Nestled on the serene banks of Kaptai Lake in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, Rajban Bihar stands as a living testament to Bangladesh’s vibrant Buddhist tradition. Since the 1970s, the monastery has been a hub of spiritual practice and community, its legacy intimately bound to the life and teachings of the revered Sādhanānanda Mahāsthabir, affectionately known as Bana Bhante.
Bana Bhante’s transformative journey began long before Rajban Bihar became synonymous with his name. Born Rathindra Lal Chakma in 1920 in the village of Morghona along the Karnafuli River, he was drawn to spiritual pursuits from an early age. Despite family responsibilities that forced him into the workforce after his father’s early death, his passion for Buddhist learning never waned. In 1949, determined to follow his calling, Rathindra renounced worldly life and embarked on a monastic path. Under the guidance of esteemed monks, he embraced the rigorous practices of traditional austerity, earning the name “Bana,” a Bengali term meaning “forest,” after years of secluded meditation in the wilds of Dhanpata Jungle.
Over the next decade, Bana Bhante honed his discipline in the challenging environs of the jungle until the flooding caused by the Kaptai Dam forced his departure in 1960. His journey took him across the Chattogram region, where he received higher ordination and was renamed Sādhanānanda Bhikkhu—a title reflecting his deep commitment to meditation. His reputation as a practitioner of the Buddha’s austere mindfulness teachings spread swiftly, and by the early 1970s, he emerged as one of the first Theravāda teachers in a newly independent Bangladesh.
In 1977, the transformative chapter of his life reached Rajban Bihar when Queen Arati Roy of the Chakma community extended an invitation to the venerable monk. Embracing his new home, Bana Bhante dedicated the remaining 36 years of his life to the monastery. His influence continues to permeate Rajban Bihar, where daily rituals of alms rounds, chanting of suttas, and meditation sessions are a constant reminder of his enduring legacy. The monastery’s main shrine hall—Upashana Bihar—is adorned with vibrant tin decorations and Buddha statues, serving as a focal point for prayer and devotion among both local and international pilgrims.
One of the most poignant sights at Rajban Bihar is the modern memorial structure that houses the mummified body of Bana Bhante. Here, devotees come daily to pay homage, lighting candles and burning incense as offerings in a heartfelt tribute to a man who once illuminated the path to awakening for so many. The teachings of Bana Bhante, deeply rooted in the practice of mindfulness and the rigorous observance of Buddhist precepts, continue to inspire his disciples, who uphold his mission with unwavering dedication.
Today, Rajban Bihar is much more than a monastery—it is a pilgrimage site alive with Buddhist rituals and a symbol of spiritual perseverance amid modern challenges. As devotees chant ancient suttas in the Deshana Ghor and gather for meditation, the spirit of Bana Bhante lives on, guiding seekers on their journey through the darkness of samsara toward the light of enlightenment.
In a world in constant flux, the legacy of Sādhanānanda Mahāsthabir remains a steady beacon. Rajban Bihar, with its rich history and vibrant practices, ensures that the noble teachings of its beloved founder continue to resonate across Bangladesh and beyond.