Category: Buddhism

Sayadaws, Suttas, Terms

  • Abhidhamma Books & Courses

    Abhidhamma Books & Courses

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    U Silananda

    U Silananda
    • Chief Resident Monk of Dhammananda Vihara
    • First Rector of IMBTU
    • Taught Abhidhamma courses in Burmese and English.
    • The course in Burmese is available in CD and MP3 tapes.
    • The course is English is available as a 3-volume book.

    Abhidhamma Course (in Burmese)

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    Abhidhamma (Burmese)
    • Sayadaw U Silananda gave a course at Dhammananda Vihara (then in Daly City) over several weekends.
    • Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) completed the course.
    • Some devotees converted the 26 tapes into MP3 format.
    • Ko Jeffrey (from Fremont) loaded them onto an MP3 player, and offered them as dhamma dana to students taking Abhidhamma courses.

    Handbook of Abhidhamma Studies

    • Three Volumes by Venerable Sayadaw U Silananda
    • Transcription by Sarah E Marks
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    Abhidhamma (English)
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    Back cover

    Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa

    Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
    • He succeeded U Silanandabhivamsa as Rector of IMBTU
    • He taught Abhidhamma in Myanmar and beyond.
    • Fundamental Abhidhamma Part I was first taught in 1997 at Maryland, USA. The book was edited by Dr. Khin Maung U (First in Burma in the Matric exam of 1963). The second edition was published by the Center of Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills in 2005.
    • Fundamental Abhidhamma Part II was published by the Center of Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills in 2007.
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    Fundamental

    Fundamental Abhidhamma

    Part I

    • By Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
    • First edition : June 1997
    • Editor : Dr. Khin Maung U
    • Myanmar-Buddhist Meditation Society, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    • Second, extended edition : January 2005
    • revised : November 2005
    • Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS), Sagaing Hills, Sagaing, Myanmar

    Contents

    The History of Abhidhamma

    (1) Why is it called Abhidhamma?
    (2) Who is the author?

    (8) The role of Abhidhammattha sangaha
    (9) The role of Vibhavani
    (10) Ledi Sayadaw
    (11) Paramatthadipani, the critic of Vibhavani

    The Fundamental of Abhidhamma

    Chapter 1 : Citta
    Chapter 2 : Cetasika
    Chapter 3 : Rup (Matter)
    Chapter 4 : Pikinnaka (Miscellaneous)
    Chapter 5 : Vithi : Mental Process

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    Fundamental Abhidhamma

    Part II

    • By Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
    • Version Dec 2007
    • Center for Buddhist Studies (CBS)
    • Mahadubodhayon Monastery, Sagaing Hills, Sagaing, Myanmar

    Contents

    • Chapter 5 : Vithi
      Mental Process
    • Chapter 6 : Vithimutta
      Passive Mental Process
    • Chapter 7 : Paccayasangaha
      Compendium of Causality
    • Chapter 8 : Kammatthana Sangaha
      Meditation Subject

    Kusalakari Monastery

    • Ashin Garudhamma teaches two courses at the monastery in Spady, Fremont.
    • One is Pali.
    • The other is Abdhidhamma.
    Gary dhamma

    Abhidamma Newsletter (1999)

    • Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa was Patron of Dhammachakka Meditation Center, Berkeley, C.A.
    • Abdhidhamma Newsletter was published by the Abhidhamma Study Group of DMC.
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    Abhidhamma Newsletter

    Abhidhamma Newsletter
    Volume 1 Number 3 (April 1999)
    Adviser: Venerable U Silananda
    Editor: Maung Tin-Wa (Ph.D.)
    Editorial Board: James Cameron, U Aye Cho, Aung Khin (M.D.).
    Marc F. Lierberman (M.D.), Yan Naing Lwin (Ph.D.),
    Sarah E, Marks, Tin Than Myint (M.D.), Bach Dong Nhut,
    U Han Nyo, Phil Rohrer, Larry Rosenberg,
    Anna Spievogel (M.D., Ph.D.), Tin Myo Than (M.D.),
    Hla N. Tin (Ph.D.), Rita Adelman
    Graphic Designer: Scott Jordan
    Transcribing and Word Processing: Pat McMahon
    Published by the Abhidhamma Study Group of Dhammachakka Meditation Center, Berkeley, C.A.

  • Beelin Sayadaw

    Beelin Sayadaw

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    U Pyinnyadipa ဘီးလင်းဆရာတော်ဦးပညာဒီပ

    • Patron, Panditarama Monastery
    • Former Chief Sayadaw, Hse Mile Gone Monastery
    • Former Chief Sayadaw, Tathagata Meditation Center, San Jose, California, USA
    • Passed away in Yangon on June 18, 2025
    Beelin 1
    Beelin 2
    Beelin 3
    Beelin 4
    Beelin 5
    Beelin 6

    Memories

    • I was Interpreter for some of Sayadaw’s dhamma talks at TMC.
    • Sayadaw published dhamma books.
    Book
    • Visited Sayadaw at the Hse Mile Gone monastery and at the Shwe Taung Gone monastery

    Posts

    • Dhamma Books
    • Sayadaw
    • Tathagata Meditation Center
    • Vipassana Meditation
    Beelin 2
    • I was Interpreter for some of Sayadaw’s talks (at TMC)
  • Sixth Buddhist Council

    by U Silananda & Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    • Date : May 1954 – 56
    • Place : Rangoon (Burma)
    • Prime Minister : U Nu
    • Leader : Revata Thera
    • Number of Monks : 2500
    • Duration : Two years for the Pali Texts
    • Accomplishment :
      Reaffirmed the Texts accepted at the previous Councils.
      Editions of Pali Texts, Commentaries and Sub-commentaries

    References :

    • Sangayana Album

    Editor’s Notes

    • Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana acted as the Chief Questioner.
    Mahasi & Mingun Sayadaws
    • Migun Tipitaka Sayadaw U Vicittacarabhivamsa acted as the Chief Reciter.
    Mingun Sayadaw
    • The Guinness Book of World Records honored Mingun Sayadaw’s Memory.

    Sayadaws

    Nyaung Yan, Ma Soe Yein
    Mahasi, Nyaung Yan, Mingun

    Nyaung Yan Sayadaw

    Nyaung Yan 1
    Nyaung Yan 2

    Ma Soe Yein Sayadaw

    Ma Soe Yein 1
    Ma Soe Yein 2
    Ma Soe Yein 3
  • Dhamma Publications

    Dhamma Publications

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    U Silananda

    Libraries

    Many monasteries have libraries with texts in Pali, Burmese/Myanmar & English. Some have indexed the library collection.

    It is difficult if not impossible to read all the books in a library.

    Libraries in Monasteries (Northern California)

    • Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay
    • Kuthalakari, Fremont
    • Mettananda Vihara, Oakland (formerly at Fremont & Castro Valley)
    • Mudita Shwe Kyaung, Hayward
    • Tathagata Meditation Center, San Jose

    Training and Teaching Centers

    Mingalar Byu Har (မင်္ဂလာဗျူဟာ), Dhamma Byu Har (ဓမ္မဗျူဟာ), Dhammacakka Society (ဓမ္မစကြာအသင်းအဖွဲ့ ), Pathan Sar Thin Taik (ပဌာန်းစာသင်တိုက်) and the various training and teaching centers have helped sustain, promote, and propagate Sasana.

    Theravada Canon

    Theravada means “Way of the Elders”.

    At the First Buddhist Council and at the subsequent Councils, the sacred texts are reaffirmed. The Teachings are not added, deleted, or modified.

    Burma hosted the Fifth & Sixth Buddhist Councils.

    Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa initiated two projects: one to digitize the marble slabs inscribed during the Fifth Buddhist Council in Mandalay, and the other to compile a CD of the Tipitaka texts that were re-affirmed at the Sixth Buddhist Council in Rangoon/Yangon.

    The Pali-Myanmar Tipitaka Dictionary was compiled under the guidance of the Sayadawgyis (e.g. Mahasi Sayadaw) and the [then young] Sayadaws (e.g. U Silananda). Myanmar translations of the Tipitaka texts were published by the Department of Religious Affairs.

    Mahagandaryone Sayadaw U Janakabivamsa

    He wrote texts for both the sanghas and the lay people. They include

    • Ba Tha Thway ဘာသာသွေး
    • Yadana Gone Yi ရတနာ့ဂုဏ်ရည်
    • A Na Gut Thar Tha Yay အနာဂတ်သာသနာရေး (Future of the Dispensation)
    • Ko Kyint Abhidhamma ကိုယ်ကျင့်အဘိဓမ္မာ (Abhidhamma in Daily Life)
    • Shin pone shin kyint wut ရှင်ပုံ ရှင်ကျင့်ဝတ် (rules for the samanera/novices)
    • The Illustrated History of Buddhism (with drawings by Sayagyi U Ba Kyi)

    Dhamma Recording

    Tape Recorders

    In the 50’s and 60’s, the Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS) used mostly Ampex tape recorders for high fidelity.

    The general public used less expensive brands such as Akai, Grudig and Sony for recording.

    Sixth Buddhist Council

    During the Sixth Buddhist Council (1954 – 1956), BBS broadcast the sessions where Mahasi Sayadaw served as the Questioner and Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw served as the Reciter/Expositor.

    The archives are being offered as dhamma dana in Audio CD and MP3 formats.

    Kudos to those who are trying to preserve, practice, and propagate the Sasana (Teachings of the Buddha).

    Teachings of Sayadaws

    Individuals and organizations have provided access to their dhamma archives.

    Sun Lun Sayadaw

    Sunlun Sayadaw
    Book about Sunlun Sayadaw

    Recordings (dhamma talks, kammavaca, …) of Myingyan Sun Lun Gu Kyaung Sayadaw U Kavi were made by his disciples. They can be downloaded from the Sun Lun web site.

    Mogok Sayadaw

    U Sway Tin and his team recorded 500+ talks of the Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala. They also transcribed the tapes for distribution as books. The advances in technology make possible the redistribution of the archives as Audio CDs, MP3s, and e-Books.

    Dhammananda Sayadaw

    Recordings of Sayadaw U Silananda (Abdhidhamma, “Words of the Buddha”, …, dhamma talks given at the meditation retreats) were made by his disciples at Dhammacakka Center, Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA), Tathagatha Meditation Center (TMC), and Zen Buddhist Temple. Some works are available as Audio CDs, MP3s and books. I was honored to edit the dhamma talks (transcribed by Sayadaw U Osadha) before presenting them to SayadawU S ilananda for final review and editing. The book was published in 2003 by the Malaysian yogis organized by Pauline Chiong.

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    Taya Oo

    TMC Publications

    Tathagata Meditation Center

    • TMC was founded by the Vietnamese disciples of Sayadaw U Silananda.
    • TMC is located at 1215 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose, CA 95122
    • It’s web site is
      http://www.tathagata.org/
    • Conducts about six long-term meditation retreats per year.
    • Offers two week-end retreats for months when there are no long-term retreats.
    • Holds summer classes : one for children and the other for young adults.
    • Published several books for Dhamma Dana distribution.
      They include teachings by Mahasi Sayadaw, U Pandita, U Silananda, and books to study Pali.

    Pali

    • For the past few years, U Dhammika-bhivamsa (Tharmanay Kyaw) taught Pali courses using selected Suttas to interested yogis to have an appreciation of Buddha’s teachings without delving into the details of Pali grammar.
    • The course materials were prepared by Som Tu (Director of TMC, Retired executive in Technology) under the guidance of Thamanay Kyaw Sayadaw.

    Reference Books

    • I used to volunteer as Translator/Interpreter for Meditation Retreats at Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC).
    • Beelin Sayadaw U Pannadipa (then Resident Sayadaw at TMC, currently Padana Nayaka Sayadaw at Panditarama Shwe Taung Gone in Yangon) gave me the book “A Pali Myanmar-English Dictionary of the Noble Words of the Lord Buddha”.
    • The book was compiled by U Myat Kyaw (Myanmar Sar Ah Phwe) and translated into English by U San Lwin.
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    • TMC gave me the book “Buddhist Dictionary” by Ven. Nyantiloka.
    • It is subtitled “Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines”.
    • The first edition was published in 1946.
    • The third revised & enlarged edition was edited by Ven. Nyanaponika in 1970.
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    • U Hla Myint, who had passed Dhammacariya & several monastic exams as a monk, gave me a PDF version of his manuscript “An Introduction to Pali” for study and review.
    • The book is available as Dhamma Dana distribution from TMC.
    • He studied Pali under the guidance of Mahagandayone Sayadaw U Jananabhivamsa (one of the greatest Pali scholars in the 20th century) and with the outstanding teachers U Vijaya-lankara and U Dhamika-bhivamsa (with pen name “Thamanay Kyaw”).
    • He studied English under the guidance of Sayadaw U Pandita-bhivamsa and with the eminent teachers such as U Aung Myat Thut, U Aye Maung and U Hla Maung.
    • He has written, translated and edited several books for TMC.
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    U Hla Myint

    Triple Gem Publications

    Founder Members

    • Harry Than Htut (Canada)
    • U Htay Aung (Victor, Australia)
    • Dr. Maung Maung Lwin (UK)
    • U Tin Htoon (USA)
    • Daw Tin Tin Myint (Emma, Singapore)

    Sample Publications

    • Emptying the Rose-Apple Seat
      A day-to-day guide to Buddhist meditation methods as taught by a renowned meditation master
      by Aggamahapandita Bhaddhanta Dr. Rewata Dhamma
      Foreword by Joseph Goldstein
    • The Buddha’s Prescription
      A selection of talks and essays by Dr. Rewata Dhamma

    Inward Path Publisher

    Background

    • IPP is in Penang, Malaysia.
    • Aims at disseminating the noble teachings of Wisdom and Compassion of the Buddha to a wide segment of readers through the printing of Dhamma books and booklets.

    Dhamma Dana

    Inward Journey Books (free Dhamma books) include the following :

    • One Truth Only
      A Compilation of Passages from Mahasi Sayadaw’s discourses
    • The Way to the Happiness of Peace
      Understanding the Basics of Insight Meditation
      By Sayadaw U Pandita
    • Paritta Pali and Protective Verses
      A Collection of Eleven Protective Verses & An English Translation
      By Sayadaw U Silananda
    • Volition
      An Introduction to the Law of Kamma
      By Sayadaw U Silananda
    • No Inner Core
      An Introduction to the Doctrine of Anatta
      By Sayadaw U Silananda
    • Idriya
      The Nine Causes which Sharpen the Controlling Faculty of a Vipassana Meditating Yogi
      By Sayadaw U Kundala
    • Vipassana Bhavana
      Basic Principles of Mindfulness Meditation
      By Sayadaw U Kundala
    • Time and Priceless Treasures of Thabyekan Sayadaw
      Compiled by Tharmanay Kyaw

    Triple Gems Publications, in collaboration with Suki Hoti Publications, have made available dhamma dana books. See the relevant postings.

    Theravada Web Sites

    Thanks to the websites (such as those listed below), the Teachings of the Buddha and His disciples can easily be studied, practiced, and propagated.

    • dhammadownload.com (Ko Kyaw Lwin and team)
    • nibanna.com (Dr. Maung Maung Lwin and team)
    • several other Theravada web sites
  • U Silananda

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2026

    Highlights

    U Silananda
    Three Abhidhamma Scholars
    At Insight Meditation Society
    • First Rector, International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
    • Trailblazer for the Buddhist monks doing Dhamma Duta missions in the USA and beyond. See the book by Nyaung Kan Aye Sayadaw.
    • Ovada Sayadaw and Spirtual Advisor of Monasteries (Dhammanada Vihara, TMC, Abayarama, Mahasi) & Meditation Centers (DMC).
    • Lexicographer, Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary
    • Author — Books (in Burmese & English)
    Dependent Origination
    • Courses — Fundamentals of Buddhism, Abhidhamma (in Burmese & English), Consecration of Sima, Dhamma Topics & Discussions
    Course
    CD

    • Passed away on August 13, 2005. I was Emcee of the Memorial Service. I accompanied Saya U Myat Htoo (TBSA) and carried the Box of Sayadaw’s ashes to be scattered near the Golden Gate Bridge.
    • I was Contributing Editor of the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silandabhivamsa”.
    Book 1
    • Sarah Marks transcribed Sayadaw’s talks on Abdhidhamma. It was published in three volumes.
    Abhidhamma
    • A Thai devotee published “Paritta Pali and Protective Verses” as a birthday present for Sayadaw.
    Paritta
    • Sayadaw’s first book “Taya Oo” was reprinted for Sayadaw’s 75th Birthday. It also had Sayadaw’s Biography.
    Bio 1
    Bio 2

    10th Anniversary

    • In August 2015, TBSA celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw’s demise
    • I read Sayadaw’s biography
    Remember 1
    Remember 2
    Remember 3
    Remember 4

    Last Journey

    • Sayadaw (Rector, ITBMU and Chief Resident Monk, Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, California) passed away on August 13, 2005.
    • I had the honor to serve as Master of Ceremonies at the Services.
    • 50+ Theravada monks from Burma, USA, and UK paid respect to Sayadaw.
    • U Nandamalabhivamsa (then Pro-Rector, Academic, IMBTU) and Dr. Myint Kyi (then Pro-Rector, Admin, IMBTU) attended the ceremonies as Representatives of IMBTU.
    • Devotees mourned that “The sun that rose in the East has set in the West”
    • Sayadaw was cremated.
    • I had the honor to carry the box containing Sayadaw’s ashes to be scattered from a yacht into the waters near Golden Gate Bridge.
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, President of TBSA) led the procession.
    • Sayadaw’s last journey is recorded as a 2-set DVD.

    Paying Homage

    I served as a Contributing Editor and the Committee member for compiling and publishing the book “Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda”.

    Homage

    In August, 2015, the saydaws and devotees of Dhammananda Vihara to celebratethe 10th Anniversary of Sayadaw’s demise. See photos

  • Dhammapada

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Prelude

    • Collection of Pali verses (that refer to Buddha’s teachings).
    • Translated by several Pal Scholars.
    • Some Dhammapada books also cover short stories related to the verses.

    Narada Thera

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    • The Dhammapada
    • Subtitle: Pali text & translation with stories & notes
    • Author : Narada Thera
    • Preface

    Chapters

    • The Twin Verses
    • Heedfulness
    • Mind
    • Flowers
    • Fools
    • The Wise
    • The Worthy
    • Thousands
    • Evil
    • The Rod or Punishment
    • Old Age
    • The Self
    • The World
    • The Buddha
    • Happiness
    • Affection
    • Anger
    • Impurities or Taints
    • The Just or Righteous
    • The Way or the Path
    • Miscellaneous
    • Woeful State
    • The Elephant
    • Craving
    • The Bhikkhu or the Mendicant
    • The Brahmana

    Venerable Buddharakhitta

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    The following verses are from the book by Venerable Buddharakkhita.

    Verse 182

    Hard it is to be born a man;
    hard is the life of mortals.
    Hard is it to gain the opportunity
    of hearing the Sublime Truth,
    and hard to encounter
    is the arising of the Buddhas.

    Verse 183

    To avoid all evil,
    to cultivate good,
    and to cleanse one’s mind —
    this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

    Verse 184

    Enduring patience
    is the highest austerity.
    “Nibbana is supreme,” says the Buddhas.
    He is not a true monk
    who harms another,
    nor a true renunciate
    who oppresses others.

    Myanmar & English

    • U Thittila’s Translation (in Burmese)
    • Venerable Buddharakkhita’s Translation (in English)
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    Frequently Quoted Verse

    • The following Dhammapada verse is frequently quoted by Sayadaws and writers.

    Not to do any evil, to cultivate good, to purify one’s mind, – this is the Teaching of the Buddhas.”

    • It seems simple (at the basic level), but it also has a deeper meaning (at the metaphysical level).
    • The explanations may refer to Abhidhamma to expound what “kusala” (wholesome deeds) and “akusula” (unwholesome deeds) are.
    • References may also be made to the three “Seikhas” : sila (morality), sammadhi (concentration), and panna (wisdom).
    • Bhavana practices such as samatha (tranquility meditation) and vipassana (insight meditation) are needed to calm and purify the mind.

    U Lokanatha – Italian Buddhist Monk (1897-1966)

    U Lokanatha
    • Chemical Analyst in the US
    • Received a book from his supervisor as Christmas present. The book had a chapter on Dhammapada.
      After reading the verses, a deep impulse (which resonated with his scientific inquiring mind) led him to pursue Buddhism & become a Buddhist monk.
    • He was from a devout Catholic family. His elder brother was a Priest.
    • Sayadaw spent considerable time at the Bawdigone monastery (donated by my paternal grandmother) on Windermere Road, Rangoon, Burma.
    • He practiced Dhutanga.
    • He also preached. Sunlun U Vinaya was interpreter for some of the talks.
    • Dhamma Dhuta missions to India and Ceylon
    • His booklet, “Why I became a Buddhist”, had considerable influence on the leader of the “Untouchables” in India.
    • His dhamma duta work can be found in the articles in Wikipedia and some Buddhist web sites.
  • TMC

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Tathagata Meditation Center

    • Founded by devotees (mostly Vietnamese) of Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa.
    • Located at 1215 Lucretia Street, San Jose
    • Sayadaw U Silananda gave a talk “The ten meanings of Tatagatha”
    U Silananda

    History & Activities

    For the history and activities of the meditation center, please visit

    http://www.tathagata.org/

    TMC Dining Hall

    • In the dining hall, there is an album about Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa’s early years in the US (e.g. meditation retreat at a church, dhamma classes at a Zen Buddhism Temple).
    • There are also photos about the Summer Camp for children and young adults.
    • There are two cabinets of books: one for dhamma dana distribution, and another for sale.

    Newsletter

    • The “Dhamma Bell Newsletter” was edited by volunteers (U Theikdi & Maureen O’Brien).
    • It was published quarterly.
    • It featured dhamma talks given at TMC and also recipes (e.g. vegetarian spring rolls).

    Sayadaws

    Panditarama Sayadaw

    Panditarama Sayadaw
    • Sayadawgyi conducted Annual Meditation Retreats.
    • Later, he assigned Sayadaws to conduct the Retreats on his behalf.

    Beelin Sayadaw

    Beelin Sayadaw
    • Spent over a decade as Chief Resident Sayadaw at TMC
    • Back in Myanmar, Sayadaw resided at Hse Mile Gone and Panditarama
    • Passed away on June 18, 2025.
    • TMC will have a ceremony on July 19, 2025 starting at 2 PM to honor Beelin Sayadaw.

    U Dhammika (Tharmane Kyaw Sayadaw)

    • Sayadaw taught Pali courses at TMC
    • He wrote “Pali Sikkha ပါဠိသိက္ခာ” (Practicing Pali) texts.
    Pali course

    U Thuzana

    • Current Chief Resident Monk of TMC
    U Thuzana
  • Samvega

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Urgency

    • It is a Pali word meaning “Sense of urgency”. We’ve heard it many times especially when we attended the last journey of our loved ones.
    • We feel the pain even when the dearly departed are in their 80s. The pain grows when we learn that someone young (not so old) had passed away.
    • We feel shocked and upset when we hear about the untimely demise. My cousin nephew Dr. Peter Tun warned about lack of PPE, but he succumbed to Covid.

    Gone But Not Forgotten (GBNF)

    • The list of GBNF for RIT 69ers is now 128. About 40% of our classmates are no longer with us. Covid claimed about 20.
    • U Sein Win (Win Kyaw, C69) was an expert in Palmistry. His spouse is a professional Palmist. Not sure whether he knew his life span, but he is GBNF.
    • U Myint Sein was a former classmate at PPBRS. He was Principal of BARB. He later founded Idea Astrology. Not sure whether he informed his spouse and son about his life span or his sudden demise, but he is also GBNF.
    • My uncle was sent as a state scholar to Japan during the Second World War. He was in Hiroshima & Nagasaki before both cities were ravaged by the Atomic Bombs. He was lucky. His luck ran out when he was sentenced to seven years by a kangaroo court during the Adhamma Era. The UN Human Rights Rapporteur pleaded with the government to release him. Sadly, he passed away early (because of the harsh environment & treatment). His siblings all lived to be 80+ years. The eldest sister lived to be 94.

    Dr. Khin Tun (Peter)

    Dr. Peter Tun
    • He is the elder son of my cousin U Tin U. He became one of the early doctors in UK to fall victim to COVID-19. He is an MRCP and a former Associate Dean of Oxford University. He at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. His ward needed PPE, but he was told that they would be supplied when there is a case. He replied, “It would be too late”. Sad to say, he passed away on April 12, 2020. Could his life been saved?
    • The news shocked not just his immediately family, but many around the world. BBC and the newspapers in UK have reported several heroes who died in the battle fighting COVID-19.
    • Should Samvega sink in?

    Posts

    • Covid
    • GBNF
    • Pandemic
    • Peter Tun — Chronicles
  • Sayadaws

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    Neikbeinda Sayadaw

    နိဗ္ဗိန္ဒဆရာတော်

    Neikbeinda Sayadaw
    Three Seikkhas

    Taung dan thathana pyu

    တောင်တန်းသာသနာပြုဆရာတော်

    Sixth Buddhist Council

    Five Sayadaws

    Maha Thera Ledi Sayadaw U Nyana Daza

    • Prolific writer, an outstanding lecturer, and a teacher of teachers
    • Lay people in Burma were not known to teach Vipassana meditation
    • The Ledi tradition has a lineage of Vipassa teachers who are not ordained monks:
      Sayagyi U Thet,
      Sayagyi U Ba Khin,
      Sayagyi S. N. t

    Mingun Jetawun Sayadaw U Narada (1868 – 1955)

    • Credited as one of the major revivers of Vipassana meditation
    • Went to one Mingun Sayadaw, who presumably had studied meditation under Thee Gon Sayadaw, and asked for guidance.
      Was told to study Sattipattha (from the Scriptures) deeply and then practice meditation
    • Prominent disciples : Mahasi Sayadaw and Taung Pulu Sayadaw

    Sayadaw U Thittila (1896-1997)

    U Thittila
    • Did missionary work in UK
    • Came back to Burma and taught at the Pali Department for several years before continuing his missionary work abroad
    • Lectured in 25+ countries (including US, UK, France)
    • Ovadacariya to Sanagha Maya Nayaka, trustees of renowned pagodas
    • Outstanding teacher and writer
    • Played an important role in reviving Buddhism in India and propagating the study of Abhidhamma
    • Very modest; rarely talked about his many achievements
    • Patamagyaw scholar of all Burma (1918) : selected from among 5000 candidates
    • Panyattisasanahita (1923) : among the 4 out of 150 entrants who passed the toughest monastic examination
    • Studied Sanskrit in India; English in India and England
    • Translated Vibhanga (second of the seven Adbhidhamma texts) from Pali to English : published by the Pali Text Society in 1969 under the title of The Book of Analysis

    Mahagandaryone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa

    Mahagandayone Sayadaw
    • Wrote several books in Pali and Burmese
    • Several of his students including Thamane Kyaw Sayadaw and U Hla Myint are teaching “Pali Sikkha (Training)” to lay persons without overwhelming with Pali Grammar

    Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana

    Sixth Buddhist Council
    Mahasi & Mingun Sayadaws
    Mahasi Sayadaw
    • Renowned Meditation Master and author
    • Served as Questioner at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at Kaba Aye, Rangoon, Burma
    • Chief Resident Monk of Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha
    • Mentees : Sayadaws U Pandita, U Kundala, U Janabhivamsa and many meditation teachers

    Panditarama Sayadaw U Pandita

    U Pandita
    • Senior disciple of Mahasi Sayadawgyi
    • Renowned Meditation Master and author
    • Succeeded Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana at Sasana Yeiktha
    • Established Panditarama

    Saddhamaransi Sayadaw U Kundala

    • Senior disciple of Mahasi Sayadawgyi
    • Outstanding meditation teacher
    • Made Dhamma Duta missions abroad (until his health forced him to stop going on long, tedious trips).
    • His biography (which covers to the age of 85) and his works can be found in http://www.saddhamaransi.org/

    Chanmyay Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa

    Ledi Sayadaw
    • Practiced vipassana meditation with the instruction of Mahasi Sayadawgyi in 1953-54
    • Served as Palipatiwisodhaka (editor of Pali scriptures) at the Sixth Buddhist Council.
    • Meditation teacher at the Sasana Yeiktha from 1967 – 1977.
    • Member of Mahasi Sayadaw’s Dhamma Dhuta Mission to Europe and US in 1978 – 80
    • Established the Chanmyay Yeiktha Buddhist Meditation Center in Myanmar
      chanmyay.org
      Branches in several countries (e.g. US, Singapore, Australia)

    Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw Ashin Vicittathara

    Two Sayadaws at Sixth Buddhist Council
    • The Guinness Book of World Records listed Sayadaw as having an outstanding memory — the best at that time [in 1954].
    • Served as the Chief Reciter (a la Ashin Upali and Ashin Ananda at the First Buddhist Council) at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at KabaAye (World Peace) Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma from 1954 – 1956.
    • Could memorize, recall, and give exposition on 8027 pages of the Buddhist Scriptures known as Tipitaka [“Three Baskets”] :
      Vinaya – Rules of monastic conduct
      Sutta – Buddha’s discourses
      Abhidhamma – Ultimate reality)

    Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala (1899 – 1962)

    Mogok Sayadaw
    • Renowned Vipassana meditation master
    • 500 (or more) audio tapes of Sayadaw’s recordings have been transcribed into books (some e-books), and CDs
      Available at the Mogok Vipassana Meditation Centers
    • Featured in “Yahanda Hnit Poke Ko Htoo Myar” book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing

    Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa

    U Silananda
    U Silananda
    • External examiner for the Pali Department
    • Rector of ITBMU
    • Chief Resident Monk of Dhammananda Vihara
    • Spiritual Advisor of several monasteries and meditation centers
    • Wrote books in Pali, Burmese and English
    • Served as Chief Compiler of the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary for the Sixth Buddhist Council.

    In April of 1979, Mahasi Sayadawgi made a Dhamma Duta mission to the US. At the request of the devotees, Sayadawgyi agreed to leave behind Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa and Sayadaw U Kelasa as “trail blazers” for the promulgation, preservation, and the promotion of Sasana.

    There were no Burmese Buddhist monasteries and/or temples, but the Sayadaws were determined to sacrifice their blissful lives back in their homeland to do whatever they can to do the Sasana work.

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  • GBNF 2025

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2026

    U Pyinnyadipa

    • Patron, Panditarama Monastery
    • Former Chief Sayadaw, Hse Mile Gone Monastery
    • Former Chief Sayadaw, Tathagata Meditation Center, San Jose, California, USA
    • Passed away in Yangon on June 18, 2025
    • I was Interpreter for some of Sayadaw’s talks (at TMC)

    Daw Myint Thwe

    Daw Myint Thwe
    • Passed away in Sydney, Australia
    • Spouse : Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (GBNF)
    • Daughter : Tin Tin Hlaing (ex-UCC)
    • Sons : Tha Hlaing (EC83, ex-UCC), Min Thet Tun (GBNF)
    • U Sein Tin (EC75, ex-UCC) created a video for the Memorial Service
    • Daw Mya Win (Alison, BBS, former classmate) gave a Eulogy

    Maung Kaung

    • 1st BE Intake of 64
    • M71
    • GBNF #143
    • U Ohn Khine & team maintain the GBNF list for the Class

    Kaung Aye (Peter)

    • Studied M.Sc (Computer Science) at UCC
    • Passed away in Sydney, Australia
    • Spouse : Theresa Wong
    • Aung Ngwe Tun (Glen) & ex-UCC group posted photos & videos of the last journey