Piyadassi Thera (8 July 1914 – 18 August 1998) was born in Kotahena in Colombo, Sri Lanka and was educated at Nalanda College, Colombo, thereafter at the University of Sri Lanka and the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard University as a research student.
He is best known as a great preacher of the Dhamma both in Sinhala and in English and it was in this field that his popularity was foremost. Piyadassi Thera was one of the world’s most eminent Buddhist monks having traveled widely carrying the message of the Buddha-Dhamma, both to the East and to West, he was able to write in a style that has universal appeal.
Piyadassi Thera was the Sinhala editor at the Buddhist Publication Society until his death. Along with Nyanaponika Thera, he was one of the chief kalyāṇamittas of well-known American scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi.
Buddhism: A Living Message
Piyadassi TheraThe scientist has brought the external world under his sway, and seems to promise that he can turn this world into a paradise. But humans cannot yet control…
Dependent Origination (Paticca Samupadda)
Piyadassi TheraDependent origination, paṭicca-samuppāda, is a basic teaching of Buddhism. The doctrine therein being so deep and profound it is not possible within the limited…
Mangala Sutta: Discourse on Blessings
Piyadassi TheraThus have I heard: On one occasion the Blessed One was living near Savatthi at Jetavana at Anathapindika’s monastery. Now when the night was far advanced…
The Book of Protection
Piyadassi TheraThe world of English Buddhist literature has been enriched by the publication of this book entitled “The Book of Protection.” This is a translation by the…
The Buddha: His Life and Teaching
Piyadassi TheraThe ages roll by and the Buddha seems not so far away after all; his voice whispers in our ears and tells us not to run away from the struggle but, calm eyed…
The Buddha’s Ancient Path
Piyadassi TheraOver the years, many expositions of the Buddha’s teachings have been published in English, but many lack authenticity and do not represent what the Buddha…
The Psychological Aspect of Buddhism
Piyadassi TheraBuddhism is the most psychological of religions. It is significant that the intricate workings of the human mind are more fully dealt with in Buddhism rather…
The Seven Factors of Enlightenment (Satta Bojjhanga)
Piyadassi TheraThe Tipitaka, the Buddhist canon, is replete with references to the factors of enlightenment expounded by the Enlightened One on different occasions under…