Sitagu is a Buddhist university that will be equipped for full international study operations from around 2005. Currently, only Burmese students (or foreigners who speak Burmese) are admitted for two diploma programs: Buddha-Dhamma and English.
Non-Burmese individuals interested in Theravada can arrange short-term extra classes (even for short stays) with the director or rector. Subjects and topics can be individually determined with the teacher or lecturer; all areas of the Tipitaka are possible. Instruction is in English.
The large and architecturally very beautiful complex is located on the Sagaing Hills in a very quiet and rural environment. The Sagaing Hills have been known for about 1000 years for their monastic diversity and the pure practice of Theravada Buddhism. There are about 900 monasteries for monks and nuns in partly wooded and pristine landscapes. Here, monks and nuns still live, study, and practice often as in ancient times.
Subjects
Pali, Suttas, Abhidhamma, Vinaya, Burmese.
Meditation technique: No retreat possibility within the academy, but can be arranged in surrounding monasteries and centers (however, in most, no English is spoken; exception: Sagaing Mahasi Dhammaswamyi Yeiktha).
Meditation without a teacher is easily possible in some rooms of the academy and in one’s own room.
Course duration and dates: Short-term upon request; arranged individually.
Accommodation: Visitors and those interested in individual study are accommodated in first-class double rooms with separate living area with refrigerator, bedroom with air conditioning, and bathroom/WC with shower.
Meals: Full board in the academy, whereby vegetarian food should be announced upon arrival. Clean drinking water is available everywhere free of charge.
Medical care: The hygienic conditions in the academy are very good, the drinking water is treated, and the food is hygienically prepared. There is no risk of malaria. Insect protection and a sun hat are recommended.
Opposite the academy is the Ayudana Hospital, which was also founded by Sayadaw Dr. Nyanissara and provides treatment free of charge or on a donation basis. It is very clean and the doctors are competent. The medical director speaks very good English.
Costs: All social institutions and educational facilities of Venerable Sayadaw Dr. Nyanissara are based on the Buddhist principle of Dana, i.e., everything is financed through voluntary donations from generous Burmese people. Foreign visitors or students can also contribute to ensuring that the institutions continue to function smoothly. Medications against malaria, typhoid, hypertension, diarrheal diseases (e.g., dysentery) are very welcome by the doctors of the Ayudana Hospital.
Note: Sagaing is located in central Burma about 20 km from Mandalay. The small town of Sagaing has a large market where one can buy everything necessary. The academy is located at the foot of the hills about half an hour’s walk from the town center. There are no shops or residential houses there, only monasteries and old pagodas worth visiting. Everything is reachable on foot. The general means of transport from the town to the monasteries are horse-drawn carriages.
At the moment (as of 2005) still very good for short and individually designed studies. Long-term stays for self-study are also very possible. There is a pleasant atmosphere in the academy, the facility is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and historical sites. Much Metta and helpfulness.