Born Siegmund Feniger in Germany in 1901, Nyanaponika Thera discovered Buddhism at age 20. In early 1936, he moved to Sri Lanka and joined Ven. Nyanatiloka Thera at the Island Hermitage. Inspired by Buddhist teachings, he became a novice monk in June 1936, receiving the name Nyanaponika, and attained Higher Ordination (Upasampadā) in 1937.
During World War II, as a prisoner of war, he translated significant Buddhist texts into German. In 1952, he and Nyanatiloka Mahathera were invited to Burma to assist with the Sixth Buddhist Council. Afterward, he trained in Vipassanā under Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw Thera.
Nyanaponika Thera co-founded the Buddhist Publication Society in 1958, publishing Buddhist literature in English. He mentored many Western Buddhist leaders, including Bhikku Bodhi. Notable works include “The Heart of Buddhist Meditation”, “Abhidhamma Studies”, “Power of Mindfulness” and others.
“The Vision of Dhamma: Buddhist Writings of Nyanaponika Thera” was published on his last birthday in July 1994. He passed away on October 19, 1994, during his 58th Rains Retreat at the Udawattekelle forest hermitage.