The centre for Buddhist studies, which is currently being established, is located directly behind the monastery of Venerable Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa in a very quiet location, surrounded by pagodas and a few monasteries.
The primary aim of the centre is to offer foreign interested persons a quiet place in a contemplative atmosphere for (self-)study of Pali scriptures (Tipitaka) as well as the implementation of what has been learned into practice.
For this purpose, there will be simple but practical accommodations with attached bathroom and toilet. Furthermore, the centre is in the process of building a library, where a wide range of Buddhist literature will be made available as reference works. Sayadaw Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa will also organize sutta discussions, Pali and Abhidhamma classes, and related commentaries upon request.
The centre will also support research for writing dissertations in the field of Buddhist studies. Interested persons can contact Sayadaw directly (telephone number see above).
The second aim of the centre is to publish suttas or individual aspects of the Dhamma summarized to the essentials as brochures in several languages (English, French, German) and make them available to Buddhist groups in the West. This also includes the translation of well-known texts upon request.
Subjects taught
Abhidhamma, Pali, suttas, Buddhist studies in their entire breadth.
Course duration and dates: At any time as needed and upon request.
Accommodation: So far, no accommodations have been built. This can only happen when sufficient financial support is available. Planned is a building with single guest rooms (including bathroom/toilet) on the ground floor and above a hall for classes or lectures. Currently, accommodations can be organized upon request.
In addition, very nice bamboo accommodations are planned for students who want to stay longer and live in a meditative and monastic atmosphere.
Meals: At the moment not yet current, planned is simple vegetarian food and in the evening in any case self-catering.
Medical care: Medical care is provided by the Ayudana Hospital on the hills of Sagaing (see Sitagu Intl. Buddhist Academy).
Costs: The centre will be built and run exclusively on the Dana principle, i.e., with the help of donations. Any kind of donation is welcome.
Climate: Sagaing is located in central Burma and has quite extreme temperatures. The months of March, April, and May are not recommended, however, as temperatures easily climb to 40 °C (and more). From June is monsoon season, which is moderate and lasts until about September. The best travel time is between mid-October and mid-February, then it is cool and dry. A jacket is absolutely necessary in the evening.
Note: Ten minutes from the city center (Sagaing) and the business district. Around the centre, which lies very quietly between three other monasteries, there are many pagodas. In the centre itself it is very green with many fruit trees and organic vegetable cultivation for self-sufficiency.
The opening date of the centre depends on donations.
If you would like to support this project financially and perhaps want to give the setting up of a telephone line, the construction of a bamboo hut, or other material or monetary donations, please contact the following address:
Theravada AG
c/o Deutsche Buddhistische Union
Amalienstr. 71
80799 München
Tel. 089-28 01 04
E-Mail:
If you come to Burma and want to see the centre on site, you can contact Samaneri Uppalavanna Theri (German nun who lives there). She will give you all further information and guide you. There you can also donate things of daily life for the guest rooms, the library, the office, etc. Buddhist books (preferably in English) or original texts (in Pali, Latin script) are also very welcome.