Chanmyay Sayadaw
The Venerable Chanmyay Sayadaw U Janakābhivaṃsa is a Theravada Buddhist monk from Myanmar, born in 1928. He is renowned for his extensive scholarship of Buddhist scriptures and his practice and teaching of Vipassana meditation. Having studied under Mahasi Sayadaw and undertaken numerous Dhamma missions globally, he has become a significant figure in spreading Buddhist teachings.
Key Facts
- ›Born on July 24, 1928, in Pyinma village, Taungdwingyi Township, British Burma.
- ›Began studying Buddhist scriptures at age fifteen as a novice monk.
- ›Ordained with higher upasampada in 1947 and pursued advanced scriptural studies.
- ›Practiced Vipassana meditation under Mahasi Sayadaw from 1953 to 1954.
- ›Served as an editor for Pali Buddhist scriptures for the Sixth Buddhist Council in Myanmar.
- ›Undertook extensive Dhamma missions to Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Important Relationships
- Mahasi Sayadaw
Pyinma Village, Taungdwingyi Township, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Yangon, Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Center, Europe, Usa, Uk, Ireland, Canada
Mahasi Sayadaw
Pali
Upasampada Ordination
About Chanmyay Sayadaw
Chanmyay Sayadaw U Janakābhivaṃsa
Chanmyay Sayadaw U Janakābhivaṃsa is a highly respected Theravada Buddhist monk from Myanmar, born on July 24, 1928. He is renowned for his dedication to the practice and teaching of Vipassana meditation, as well as his significant contributions to the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist scriptures.
Early Life and Studies
Born in Pyinma village, Taungdwingyi Township, British Burma, he began his monastic journey at the age of fifteen as a novice. He received his higher ordination in 1947 and pursued advanced studies of Buddhist scriptures. A pivotal period in his training was his practice of Vipassana meditation under the guidance of the Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw between 1953 and 1954. His scholarly contributions include serving as an editor of Buddhist scriptures in Pali for the Sixth Buddhist Council in Myanmar. From 1957 to 1963, he resided in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he expanded his linguistic knowledge by studying English, Sanskrit, Hindi, and Sinhalese.
Teaching and International Missions
Upon returning to Myanmar in 1963, Chanmyay Sayadaw continued his work editing Pali Texts. In 1967, he was appointed a meditation teacher at Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha in Yangon by the Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw. In 1977, he established his own residence at Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Center, becoming its abbot and gaining recognition under the name Chanmyay Sayadaw. He has since been a prominent figure in international Buddhist outreach, accompanying Mahasi Sayadaw on Dhamma missions to Europe and the USA in 1979–1980 and undertaking numerous other missions across Asia, Europe, and the United States. Even in his later years, such as July 2015 at the age of 87, he continued to travel and deliver Dhamma Talks in countries like the UK, Ireland, and Canada.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Chanmyay Sayadaw born?
Chanmyay Sayadaw was born on Tuesday, July 24, 1928, in Pyinma village, Taungdwingyi Township, British Burma.
Who were Chanmyay Sayadaw's parents?
His parents were U Phyu Min and Daw Shwe Yee.
When did Chanmyay Sayadaw begin his monastic studies?
He began studying Buddhist scriptures at the age of fifteen as a novice monk and received his higher ordination in 1947.
Under whom did Chanmyay Sayadaw practice Vipassana meditation?
He practiced Vipassana meditation under the instruction of the most Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw from 1953 to 1954.
What role did Chanmyay Sayadaw play in the Sixth Buddhist Council?
He was invited by the State Buddha Sasana Organization to serve as an editor of Buddhist scriptures in Pali for the reciting of scriptures at the Sixth Buddhist Council in Myanmar.
What languages did Chanmyay Sayadaw study in Sri Lanka?
While in Colombo, Sri Lanka, he continued his studies of English, Sanskrit, Hindi, and Sinhalese languages.
When did Chanmyay Sayadaw become known as Chanmyay Sayadaw?
In 1977, he took up residence at Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Center, which had been donated to him, and became its abbot, thereafter being known as Chanmyay Sayadaw.
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