| International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1998 |
| Type | Public |
| Rector | Rector Sayadaw Dr.Nandamalabhivamsa |
| Students | 256 (2011-2012) |
| Location | Mayangone, Yangon, Yangon, Myanmar |
| Campus | 5 acres (2 ha) |
| Nickname | ITBMU /Buddha University |
| Website | www.itbmu.org.mm |
The International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University is situated on the Dhammapãla Hill, Mayangon Township, in Yangon, Union of Myanmar. The grand inauguration ceremony was held on 6th waxing moon of Nadaw, 1360 ME (9 December 1998), Wednesday, at the Mahã Pãsãna Cave on Kaba-Aye Hill, Mayangone, Yangon[1] under Ministry of Religious Affairs with these objectives:
(a) to study and comprehend the canonical texts of Theravada Pitaka as approved successively by the Fifth and Sixth Buddhist Council held in Myanmar.
(b) to abstain from evil deeds and practice good deeds.
(c) to promote the four modes of sublime living (Brahma-vihara dhamma) which would lead to the establishment of peaceful and prosperous world and
(d) to train more missionaries endowed with good morality, to be well-versed in Pitaka literature to have experience in meditation practices.
"Not to do any Evil, to do all Good, To Purify ones mind, This is the teaching of the Buddha.
Contents |
The admonition of The great Benefactor Sayadaw Mingun Tipitakadhara Bhaddanta Vicittasãrã Bhivamsa
The Late Rector Dr. Bhaddanta Silanandabhivamsa (1927–2005) was the first Rector in International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University. He was regarded as an extra-ordinarily skillful meditation teacher well-known scholar. He taught Vipassana meditation, Abhidhamma and other aspects of Theravada Buddhism in English, Myanmar, Pali and Sanskrit. Myanmar government awarded the Doctorate of Literature (2000), Aggamahasaddhamma Jotika (1999) and Aggamahapandita (1993) titles. He passed away on 13 August 2005 in California, USA.[2]
Rector Dr. Bhaddanta Nandamalabhivamsa is the present Rector of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University was born in 1939. He was educated at Vipassana Ghandarama Monastery, Maha visuddharama Taik Thit in Mandalay. He passed the religious examinations with distinctions. He got Dhammacariya at the young age of sixteen. Because of his brilliant performance in scriptural studies, he continued to get prestigious titles such as Abhivamsa Cetayangana Pariyatti Dhammacariya Gantavacaka, Abhivamsa Priyatti Sasanahita Dhammacariya and Vinaya Pali Paragu. He got his M.A. from Kelaniya University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and he received his doctorate from the same University. He is also the Rector of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy in Sagaing. Because of his experience in scriptural teaching, the government conferred upon him the religious title Aggamaha Gantavacaka Pandita in 1996 and Aggamaha Pandita in 1999.[3]
At the ITBMU, there are four Faculties comprising the following Departments.
Faculty of Pariyatti
Faculty of Patipatti
Faculty of Religious and Missionary Works
Faculty of Foreign Languages and Translation
The ITBMU Library has 25670 books including Pali Text Society's Series, the International Encyclopaedia on Buddhism of 75 volumes, Encyclopedia of Religions and Ethics and latest Buddhist scriptures written by famous Theravada Buddhist monks.
The academic staff and the students have easy access to the Library of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. It is situated in the precinct of Kaba Aye Pagoda close to the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University campus. The Library holds 45,233 volumes and 12,265 palm leaf manuscripts.Steps are being taken to upgrade the library facilities.
One year Diploma and other degree are offered for graduate and Post-Graduate students. They are as follows;
One year Diploma course in Buddha Dhamma was introduced in December 1998.[4] Then, Diploma conferring ceremonies were successively held for seven years. Diploma certificates have already been presented to 192 foreign and local students. First Convocation for B.A(Buddha Dhamma) degree was held in June 2002.B.A(B.Dh) degree was conferred presented to 192 foreign and local students. M.A. (B.Dh) course has started in year 2003.
The first semester starts in June and ends in September. The Second semester starts in December and end in March.
April, May in the first Semester and in the second semester November and December.
Anyone regardless of gender, race, religion, and creed, having educational qualifications prescribed by the University, can apply for admission. However, students are required to sit for the entrance examination.
Any applicant for Diploma in Buddha Dhamma will have to meet the following requirements:
Download the 2004 questions, admission form and guide of ITBMU * http://www.mewashingtondc.com/BuddhistUNI/ITBMU.pdf] and from * http://www.itbmu.org.mm/images/ITBMUForm.pdf
Once a foreign student is admitted to the Diploma course, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will take care of visa application and its extension. Tuition, boarding and messing for foreign students will be provided free by the University. Traveling expenses for joining the University will not be borne by the University.