OUR FOUNDER & ABBOT OF SANTUSSAKO HERMITAGE
Bhante Indarathana
Bhante Indarathana (affectionately known as “Bhante Inda”) is a Sri Lankan-born Buddhist monk, currently serving as the abbot of Santussako Hermitage, Kurunegala Sri Lnaka and Resident Teacher at the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association in Selangor, Malaysia. His spiritual journey commenced at the tender age of 11 under the mentorship of Most Venerable B. Chandananda Maha Thera in 1997, laying a solid foundation for his monastic and spiritual development.
Education and Ordination
Bhante Inda received traditional spiritual training at Sri Medankara Pirivena in Urubokka and Sri Subadrarama Pirivena in Nugegoda, where he excelled in his studies. He was conferred higher ordination (Upasampada) in 2007, marking a significant milestone in his monastic life. Furthering his academic pursuits, Bhante Inda obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Colombo, followed by a master’s degree in counselling psychology from HELP University in Kuala Lumpur. Currently, he is engaged in doctoral studies at the University of Malaya, focusing on integrating Buddhist teachings with contemporary psychological practices.
International Engagement and Teaching
In 2012, Bhante Inda embarked on his international mission to spread the Buddha-Dhamma beyond Sri Lanka, guided by Most Venerable B. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Maha Thera. He initially served as a resident monk at the Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple in Kuala Lumpur, where he also deepened his understanding of Modern Western Psychology. In 2016, Bhante Inda was invited by Subang Jaya Buddhist Association as the Resident Monk at the Subang Jaya Buddhist Vihara, Selangor, Malaysia where he has since played a pivotal role in propagating Buddhist teachings to Malaysian Buddhist community
Teaching and Community Outreach
Bhante Inda is highly dedicated to disseminating the Buddha’s teachings through various platforms, including meditation retreats, Sutta workshops, and mindfulness practices tailored for children, youth, and adults. His approach is holistic, aiming to guide individuals towards inner peace and wisdom as elucidated by the Buddha. In addition to his spiritual teachings, Bhante Inda offers counselling services that uniquely blend Buddhist principles with modern psychotherapeutic techniques, catering to the psychological and emotional well-being of the community.
Philanthropy and Leadership
Beyond his spiritual duties, Bhante Inda is the founder of the Santussako International Foundation, an organization committed to advancing moral values and educational standards, particularly among the underprivileged in Sri Lanka. In 2020, he established the Santussako Hermitage, further expanding his spiritual services and outreach. His leadership extends to his role as the Deputy Secretary of the World Buddhist Sangha Youth (WBSY) since 2018, where he contributes to the global Buddhist community.
Bhante Inda’s mission to propagate the Buddha-Dhamma has taken him to various countries, including the Philippines, Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan, where he has left a lasting impact on diverse communities. His work reflects a profound commitment to fostering spiritual growth, moral development, and psychological well-being, both within and beyond the Buddhist community.
