.
Guiding the Community: The Monastic Leadership
The resident monks at the Austin Buddhist Maha Vihara play a pivotal role in the community. These monks, ordained in the Theravada tradition, dedicate their lives to the study and practice of the Buddha’s teachings. They offer guidance to individuals and families, lead meditation sessions, and conduct ceremonies. The monks also engage in outreach efforts, working to spread kindness and understanding beyond the walls of the temple.
The incumbent monks at the temple bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles. They come from diverse backgrounds, having trained in monastic institutions in Sri Lanka. Their presence ensures that the temple remains a vibrant and authentic representation of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Through their leadership and compassion, they inspire the community to cultivate mindfulness, ethical living, and spiritual growth.
Venerable Middeniye Dhammika Thero
Venerable Middeniye Dhammika Thero serves as the Chief Resident Monk of the Austin Buddhist Vihara, where he facilitates the religious observances of the Buddhist community.
Venerable Kehelovitagama Subodha Thero
Born in 1984 in Kehelovitigama, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, bhante Subodha experienced the early loss of his mother six months after his birth. Subsequently orphaned, his formative years involved residing in various familial households until his enrollment in school in 1989. With his father’s consent, he entered monastic life at the local temple in 1990 and received ordination the following year under the tutelage of the Most Venerable Morawatte Sumanatissa Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Godakawela Sri Mahinda Maha Viharaya, and Venerable Kompitiye Suseela Thero. His monastic education continued for eleven years at the Pirivena, culminating in the successful completion of his high school examinations and the Prachina Panditha examination. In 2002, he pursued further studies at The Vidyalankara Pirivena in Peliyagoda. Commencing in 2003, he undertook a four-year academic program at the University of Kelaniya, ultimately earning his university degree. In 2004, he received higher ordination at the esteemed Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy.
Bhante Subodha’s arrival in the United States occurred in 2008. Following the passing of Yatagama Sumanajothi Nayaka Thero in 2010, Bhante Subodha assumed the role of Chief Priest and discharged the responsibilities of the temple until 2018.
Venerable Udumulle Saranapala Thero
Venerable Udumulle Saranapala Thero’s monastic journey commenced in 1992 at a young age with his ordination as a novice monk at Monaragala Sri Wijayawardanaramaya in Dambawella, Sri Lanka. In 2004, he received his Upasampada at the esteemed Malwaththa Vihara in Kandy and subsequently established The Samadhi Viharaya in Nawala, Colombo 5, where he also served as the Chief Priest.
The Venerable Thero’s foundational education was completed at The Vidyalankara Maha Pirivena in Peliyagoda. His academic achievements were recognized in 2002 when he was conferred the Rajakeeya Panditha Degree by the Government of Sri Lanka. In 2004, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sinhala Language from the University of Kelaniya. Continuing his scholarly pursuits, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies from the Pali and Buddhist University in Homagama, Sri Lanka. His dedication to academic excellence led him to acquire a second Master’s Degree in Sinhala Literature from The University of Kelaniya in 2006. From 2006 to 2013, Venerable Udumulla Saranapala Thero focused on the disciplines of Psychology and Counseling, culminating in the acquisition of a Diploma, a Post Graduate Diploma, and a Master’s Degree from The University of Kelaniya and the University of Colombo.
Venerable Udumulle Saranapala Thero arrived at the Austin Buddhist Maha Vihara in 2018, where he later served as the chief resident monk until 2024. He is no longer residing at the Austin Buddhist Vihara.
Venerable Panditha Yatagama Sumanajothi Nayaka Thero
Panditha Yatagama Sumanajothi Nayaka Thero held the esteemed position of Chief Resident Monk at the Austin Buddhist Vihara. His initial ordination took place on September 24th, 1957, followed by his higher ordination on May 24th, 1968, conferred by Gaspe Sri Somananda Maha Ishtavira Thero and Panditha Vinayacharya Gaspe Deerananda Maha Ishtavira Thero in Sri Lanka. Following his primary education at the Vidyalankara Pirivena, he earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, in 1968. In 1969, he was awarded the “Prachina Panditha” degree, signifying his proficiency in Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit, and Hindi.
From 1968 to 1992, he served as the Head Resident Monk of “Gampaha Hurikaduwa Vidyadarshi Pirivena” in Sri Lanka, demonstrating continued dedication to his community. His service extended internationally as the Head Resident Monk at Lumbini Vihara, Nepal (2001-2003), and subsequently at The Stockholm Buddhist Temple, Sweden (2003-2005). In 2006, he assumed the responsibilities of Chief Resident Monk at the Austin Buddhist Vihara, a role he fulfilled until his passing in 2010.
