Ven. Gnanaloka Thero lives a life of renunciation, dedicated to making the timeless wisdom of the Buddha accessible to sincere seekers across the globe. His journey—from a curious teenager to a revered monk—serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Dhamma. It also highlights the profound impact of associating with noble companions who embody and live by these teachings. Through his life and work, Ven. Gnanaloka inspires countless individuals to walk the path of liberation with clarity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Ven. Gnanaloka Thero is renowned for his deep love of solitude. He spent years in the forests of Sri Lanka and the Himalayas, practicing intensive meditation and embodying the ancient Buddhist tradition of cārikā—wandering on foot and relying solely on alms.

One of his most remarkable journeys was a 1,000 km pilgrimage on foot through LTTE militia-controlled territory during Sri Lanka’s civil war. Traveling unarmed from Galle to Nagadeepa and back, he relied entirely on the Dhamma for protection, demonstrating unwavering compassion and non-attachment even in the face of danger.

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Founded in 2017 by Ven. Bambalapitiye Gnanaloka Thero, the Sri Sambuddha Mission Charitable Trust is dedicated to preserving and propagating the Buddha’s original teachings. Rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Dhamma, the Trust supports meditation practitioners and fosters a life of renunciation, wisdom, and compassion.

Serving as the spiritual advisor, Ven. Gnanaloka Thero also guides the Sri Sambuddha Ramneeya Ashramaya—a serene forest monastery and meditation center in Dunumala, Sri Lanka. Nestled in nature, this sanctuary provides a tranquil space for sincere seekers to deepen their practice and cultivate inner transformation. Through retreats, teachings, and charitable initiatives, the Trust continues to share the Dhamma with sincerity and generosity.

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Pindapatha, the practice of collecting alms food, is a tradition as old as Buddhism itself. Dating back to the time of the Buddha, it is not merely a means of sustenance but a profound practice of humility, contentment, and mutual generosity. The word Pindapatha combines Pinda (food) and Patha (bowl), reflecting the simple yet deeply symbolic act of receiving alms.

Ven. Gnanaloka Thero continues this tradition, walking silently on alms round—not for his own benefit, but as an opportunity for laypeople to cultivate generosity and earn merit. This is a lesson he learned as a young monk from his teacher, Ven. Ñāṇavimala Mahāthera, who upheld the practice with unwavering dedication.

In this video, witness the timeless tradition of Pindapatha as Ven. Gnanaloka Thero walks for alms, embodying the spirit of renunciation and the deep interconnection between monastics and lay supporters.

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