A Manual of Abhidhamma is written by Ven. Narada Maha Thera. He was born Sumanapala Perera in Kotahena, Sri Lanka, on July 14, 1898.
In a Christian missionary school, he was educated and excelled as a student. At a young age, he attended a Buddhist Sunday School. At the age of 18, he was ordained as a novice and educated by the famed Pelene Vajiranana Mahanayaka Thera. Languages and Abhidhamma were studied. At the age of 20, he received his higher ordination and studied at Ceylon University College.
He received a regular monastic education as well as philosophical, logical, and ethical studies. He became a member of the Servants of the Buddha group, an active Buddhist missionary organization, and was inspired by their missionary endeavors. He was chosen to represent Sri Lanka during the dedication of a new vihara in Benares, India, in 1929.
