Teachers

Bhikkhu Mihintala [Missaka] Kamalasiri is a guided meditation teacher, primarily focusing on Vipassana techniques sourced from the Buddhist Sutras. He believes this path will arm every sentient being against life’s different challenges.

In 1970,Bhikkhu Missaka Kamalasiri was born in Mihintale, Sri Lanka, near the site where the Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa inaugurated the presence of Buddhism on this small island nation.
He has held a special interest in meditation since childhood. He started his practice under the guidance of Venerable Ananda Maitriya Maha Nayaka Thero. While there, he also received guidance from the renowned Dhamma teacher, Godwin Samararathne.

When he was only 14-years-old, Bhante received his novice ordination from his teacher, Balangoda Anandamaitrie, a well-known Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, who many considered a Bodhisattva. From there, he continued his training and education at the Vegirikanda Meditation Center and Gnanalankara Bhikkhu training centre in Peradeniya. He earned his higher education at the Sangaraja Monks Training School in Kandy and Vidyodaya, Colombo.
For three years,Bhikkhu Kamalasiri lived in the Himalayan Mountains, researching Vajrayana and Hindu meditation techniques. He visited the Shivananda Ashram numerous times. Accounts of those visits were documented in a Sinhala language book titled, Mihidugiren Himagirata.

For a while, he practiced meditation in the caves of the Yelmo Mountains, where the Tibetan saint, Yogi Milarepa, once practiced. Kamala also spent some time at the Tusita Meditation Center.

Positions: From 1986 until 2008 he was the teacher of the Dhamma School in Peradeniya, and taught for a couple of years at the Bhikkhu Training College in Peradeniya. He was the coordination secretary in the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the wise secretary of the Kandy District Committee of Buddhist Authority, adviser for The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, and the adviser for the documentary “2550 Years of Buddhism in Sri Lanka”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oorjkuY1e2c

He was also a part of the Apprenticeship Program organized by the State of Department of the United States, a member of the Board of Trustee for the National Environmental Forum and the adviser for the same committee that issued the Bank of Ceylon coin.

Publishings: Bhante has written 7 books in Sinhala:
1. Minissu -“Humans”
2. Aprakata Bauddha Lokaya- “Unknown Buddhist World“
3. Heladiwata Wasiyathiwarayano, Sikim Mahinda The Sikkim Mahinda – “Monk who from from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka”
4. Mihindu Giren Hima Girata – “From Minithale to Himalaya” National Literature Award Winner
5. Baudda Ahillaha Dakma – “The Buddhist World and Vision”
6. Asa Taru Saha Mama – “The Sky, The Stars and Me”
7. “Messiah”

He’s had many published articles in newspapers and magazines in Sri Lanka and Australia, and also has spoken for radio and television.

Meditation Teachings out of Sri Lanka:
Kamala has taught in Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, India, Nepal, China, England and Italy and the United States.

Sathi’s spiritual journey began in earnest during his early adolescence, culminating in his ordination at the tender age of 19 within the Theravada tradition in his cherished homeland, Sri Lanka. Embracing the path of a Bhikku, he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to rigorous practice and compassionately guided individuals from diverse backgrounds, drawing upon the profound teachings of Buddhism to support them on their unique paths.

Transitioning into the role of a meditation teacher, Sathi established his residence in Southfield, Michigan, in 1999, marking the commencement of a transformative period. He embarked on an inspiring journey across the United States and Canada, generously imparting the wisdom of meditation and mindfulness practices, as well as the profound philosophical wisdom of Buddha (Dhamma), while skillfully leading transformative retreats.

In 2003, Sathi found his new home in Minnesota, where, with the unwavering support of friends, he founded the Triple Gem of the North in Mankato. Throughout the state, he earnestly endeavored to share the profound benefits of meditation and mindful living, enriching communities with his insightful teachings, adept leadership in retreats, and engaging talks.

Among the notable locations in Minnesota where Sathi has shared his wisdom are:

Meditation Teacher at Carlton College, Northfield, MN
Guiding teacher at Triple Gem of the North, Mankato, MN
Guiding teacher at Chaska Mindfulness Center
Guiding teacher at Metta Meditation Center
Teacher and speaker at several other Twin Cities Area locations
In response to invitations, Sathi has tirelessly planted seeds of Buddha’s teachings throughout the United States, culminating in the establishment of several centers under his esteemed guidance, including:

Founder and Guiding Teacher Of Triple Gem Of the North, Mankato, MN
Founder of Oklahoma Buddhist Vihara, OK
Founder and Guiding Teacher of Mindfulness Center, Chaska, MN
Founder and Guiding Teacher of Metta Meditation Center, MN
Founder and Guiding Teacher of Mindfulness Center, Boulder, CO
Sathi’s profound passion lies in discerning the common essence that unites all traditions and schools of Buddhism, with a special focus on the transformative power of meditation. Since establishing himself in Minnesota, he has steadfastly committed himself to nurturing spiritual growth and fostering a sense of unity among practitioners from diverse backgrounds.

Sathi’s journey is a remarkable testament to compassion, wisdom, and dedicated service to humanity, as he continues to inspire countless individuals on their quests for inner peace, enlightenment, and a profound connection with the teachings of Buddha. His presence remains a beacon of profound wisdom and guidance, profoundly enriching the spiritual landscape of the United States.