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Sayadaw U Pandita Biography

Sayadaw U Pandita

Sayadaw U Pandita-Bhivamsa entered the Mahabodhi Monastery at the age of seven. He became an accomplished Buddhist scholar even before studying meditation under the late Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw. (The Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw is famed for reviving and teaching the practice of Satipatthana meditation to lay people as well as monks and nuns.) Sayadaw U Pandita is now considered one of the leading authorities in the practice of Satipatthana as taught by his instructor the late Venerable Mahasi Sayadaw. He possesses extensive knowledge in both the theory and practice of Samatha and Vipassana meditation.

Sayadaw serves as spiritual advisor to retreat centers, monasteries and Buddhist organizations throughout the world. Since 1951, he has traveled to many countries to lead meditation retreats. Formerly the head "abbot" of Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha, he is now the Ovadacariya Sayadaw (head preceptor, highest position for monks) of Panditarama monastery in Yangon, Myanmar.