Sitagu Sayadaw Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara
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The State Ovadacariya, The Sangha Rājā of Shwekyin Nikāyādhhipati, The Mahā Nāyaka Dhamma Senāpati, The 16th Shwekyin Sangha Rāja of Shwekyin Nikāya Buddhist Order, Abhidhaja-mahāraṭṭhaguru, Abhidhaja-aggamahāsaddhamma-jotika, Ph.D., D.Litt., The Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academies, The Patron of Sitagu Āyudana and Sakkhu Dāna Hospitals, The Chairman of the Board of Director of Theravada Dhamma Society of America Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw)
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1. Academic positions
The most Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw) is an internationally reputed scholar monk in Myanmar. He started his academic career, with the passing of Dhammacariya degree in 1961 and has continued it until he received four honorary doctorates and two D.Litts. They are: (D.Litt.), Doctor of Literature, University of Yangon, Myanmar, 2003, (D.Litt.), Doctor of Literature, Pali and Buddhist University, Sri Lanka, 2019 (Ph.D.), Doctor of Philosophy, Mahachulalongkorajavidyalaya University in Bangkok, Thailand, 2005, (Ph.D.), Doctor of Philosophy, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Thailand, 2008 (Ph.D.), Doctor of Philosophy Nava Nalanda University, India, 2008. (Ph.D.), Doctor of Philosophy Pannasastra University, Cambodia, 2015.
Since most Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw) is a well-recognized learned monk in Myanmar, he has been conferred the titles of Abhidhajamaharatthaguru, 2016. Abhidhajaaggamahasaddhammajotika, 2019. Aggamahāpandita 1997, Mahādhammakathika Bahujanahitadhara 1993. Aggamahāsadhammajotikadhaja. Aggamahāganthavācaka Pandita. By the Myanmar government. Among them. The titles of Abhidhajamaharatthaguru, 2016. Abhidhajaaggamahasaddhammajotika, 2019 are the highest honorary titles in Myanmar which are given to a most learned senior monk by the Myanmar government.
The most Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw) is immensely serving to Myanmar bearing high level positions such as the Spiritual Advisor of the State (State Ovadacariya), the 16th Sangha Rājā of Shwekyin Nikāya Buddhist Order (The Most Supreme Patriarch of Shwekyin Nikāya Buddhist Order), the Founder of Sitagu International Buddhist Missionary Association, the Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academies. the Chairman of the Board of Director of Theravada Dhamma Society of America, and the Emeritus Visiting Professor of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University.
2. Published Books and Articles Versed in the two major canonical languages –– Pāli, and Sanskrit and capable of accessing scholarly research publications in English, the most Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw) is obviously a successful and prolific Buddhist writer.
To date, he has published seven scholarly books, and over seventy research papers. Some of them are: 1) The Great Occasion of the Buddha, 2) Sangiti: A Perspective, Prospect and their Impacts, 3) The Mangala Sutta, the Discourse on Blessings, 4) The Buddha and His Noble Path, 5) The Beauty of Buddhism, 6) An Introduction to Theravada Sāsana, 7) An Academic Satipatthana, Evolution of the Stupas in Myanmar (1st Century A.D. to 19th Century A.D), 9) A Short Biography of the Venerable Ledi Sayadaw, 10) Research and Compilation, 11) The First Discourse of the Buddha, 12) Essence in life. These scholarly contributions gained international recognition. There are several other books both in English and the Myanmar Language as well.
Among his research papers, some of them are: 1) Peace, Harmony and Coexistence, A paper delivered at the United Nations Assembly, in USA., 2) Sanchi, the Hub of Buddhist Cultural Heritage, a paper submitted to the General Council of Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies (SUBIS), 3) Power of Mind for World Peace, A paper submitted to Interfaith Dialogue: The Religious Roots of Social Harmony organised by University of Columbia NY. USA., 4) Religion for Peace, A paper submitted to the Seminar organized in Vienna, Austrian, 5) Ten Types of Noble Message of the Lord Buddha, A paper submitted to the UN. on the occasion of Vesak Day, 6) Universal Spirit for Peace and Harmony, A paper submitted at the 11th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations, Vietnam. 7) Preservation, Protection and Promotion of Buddhist Cultural Heritage, A paper submitted to the conference organized in Lumbini, Nepal, Buddhist and its Relevance to the World Situation, A paper submitted to the conference organized in Bagan, Myanmar, 9) Religion for Peace and Freedom from Fear, A paper submitted to the World Alliance of Religion Peace Submit, Seoul, South Korea,
3. Contribution for Institutional Development
1) Sitagu International Buddhist Academy The most Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw) has created a brand name for his academic and social service networks. Hence, he is known as ‘Sitagu Sayadaw’. Since 1992, the most Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw) has founded the seven Sitagu International Buddhist Academies all over Myanmar. All these academies have bilateral agreements as well as Teacher and Student Exchange Programs with the other Buddhist universities inside and outside the country.
2) Well Established Buddhist Academies
a. 1996 Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Sagaing
b. 2007 Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Yangon
c. 2009 Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Mandalay
d. 2016 Sitagu Ketumati Buddhist Academy, Taungoo
e. 2016 Sitagu Buddhist Academy, Thanlyin
3) Sitagu International Missionary Association (SIMA) Under the supervision, guidance, and advice of Sitagu Sayadaw, the Sitagu International Missionary Association (SIMA) was founded in 1980 at Saddhamma Sitagu Monastery in Sagaing Hills. Since then, SIMA has established seven Sitagu International Buddhist Academies all over Myanmar. 1,500 Myanmar and international monks, nuns and laymen have graduated with the full scholarship of SIMA, fully funded by Sitagu Sayadaw.
More than 80 Ph.D. holders, more than 100 M.A. Holders and thousands of B.A. graduates have graduated from England, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the USA. Many of them are working for and teaching Buddhism and other subjects in universities and monasteries in Myanmar as well as abroad. The Sitagu Buddhist Academy in Myanmar has granted a full scholarship program to international students from nine countries. Sitagu International Buddhist Monasteries and Buddhist Teaching Centers are well-developed in Australia, Russia, Uganda, the United Kingdom, the U.S.A and Myanmar.
Since 1982, Sitagu Sayadaw has travelled to more than fifty countries for Buddhist Teaching and Missionary works, by attending and giving speeches in International Buddhist Conferences, and Interfaith Dialogues. Sitagu Sayadaw has especially taken part in the Peace Interfaith Dialogues in Iran, Israel, Russia, South Korea, United Nations, and Myanmar.
4) Under Construction of the two Academy
a. Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Aung Lan
b. Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Chindwin
4. Contribution to International Buddhist Academia and Global Recognition
1) Sitagu Full Scholarship Program Since 1996, Sitagu Sayadaw has continuously provided the full scholarship to 80 monks for Ph.D. Degree and 100 monks for Master’s Degree to study in the various universities in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, U.K, U.S.A etc. More than 1,000 Buddhist monks, nuns and laymen have graduated with the B.A degree in Buddhist studies in Myanmar. All graduated monks are now working for or teaching in the universities in Myanmar as well as abroad.
2) Promotion and Propagation of Buddhism abroad Since 1982, Sitagu Sayadaw has started International Buddhist Missionary journeys to countries like West England, Germany, France, Canada, and America to learn English and teach Buddhism. In 1983, Sitagu Sayadaw lived in Nashville T.N, U.S.A for six months. During his stay, he studied advanced courses in English and conducted Buddhist Teachings in many schools, colleges, and universities. From 1989 to 1992, he delivered about the Service of Eastern Religion at Vanderbilt University, U.S.A. and conducted Buddhist teachings at the Donelson Christian Academy and Tennessee University, U.S.A.
3) Establishing Buddhist Centers Abroad Sitagu Sayadaw has well established the following monasteries and Buddhist Learning Centers in the following countries_ a. In 1996, Sitagu Buddha Vihara in Austin TX b. In 2006, Sitagu Dhammavihara in Minnesota c. In 2011, Sitagu Sanghavihara in Florida. d. In 2016, Myanmar Theravada Buddhist Center was founded in Moscow, Russia. e. In 2017, Sitagu Sayadaw funded to development the Uganda Buddhist Center f. In 2019, Sitagu Sayadaw supported the Bodhi Tree Forest Monastery and Vipassana Centre in Australia. g. In 2013, Sitagu Sayadaw is one of the founding members of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), in New Delhi, India.
4) Sitagu International Vipassana Academy
a. The first Sitagu Vipassana Academy was founded at Sagaing Hills in 2007.
b. The second Sitagu Vipassana Center was founded in Taungoo in 2011.
Sitagu Sayadaw has lectured Visuddhimagga (the path of purification) meditation courses to 200 monks who are Ph.D. and M.A. degree holders and teachers of Dhamma in Buddhist Academies.
5. Contribution for the Social Development Sitagu Sayadaw has contributed his Dhamma knowledge to the people of Myanmar throughout his life. He preserved, restored, renovated, established, donated, and funded many pagodas, stupas, and Buddha Images in Myanmar and abroad such as Australia, India, Nepal, Russia, and United States for many Buddhists to study cultural heritage of Buddhism. Moreover, he has participated in many international peace programs too.
1) Sitagu Water Donation Project In 1981, the Sitagu Water Donation Project was started by Sitagu Sayadaw. Since then, through the project, more than 26,000 monks, nuns, novices, and lay students residing in more than 1,500 monasteries and nunneries around Sagaing Hills have been receiving the water supply daily with free of charge.
2) Sitagu Sakkhu Dhana Hospitals and Sitagu Āyudāna Hospitals Sitagu Sayadaw started the first Sitagu Sakkhu Dhana and Āyudāna hospital in Sagaing in 1987. Within 35 years, Sitagu Sayadaw has founded 45 Sakkhu Dhana hospitals across Myanmar and provided eye treatments to more than 450,000 eye patients without any charges. Over more than twenty years, Sitagu Sayadaw has guided, led, and contributed to the monastic education in Sagaing (Aung Myae Oo Monastic Education School with over 3,000 students from Primary to Matriculation), Thanlyin (Dhamma Dipa Monastic School with over 600 students from Primary to Matriculation) and Taung Oo (scholarship program for 250 students every year except during the Covid-19 pandemic period).
In 2008, when Myanmar was seriously hit by Cyclone Nargis, Sitagu Sayadaw also distributed food, drinking water, clothes, and funds of more than 6 million USD to rebuild their houses to the victims of the cyclone. Over the past many years, on his every birthday, Sitagu Sayadaw has donated rice and cooking oils etc. to the monks and nuns. In 2020, during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated food, oil etc. for the monks and nuns in Myanmar, especially in Sagaing, Yangon, Mandalay, Taungoo and Thanlyin.
The most Ven. Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadaw) has served and will continue to serve for the development of Buddhist academia as well as has contributed and will contribute a lot to the people’s welfare.
1937 (M.E.1298) | Born on 23rd Feb in Thegone Township, Bago Region, Myanmar. |
1944 (M.E.1305) | Studied Basic Buddhism Courses at Tat Ywa Ale Kyaung, Thegone. |
1952 (M.E.1313) | Joined into the monastic life as a novice. |
1957 (M.E.1318) | Ordained as a monk and learned Higher Buddhist Scriptures in Yangon, Mandalay and Sagaing. |
1961 (M.E.1322) | Acquired the Dhammacariya Degree ( The Master in The Dhamma). |
1963 (M.E.1324) | Enrolled in the Gabaraye Samgha University, Yangon, completed the Diploma in Buddha Desana Courses. |
1966 (M.E.1327) | Carried out the missionary tasks at B.B.M Collage, Laymyathna, Ayeyarwaddy Region. |
1968 (M.E.1329) | Studied the Buddhist Scriptures in English under the guidance of Anisakhan Sayardaw Sagaing. |
1972 (M.E.1334) | lived in seclusion in Thabaikaing Tawya Monastery, Paung Ts, Mon State and practiced meditation. |
1977 (M.E.1338) | Established his first and foremost monastery known as Saddhamma Sitagu and preached day and night for the sake of the Malon Rice Donation Association, Mandalay. |
1980 (M.E.1342) | Set up the Sitagu Missionary Association and initiated Sitagu Water Donation Project. |
1981 (M.E.1343) | Travelled around some Asian and European Countries and engaged in missionary tasks. |
1983 (M.E.1345) | Dwelled in Nashville, TN. U.S.A. There he not only studied Advanced English Courses in Vanderbilt University but also delivered lectures connected with Buddhism. That’s why his English teacher Dr. Ellen M Caldwell said, ‘Nyanissara is a teacher in Buddhism and a seeker in English.’ |
1984 (M.E.1346) | Directed to build up ‘Sayambhu’ pagoda as a token of his victory of water donation project. |
1987 (M.E.1347) | Started the project of 100-bedded Sitagu Ayudana Hospital, Sagaing. |
1991 (M.E.1351) | Left for U.S.A and spent there for two years. |
1992 (M.E.1352) | Planned to set up the Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Sagaing. |
1993 (M.E.1355) | Directed to build up ‘Santikar’ pagoda to mark the success of Sitagu Ayudana Hospital Project. |
1994 (M.E.1356) | Founded the Theravada Dhamma Society of America (TDSA), in Austin, TX, U.S.A. |
1995 (M.E.1357) | Bought (15) acres land in United States and built a monastery known as Sitagu Buddha Vihara. |
1996 (M.E.1358) | Honoured with the honorific title of Aggamahapandita by the Myanmar Government. |
1996 (M.E.1358) | Sitagu International Buddhist Academy (Sagaing) was Inaugurated to function. |
1999 (M.E.1359) | Directed to renovate the ‘Ratanankara’ pagoda to memorize the accomplishment of Sitagu International Budddhist Academy (Sagaing). |
1999 (M.E.1359) | Attended the Buddhist Conference held in Germany. |
1999 (M.E.1359) | Participated the conference on ‘The parliament of world religious’ held in South Africa. |
1999 (M.E.1359) | Inaugurated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Pantanaw in Ayeyarwaddy Region. |
2000 (M.E.1362) | Participated the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders held in United Nations, New York, U.S.A (28th – 31st August). |
2000 (M.E.1362) | Played important role in the World Buddhist Conference held in Thailand on 9th – 13th November. |
2002 (M.E.1364) | Took part in the World Buddhist Conference held in Phnom-penh, Cambodia (5th – 9th December). |
2003 (M.E.1365) | The Doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) was conferred upon him by the University of Yangon. |
2004 (M.E.1366) | Organized the World Buddhist Summit in Yangon, Myanmar. In the Conferrence 300 participants from 38 countries attended. |
2005 (M.E.1367) | The Honorary Ph.D Degree was conferred upon him by the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Thailand. |
2006 (M.E.1368) | Contributed to the first World Buddhist Forum in Hangzhou, China. |
2006 (M.E.1367) | Met with the President of India, Dr. A.P.J Ambdul Kalam when he paid a state visit to Myanmar. (9th March 2006) |
2006 (M.E.1367) | Inaugurated the Sitagu Dhammavihara in Minnesota, U.S.A. |
2006 (M.E.1368) | Visited to Pakistan twice as a religious ambassador and met religious minister and minister for tourism and discussed about cultural exchange, mutual relationships and maintenance of historical sites. |
2006 (M.E.1368) | Gave a speech on International Buddhist Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak in Thailand (7th – 10th May). |
2006 (M.E.1368) | Founded the Sitagu International Buddhist Missionary Centre in Yangon. |
2007 (M.E.1368) | Met with the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa. |
2007 (M.E.1368) | Organized the Association of Theravada Buddhist Universities (ATBU) and Sitagu sayadaw was appointed as Chairman. |
2007 (M.E.1369) | Inaugurated Sitagu International Buddhist Academy (Yangon Campus). |
2008 (M.E.1369) | Contributed (9) billion worth humanitarian aids to the victims of Cyclone Nargis; claiming ‘Compassion into Action’. |
2008 (M.E.1370) | Inaugurated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Thipaw in Northern Shan State. |
2008 (M.E.1370) | The Honorary Ph.D Degree was conferred upon him by the Nava Nalanda University, India. |
2008 (M.E.1370) | The title of Visitthapuggala Sakalarattha Sasanopakara (the special one; the benefactor of the entire country and Buddha’s Dispensation) was conferred upon him by the Samgharaja of Whwekyin Sect, Myanmar. |
2009 (M.E.1371) | The Second biennial conference of Association of Theravada Buddhist Universities was hosted at Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Sagaing in March. Note : More than (700) participants from (27) Theravada Buddhist Universities of (22) countries participated in the meeting. |
2009 (M.E.1371) | The Honorary Ph.D Degree was conferred upon him by the Mahamakut Buddhist University of Thailand. |
2009 (M.E.1371) | The title of Aggamahamangala Dhamma-jotikadhaja was conferred upon him by Yong Mens Buddhist Association (Y.M.B.A) in August. |
2009 (M.E.1371) | Started to activate the Sitagu Buddhist Academy (Mandalay Campus). |
2009 (M.E.1371) | Participated in the fourth Conference on Interfaith Dialogue in October at Jerusalem, Israel. The fourth conference on Interfaith dialogue at Jearusalem (18-10-2009 to 22-10-2009) |
2009 (M.E.1371) | Inaugurated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Kalay in Sagaing Region in December. |
2010 (M.E.1371) | Inaugurated Sitagu (Tetlan) Eye Care Hospital at Mintat in Chin State in December. |
2010 (M.E.1372) | Managed to renovate ‘Makkhaya Zeegongyi’ pagoda in February. |
2010 (M.E.1372) | Directed to build ‘Shwezeegon’ pagoda in Texas, U.S.A. |
2010 (M.E.1372) | Initiated the project of Sitagu International Vipassana Academy in Sagaing. |
2010 (M.E.1372) | Inaugurated Sitagu (Dipinkara) Eye Care Hospital at Natmauk in Magway Region on 4th January. |
2010 (M.E.1372) | Inaugurated Sitagu (Brahmayu) General Hospital at Sadaung in Sagaing Region in February. |
2010 (M.E.1372) | A special eye care programme was conducted at Lokekaing in Wa- Koekant special region. |
2010 (M.E.1372) | Attended Inauguration Ceremony of the International Buddhist Centre (30th -31st October), held in Taman Alan, Lumbini, Brastagi, North Sumatra, Indonesia and played a leading part in the World Buddhist Summit. In the conference more than 1500 Theravada & Mahayana Buddhist monks participated. |
2011 (M.E.1372) | Attended ‘Multiple Religious Conference’ held at United Nations. |
2011 (M.E.1372) | Inaugurated Sitagu (A rojadana) General Hospital at Dawei in Tanintharyi Region on 12th February. |
2011 (M.E.1372) | Inaugurated Sitagu (Shwe Pyi Hein) Eye Care Hospital at Tarmway in Yangon Region on 27th February. |
2011 (M.E.1372) | Managed to renovate ‘Sagaing Mahazeegongyi’ pagoda on 19th March. |
2011 (M.E.1372) | Contributed 210 million Kyats to 21 monasteries that had been wrecked in earthquake in Tahlay, Eastern Shan State on 24th March. |
2011 (M.E.1372) | Inaugurated Sitagu General Hospital at Inle-Ywama in Shan State in April. |
2011 (M.E.1372) | Provided 200 million Kyats to built Cyclone Shelters in Rakhing State in April. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Inaugurated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Thegone in Bago Region in April. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Gave a speech at United Nations, New York, U.S.A on 16th June. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Inaugurated Sitagu Samghavihara in Florida, U.S.A. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | On 10th November, Provided the necessities to rebuilt (13) monasteries and (13) reservoirs that had been wrecked in Cyclone Nargis in Pyinsaluu Islands, Ngaputaw Ts, Ayeyarwaddy Region. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Met with Pope Benedict XVI at International Conference held on 27th October in St. Peter’s School, Vatican Palace, Rome, Italy. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Inaugurated Sitagu Eye care Hospital at Myitkyinar in Kachin State on 1st November. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Inaugurated Nan Thilar Myaing Sitagu Ayudana Hospital at Nan Thilar Myaing Special Region in Kayin State on 13th November. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Met with Dalai Lama at World Buddhist Congregation (27th – 30th November) held in New Delhi, India and planted Bo-Tree in the Gandhi Memorial Park. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Delivered a sermon under the Bo-Tree on 1st December. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Attended Asian Festival of Buddhist culture (Dec 15th – 17th) Seam Tuon, Cambodia. |
2011 (M.E.1373) | Inaugurated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Loikaw in Kayah State on 20th December. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Donated medical clinic and medical equipments to the Roman Catholic Church in Loikaw, Kayah state. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Without Distinction caste, color and creed donated medical clinic and medical equipments to the Roman Catholic Church in Myitkyinar, Kachin State. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Gave helping hands for the development of Naga special region in Sagaing region. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Met with the Ambassador of the United States of America, Mr. Derek Mitchell. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Donated to build ‘Shwezeegon’ pagoda in Ladak, India. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Inaugrated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Putao, Kachin State. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Inaugrated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Myingyan, Mandalay Region. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Inaugrated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Namkham in Northern Shan State in November. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Conducted a research seminar on ‘Buddhist Cultural Heritage’ at Sitagu International Buddhist Academy (Yangon) in 15th December. |
2012 (M.E.1374) | Inaugurated Sitagu Eye Care Hospital at Thandwe in Yakhine region in January. |
2013 (M.E.1374) | The replica of Shwezeegon Pagoda was newly constructed in Austin, Texas, U.S.A on 12th April 2012 and accomplished on 4th June (Mahasamaya Day). |
2013 (M.E.1374) | Inauguration and consecration ceremony of aforesaid pagoda is held on 3rd – 4th April 2013. More than (100) monks from both Theravada and Mahayana countries (China, Korea, Tibet and Vietnam) participated. |
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