Information Sheet No. A-0723

[OKKAR66129@xxxxxxx]

                              MYANMAR INFORMATION COMMITTEE
                                                    YANGON

                                             Information    Sheet

                        No.  A-0723          Date 10-12-98 

(1)		Grand Ceremonial Inauguration of International Theravada Buddhist
Missionary University

		The International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University will provide the
teaching of the genuine Theravada Pitaka Pali canons together with Atthakatha
(commentaries) and Tika (sub-commentaries)which were successively approved by
the six Buddhist Synods.  At present, in the Union of Myanmar, there are
altogether over 1000 monastic institutions (colleges) providing higher studies
in the Dhamma, and also there are two State Pariyatti Sasana Universities, one
in Yangon and another in Mandalay providing higher studies leading to Maha
Dhammacariya degree. However, the medium of instruction of those Universities
is in Myanmar language, and so it is not effective as expected in sharing
Theravada Buddhism with peoples throughout the world, and in making them
understand and believe in Theravada Buddhism. And now, in order to overcome
language barriers, the medium of instruction of this newly-established
University will be in English. The objectives of the University are to share
with peoples of the world:

	(1)	the successive teaching of Theravada Buddhism as practised by
forefathers for more than 2000  years;

	(2)	the concepts and rulings of Vinaya, Suttanta and Abhidhamma treatises of
Pitaka Canon, and 

	(3)	the Theravada method of Vipassana meditation.

		At present, in the Union of Myanmar, there are altogether over 500
meditation centres, and there are now more than a million lay disciples who
have practised meditation. In Myanmar, sixteen hundred thousand bhikhus and
twenty-five hundred thousand novices are residing in about fifty-two thousand
monasteries. Out of these monasteries there are more than one thousand
colleges (Parivena) where Buddhist scriptures are taught and some of these
colleges have more than twenty-five hundred bhikkhus each. Besides, there are
two Pariyatti Sasana Universities which give Maha Dhammacariya (MA) course one
level higher than Dhammacariya (BA). The highest and the most difficult
examination in Myanmar is Tipitakadhara examination. In this examination, the
candidates have to memorise and recite 8025 pages of Tipitaka flawlessly and
also have to sit for written examinations on commentaries and sub-
commentaries. The fact that within the past fifty-one years only six bhikkhus
had successfully passed the oral and written examinations shows the most
difficult nature of this examination. There are more than five hundred
meditation centres in Myanmar where capable meditation masters are teaching
tranquillity and insight meditation practice in accordance with Pali canons as
prescribed by traditional teachers. That is the reason why scholars from
different parts of the world come to Myanmar to make an in-depth study of
Theravada Buddhism.
		Foreign scholars and yogis who come to Myanmar to learn Theravada Buddhist
texts and meditation methods cannot study at one institution only, so they
have to go to various places in the country. The opening of that University
will enable the scholars to study Theravada Buddhist canonical texts and
insight meditation practice at the same institution. Theravada Buddhism in
English, French, German, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese and Japanese at the University
will be implemented later, it is learnt.

(2)		National Convention Convening Commission Meets

		The National Convention Convening Commission held its coordination meeting
at the meeting hall of NCCC at 2 pm on 9 December. Secretary of National
Convention Convening Commission briefed the meeting on tasks of National
Convention Convening Work Committee and National Convention Convening
Management Committee. Members of the National Convention Convening Commission
took part in the discussions.

(3)		Golden Bowl and Golden Bells for Shwedagon Pagoda

		A ceremony to present golden bowl and golden bells donated by Chinese
Buddhist lay disciples led by Sayadaw (Abbot) Shi Fazhao of Buddhist Golden
Temple from Singapore for the Shwedagon Pagoda was held at Ancient Buddha
Images Tazaung (Pavillion) on the platform of the pagoda on 9 December.
Sayadaw Shi Fazhao of Buddhist Golden Temple from Singapore explained the
reason for donation of golden bowl and golden bells. Then, Sayadaw Shi Fazhao
and Chinese Buddhist lay disciples presented golden bowl, 132 golden bells and
cash for Shwedagon Pagoda through Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. The golden
bowl weighs 36 ticals and 132 golden bells each weighing over 2 ticals. 

(4)		Call for Efforts to Promote Well-being of Myanmar Women and to Step up
Their Participation in Building the Nation

		The First Myanmar Women's Conference sponsored by Myanmar National Committee
for Women's Affairs went into the final day on 9 December.  Myanmar women were
enjoying equal rights with men, upholding Myanmar's participation in
international co-operation, and taking part in international women's sector
development projects. Hence, Myanmar National committee for women's Affairs
was formed on 3 July 1996. The United Nations General Assembly held in 1997
passed the resolutions 32/42 designating 8 March as the International Women's
Day. In Myanmar, 3 July  was designated as Myanmar Women's Day to commemorate
the founding day of the MNCWA. Major tasks being undertaken by MNCWA are
education and training of poor women affected by illiteracy, women and health
sector, women and business sector, elimination violence against women,
vitalizing patriotism among women and education them to uphold and cherish
traditions and bringing about their development. Women in the country
constituted more than half of the total population and as such, it would be a
strong force. After introduction of relevant laws and rules, the status of
Myanmar women improves further.

(5)		Myanmar Team Beats Lao Team in Sepak Takraw

		The athletes of Myanmar sports contingent are taking part in the XIII Asian
Games in Bangkok, Thailand. On 8 December evening, Myanmar team beat Lao team
3-0 in Men's Sepak Takraw  Contest.More NLD Members Return Home After
Successful Talks.

		After a successful exchange of views at the Government guest houses (81) NLD
members have gone back home in recent weeks. Those who are remaining for
further talks are being comfortably housed and treated with courtesy and
respect. They have occasionally gone home for the weekend and are in the
process of having talks in order to foster greater understanding of the
situation in the country, and to help maintain the current peace and stability
that Myanmar now enjoys.  It is hope that, with the co-operation and goodwill
of the NLD leadership, more of the NLD members are expected to return home.

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