A FOUNDER spiritual advisor to the Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) is to celebrate his 90th birthday on December 7.

Born in Sri Lanka, Venerable Henepola Gunaratana Maha Thera is described as an internationally respected meditation master and author. He has taught Buddhism in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia.

Jacquetta Gomes, secretary of the Kendal Group, said the group were grateful for his visits and his "inspiring example".