A Teacher’s Living Legacy: The Bhante G Heritage Center Opens

On Saturday, 2 May 2026, the Most Venerable Katugastota Uparatana Nayaka Thera joined members of the Maha Sangha and lay supporters at the Bhavana Society in High View, West Virginia, for the opening of the Bhante G Heritage Center.

Opened during the Vesak observances, the centre was established to preserve and share the living legacy of the Most Venerable Henepola Gunaratana Mahathera, affectionately known as Bhante G. As founding abbot of the Bhavana Society, an internationally respected meditation teacher and the author of Mindfulness in Plain English, Bhante G has helped introduce generations of people to the practice of Theravada Buddhism.

The occasion held particular personal significance for Bhante Uparatana. He has described Bhante G as his first teacher and spiritual guide, recalling how Bhante G guided his education, served as one of his teachers at ordination and later invited him to undertake Buddhist service in the United States.

The new Heritage Center honours this remarkable life of teaching and service while helping preserve Bhante G’s contributions for future generations.

May his wisdom and example continue to illuminate the path of the Dhamma.