So Profound, So Deep, and So Wide...

"Thank you so much for making all the arrangements and for calling Khaw Thein to check in on how things are going. I had a very spiritually profound day today. To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect when you suggested I visit the pwa bwe gyi village. I had not even heard of it before and only went to read about it when I knew I was going.

I really learned a lot from Khaw Thein about Buddhism today and to hear his personal story. It has helped me see that the teachings of the Buddha is so profound, so deep and so wide. I will try to study more about the teachings of the Buddha when I return to Singapore. The visit to Myanmar has been very meaningful. It feels like my life has come full circle. Myanmar people have really inspired me with their devotion and dedication to dhamma. I'm especially grateful to sayama (daw hto) and her sister for their hospitality and kindness. Here's a picture we took at her home."

Joan Low, Singaporean meditator, writing to thank a Dhamma friend for arranging her visit to Pyaw Bwe Gyi village

U Mandala Coming Down Under

As a previous post shared, U Mandala has been working towards plans to visit Australia. Many will recall that U Mandala is the disciple of the great Webu Sayadaw, having begun his meditation practice by learning at the foot of this revered monk. He is also the calm, welcoming presence seen in the Webu biopic documentary Anthology of a Noble One, and a still from this feature is shown above. As U Mandala has only traveled outside of Myanmar once (to Singapore), this will be a monumental trip indeed for the senior Ingyinbin monk. 

U Mandala needs to attend to his monastic duties during Thingyan, or Burmese Water Festival, which takes place in mid-April. He therefore plans to visit Australia from early May and may stay for several months. While here, he hopes to attend several Sayagyi U Goenka ten-day courses, visit Burmese and international Theravadin monasteries, and meet local meditators who have met him in Burma or who are interested in the lineage of Webu Sayadaw.

For those who would like to support this noble trip, there are ways that meditators and readers of this blog can take part. First, a dana (donation) fund is now being collected on U Mandala's behalf. This money will go towards covering his expenses, such as transportation, food, visa, and other logistics. Secondly, one can offer one or several meals to U Mandala. Thirdly, one can offer to help U Mandala with either accommodation or transportation. And finally, one can invite U Mandala to visit one's home region (including parts of Australia and possibly New Zealand as well). For anyone who is interested in being involved, please email at burmadhamma@gmail.

There is also the possibility that U Mandala may be available to meet meditators and possibly give a presentation. As the details of his trip get closer, this will be shared in further detail.