Death of Most Venerable Denmark Meththawihari Thero, a pioneering figure in digital Buddhism and education, at the age of 80 years, in Denmark
Posted on December 14th, 2025
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The Most Venerable Denmark Meththawihari Thero, born as Jacub Jacobson, a pioneering figure in digital Buddhism and education, passed away on Sunday night, December 7, 2025, at the age of 80.
The Venerable Monk had been receiving treatment for cancer in Denmark while under the care of his sister at his home in Denmark. His passing is regarded as a significant loss to the global Buddhist community, particularly in Sri Lanka, where he spent much of his monastic life.
Funeral and Memorial Services
- Final Rites: According to the Dharmavahini Foundation, his final rites and funeral ceremonies will be conducted in Denmark.
- Sri Lanka Memorial: A memorial Paṁsukūla (merit-sharing) offering was held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Narada Buddhist Center in Colombo 7, organized by the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka.
Legacy and Contributions
Originally born as Jacub Jacobson in Denmark, he was a successful businessman for nearly two decades before being drawn to the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and ordaining as a monk. He is best known for revolutionizing the dissemination of the Dhamma through modern technology:
- Digital Buddhism: He founded metta.lk, one of the world’s first online Buddhist databases, which digitized the Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures) in three languages.
- Media Foundations: He was the founder of the Dharmavahini Channel, Sri Lanka’s first Buddhist television channel, and served as an advisor to the Saddhammavahini Channel.
- Educational Impact: In response to the 2004 tsunami’s impact on education, he launched LearnTV, a 24-hour educational channel developed in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education to support rural students.
- Cultural Support: He was a dedicated supporter of the Light of Asia Foundation, advising on projects like the Siddhartha movie and the establishment of the Sakya Kingdom.
Despite his extensive service to Sri Lanka, it was noted by associates that his application for distinguished citizenship had been rejected during his lifetime; however, he continued his work with humility until his final days.
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German Dharmaduta Society