Daw Mya Thwin

Daw Mya Thwin (Mother Sayamagyi)

Daw Mya Thwin, known affectionately as Mother Sayamagyi, was a highly influential Theravada Buddhist meditation teacher. Born on March 12, 1925, in Moulmein, British Burma, she emerged as a prominent disciple and co-teacher under the esteemed vipassana master Sayagyi U Ba Khin at the International Meditation Centre (IMC) in Rangoon.

Life and Teachings

Mya Thwin's journey into Buddhist meditation began in 1953 when she attended a course at the IMC. Her rapid progress and profound understanding of the teachings impressed Sayagyi U Ba Khin, who personally guided her further. She became an integral part of the IMC, assisting Sayagyi U Ba Khin in teaching both local and foreign students. Her insightful practice was recognized by the Venerable Webu Sayadaw, who expressed strong approval. The first president of independent Burma, Sao Shwe Thaik, bestowed upon her the title "Sayama" (Lady teacher), acknowledging her exceptional spiritual depth, a practice later adopted by Sayagyi U Ba Khin himself.

Following Sayagyi U Ba Khin's passing in 1971, Mya Thwin assumed responsibility for the IMC, continuing his legacy with the support of her husband, U Chit Tin. Driven by the increasing number of foreign students seeking instruction, she agreed to travel abroad to fulfill her teacher's aspiration of making vipassana meditation accessible in the West. Starting in October 1978, Mother Sayamagyi embarked on extensive international travels, dedicating over thirty years to teaching and establishing meditation centers across Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Europe.

Global Impact and Recognition

Her tireless efforts led to the establishment of five major centers, each featuring Dhamma Yaungchi Pagodas, which are replicas of the pagoda at the IMC Yangon. These centers are located in the United Kingdom (1979), Western Australia (1981), the United States (Maryland, 1988), New South Wales (near Sydney, 1989), and Austria (Karinthia, 1990). All centers outside Myanmar have regional teachers authorized by Mother Sayamagyi to conduct meditation courses. During her extensive teaching career, she led over 450 ten-day meditation courses, imparting the Buddha-Dhamma to thousands of individuals. She also facilitated over 20 Bhikkhu ordinations for students wishing to experience monastic life. In recognition of her profound contributions to spreading Buddhist teachings globally, the Burmese government awarded her the prestigious title of Mahā-Sadhamma-Jotika Dhaja in March 1994, the highest religious honor for a layperson. Mother Sayamagyi passed away on January 28, 2017, leaving behind a significant legacy in the global practice of vipassana meditation.