Venerable Bibiladeniye Mahanama Thero, a distinguished Buddhist monk of the Theravada Order, stands as a transformative figure in the realm of spiritual and artistic expression. As the only Theravada Buddhist monk in Asia to explore music as an aesthetic medium, the Thero has pioneered a path that harmonizes tradition with modern creativity.
For nearly two decades, Venerable Mahanama Thero has been actively involved in music and the arts, both locally and internationally. His groundbreaking album Share the Love, released in 2014, marked his debut into spiritual and relaxation music. The album gained widespread acclaim across Europe, Asia, and Sri Lanka, and in 2015, it was honored with the prestigious State Music Award for Best Album in Sri Lanka.
In 2017, the Thero made history as the first Buddhist monk to serve as music director for a feature film. His debut in cinema came with Giriwasipura, directed by Devinda Kongahage. This milestone was followed by work on several notable films including Nattami Army, DHARA (directed by Anuruddha Jayasingha), and Neeraputtu Nerappu.
The Thero’s influence extends into the digital realm as well, where he has contributed significantly to the development of meditation and mental well-being music through mobile platforms. His collaborations with international apps such as Mind Supply (USA) and Rest Tech (India), as well as his role as co-founder and head of content for Sri Lanka’s Heallift Mindfulness mobile app, have introduced a new dimension to spiritual wellness.
Recognized as the pioneer of Conceptual Musical Short Films in Sri Lanka, Venerable Mahanama Thero began this journey with Wallstory in 2020. On World Peace Day in 2021, he released Piece for Peace, a digital tribute to peace and inter-religious harmony.
In 2015–2016, the Thero undertook a landmark cultural preservation project to restore and record traditional Jathaka Katha (Jathaka Stories). Featuring over 150 Buddhist monks and more than 500 hours of voice recordings, the initiative safeguarded one of Theravada Buddhism’s most treasured literary traditions for future generations.
His work also transcends the spiritual and artistic spheres. He serves as the music director for You Are Always with Me, the first television drama co-produced by China and Sri Lanka, directed by Cui Yali. Beyond music and media, the Thero is actively involved in environmental and animal welfare initiatives and holds leadership roles in various international interfaith and humanitarian organizations.
Founder of the Share the Love Foundation of Ceylon and the Sandhara Spiritual Research and Anthropology Centre, Venerable Bibiladeniye Mahanama Thero continues to inspire through his unique blend of spirituality, creativity, and compassionate action.
Listen to His Work:
- Evolving in the Wind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lvs_hVIRes
- Wallstory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1b57WHMbAE
- Piece for Peace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo-e_ZCHb8g