Meditation in Southeast Asia - Insight Meditation Center

2.12 Sîtagu International Buddhist Academy (Study center)
by Samaneri Uppalavanna Theri
Address: Sîtagu International Buddhist Academy
Sagaing Hills, Sagaing Division, Myanmar (Burma)
Tel: 0095-72-21611, Fax 0095-72-21611
E-mail: sitaguacademy@mptmail.net.mm
President: Sayadaw Dr. Nyanissara
Rector: Sayadaw Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa
Chancellor: Sayadaw Dr. Panditavarabhivamsa
Description: Sitagu is a Buddhist university which will be fully functioning on an
international level from about 2005. At present, only Burmese students (or foreigners
who speak Burmese). Non-Burmese interested in Theravada can on short notice talk
to the head or rector on special lessons. Short stays are possible. Field and topics
can be decided on individually with the teacher or lecturer; all parts of the Tipitaka
are possible. Teaching is in English.
The large and architecturally pleasing university is situated in quiet and rural
surroundings at the foot of the Sagaing hills. The hills have been known for 1000
years for their monastic variety and the pure practice of Theravada Buddhism. There
are about 900 monasteries for monks and nuns. Some settings are foresty and
archaic. Monks and nuns often live, study, and practice just as in the old days.
Location: Sagaing is in Central Burma about 20 km from Mandalay. The little town
Sagaing has a large market at which everything necessary can be bought. The
academy is in the hills about ½ hour walk from the town center. In the center there
are no shops or apartments, but monasteries and ancient pagodas worth a visit.
Everything can be reached by foot. Means of transport from town to the monasteries:
horse-drawn coach.
Meditation: No retreats in the academy, but retreats can be arranged in the
monasteries and centers around the academy (however, in most no English is
spoken. Exception: Sagaing Mahasi Dhammaswamyi Yeiktha).
Meditation without teacher is no problem at the academy; practice is possible in
some rooms and your own quarter.
Subjects and courses: Pali, Sutta, Abhidhamma, Vinaya, Burmese. By demand,
courses can be individually arranged on short notice.
How to get there: From Yangon take the direct night bus to Mandalay or Sagaing
city (there is only one line). Trip is about 16 h (without breakdowns!) and costs about
63