Venerable Bibiladeniye Mahanama Thero Breaks New Ground in Music, Cinema, and Spiritual Innovation
Venerable Bibiladeniye Mahanama Thero, a distinguished monk of the Theravada Buddhist Order, has emerged as a groundbreaking figure in the fusion of spirituality, music, and art across Asia. As the only Theravada monk actively experimenting with music as a medium of aesthetic expression, the Thero's influence spans continents and disciplines.
In 2014, Venerable Mahanama Thero released his debut experimental album Share the Love , focusing on themes of spirituality and relaxation. The album was distributed across Europe, Asia, and Sri Lanka and was recognized with the prestigious State Music Award for Best Album in Sri Lanka in 2015.
His entry into the world of cinema in 2017 marked a historical milestone, becoming the first Buddhist monk to direct music for a feature film with Giriwasipura , directed by Devinda Kongahage. His cinematic portfolio has since expanded to include Nattami Army , DHARA (directed by Anuruddha Jayasingha), and Neeraputtu Nerappu , among others.
Recognizing the importance of digital outreach, the Thero has extended his musical contributions into the mobile wellness space. His work includes collaborations with Mind Supply (USA) and Rest Tech (India), along with his role as co-founder and content director of Heallift Mindfulness, a leading Sri Lankan meditation and mental well-being app.
In 2019, he introduced Sri Lanka's first Conceptual Musical Short Film, Wallstory , followed by Piece for Peace in 2021, released in celebration of World Peace Day. These digital projects highlight his commitment to peace, interfaith unity, and innovation in spiritual media.
A dedicated preservationist, Venerable Mahanama Thero also led the 2015–2016 restoration of traditional Jathaka Katha (Jathaka Stories) recitals. The initiative involved over 150 monks and produced more than 500 hours of traditional voice recordings, preserving a key element of Theravada Buddhist heritage.
His global impact extends further as the Sri Lankan music director for You Are Always with Me , the first-ever TV drama co-produced by Sri Lanka and China, directed by Cui Yali.
The Thero is also the founder of the Share the Love Foundation of Ceylon and the Sandhara Spiritual Research and Anthropology Centre, and holds positions in numerous international organizations focused on environmental, animal, and multi-religious welfare.
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