C. Robert Pryor

Anagarika Munindra and the Historical Context of the Vipassana Movement

Buddhist Studies Review February 3, 2007 C. Robert Pryor

Anagarika Munindra (1915-2003) was a key figure in the global spread of vipassana meditation from Burma to India, North America, Europe, and Australia. His life is examined within its historical context, including his Barua caste background, his work with the Mahabodhi Society, and the 1956 Buddha Jayanti celebration. The analysis clarifies how Munindra served as an essential link between Burmese vipassana masters and Western students who later became influential meditation teachers, shedding light on the origins and significance of the vipassana movement in contemporary Buddhism.