Theravāda Buddhism Web Directory

This booklet written by Roger Bischoff is intended to offer a short history of Buddhism in Myanmar from its origins through the country's loss of independence to Great Britain in the late nineteenth century.

Every country or every race has its own moral culture which is the characteristic of that country or that race. As for Myanmar, it has its own culture which is based on Buddhism. This text is concerned with Buddhist moral manners, namely: courtesy (Polite manners), gentleness in speech (Verbal politeness) and good thought (Mental politeness).

Information on Chanmyay Yeiktha, Mahasi Yeiktha and other popular centres in Myanmar, their abbots and teachings.

Information about Meditation Centers, Forest Monasteries, and other important places in Sri Lanka.

See also: Forest Monasteries and Meditation Centres in Sri Lanka: A Guide for Western Bhikkhus and Lay Practitioners 

The Support Network for Women Renunciants in Malaysia and Singapore has been established to help improve the conditions for Theravada nuns residing in these countries (regardless of nationality).

The Network has been established by monastics and lay devotees working together with the intention of bringing women renunciants and their lay supporters into closer contact, so that their monastic lives can be adequately sustained.

The Network also intends to do educational work amongst the local populations to improve their understanding of the history of women renunciants, and their vital role in the life of the Dispensation (Sasana) of the Buddha.

The meditation centre at the 13th Buddhist Community Development Centre (BCDC) at Wat Sriboonruang is a place for the practice of vipassana meditation in the Theravada Buddhist tradition, led by Venerable Clyde Jarudhammo.

Samathihammaram Centre (บ้านปฏิบัติธรรมสมาธิธรรมาราม) is one of the 3 temples run by Ubasika Methika(อุบๅสิกๅ เมทิกๅ เดชะบุญญรัตน้) (also known as Khun Mae). Khun Mae wanted to establish a place that is convenient especially for people to come to meditate and practice self cultivation in line with the Buddha’s teachings.

Insight Meditation Practicing Clear Comprehension in accordance with the Mahasatipatthana Sutta
By Ven. Phra Acharn Dhammadharo Bhikkhu

It was established by Ven.Phra Acharn Dhammadharo Bhikkhu, situated in a peaceful and comfortable place, in the area of 80 rai ( 32 acres ).
Every year, people from many parts of Thailand come to attend the insight meditation trainning course, assisted by senior monks. Most people are monks, novices, nuns, laypeople; groups of teachers and students, people from different departments.

Thabarwa Center is open full-time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week without recess. It is the sanctuary for persons from all regions of Myanmar who seek refuge for care and attention and desire to practice meditation.

The center provides sanctuary for more than 2,400 yogis (as of February 2014) including aged persons, sick, infirm, blind, deaf, disabled, mental cases, homeless and helpless. Sanctuary is provided without discrimination or restriction as to number, time, age, health condition, nationality, social status, religion, etc.

Food, lodging and teaching are provided free of charge.

It is the place where volunteers can donate their skills, time, energy, labor, money and materials to gain merit and practice meditation for a worthy cause, and to look after the welfare of the residents taking refuge at Thabarwa Center. Thabarwa channels the money and materials received in donations to provide a peaceful venue for people to practice Dhamma without worry.

The meditation practiced at the centre is Vipassana Meditation or Mindfulness Meditation based on Sattipatthana Sutta and the Mahasi Sayadaw method. Meditators meditate from 4.00h a.m. until 9.00h p.m. Sitting and walking meditation are alternated. The rest of the time will be filled with an attentive and slow performance of daily routines such as getting up, washing, getting dressed, eating, taking a shower and so on. It is very important to create a continuous and uninterrupted attentiveness at all times and during every possible activity.

The instructions, interviews, and Dhamma talks of Sayadaw U Indaka are translated into English. When Ven. Virañani is present, she can provide instruction in English, and also understands French. When Ariya Baumann is at the centre, she gives talks in English and can also offer one-on-one instructions in Swiss German, German, and French.