In a old leaky church basement, Bhante was given a small room to teach meditation. The first night, two people showed up. A decade later, The Blue Lotus Temple is a world-renowned Buddhist temple and meditation center that serves thousands of people locally and even more all over the world, under Bhante’s leadership as abbot and spiritual director.
Bhante weighs in at 85 pounds, and fifth graders often tower of him, but make no mistake: This man is a powerhouse of focus, energy, and determination. Bhante leads more than 380 meditations a year, for which he travels hundreds of thousands of miles, often walking off a plane and onto a podium within minutes. He speaks to colleges and universities across the world, leads small group retreats, and consults with corporate giants, teaching them all that love is the way and peace is a constant practice.
Bhante’s humanitarian work spans the globe and most recently oversaw the re-fitting of five hospitals with significant need. In 2013, Bhante Sujatha was awarded the highest honor within his lineage, as a recognition for the incredible impact he’s made to spreading Buddhism across America, being named the Chief Sanhga Nayaka of North America.
On any given day, you’ll find Bhante on the West Coast leading retreats, in the Midwest running his temple, or on the other side of the planet providing refuge for those who suffer and inspiring others to give and do even more to help the world. The tireless crusader often sleeps only three or four hours a night and infuses every single waking moment with total purpose and dedication to his mission: adding more love to the world.
To request Bhante come speak or teach — or just to get to know him — send a quick note using the form here, or contact him on Facebook.
