Ordination of 100 Novices in Webu Sayadaw’s Birthplace
We are sharing the following letter from our team leader on the ground in Myanmar regarding an ordination ceremony that Ashin Mandala is planning to undertake in the small village of Ingyinbin. Please consider a donation of any amount earmarked towards this cause!
Dear Donors,
Many people know that the Sagaing Region has suffered some of the worst damage among all the regions and states of Myanmar. Sadly, the birthplace of the revered meditation master, Webu Sayadaw, has not escaped the conflict. Although the village, Ingyinbin, was not burned down, the villagers were forced to flee every time troops came into nearby villages, where many other houses were set on fire. One can only imagine this terror!
As a result, the Vipassana master’s monastery in Ingyinbin has frequently served as a makeshift refugee camp for people from nearby villages. In addition, the compassionate abbott, Ashin Mandala, who is the successor of Webu Sayadaw, has offered crucial aid to vulnerable families. In the midst of this, the monastery has turned into a place where children have received instruction on basic literacy, Buddhist topics and meditation techniques. It is not easy for the children from rural villages to access basic education during this difficult time for the country, especially in the Sagaing Region.
The abbott started teaching children from nearby villages in 2022, and in April last year there was a special occasion, you may recall, during the Myanmar New Year Festival in which 100 children of refugee families who were taking refuge in the monastery were ordained as Samaneras (novice monks). Despite concerns by many that the military would try to stop it, the event was a success thanks to the organization and contributions of the abbott, his assistant monks, the heads of the nearby villages, and all of you donors from overseas.
Sixty four of these 100 novices from last year are still studying in peace and safety under the abbot and his assistant monks. The abbot said the children are not only receiving a Loki (lay) education, but are also learning how to meditate according to the Webu Sayadaw method of observing respiration. The abbot was joyful on a recent phone call with me, talking about the children’s peace of mind thanks to the meditation training.
He also wanted to announce that this year, he has new aspiration. He expressed gratitude to all the donors who supported last year’s event, and wants to provide another opportunity to support the education of another 100 children. So he, his disciples, and the elders of Ingyinbin are planning to ordain another 100 children from seven other villages in the same township, Khin U, as well as from nearby Shwe Bo Township. These prospective novices are supported by about 1,000 families from these villages. There are thirty young people who have requested to ordain as Bhikkhu (monks) during this event. Four of them are boys who ordained as novices last year and are now twenty years old and ready to be fully ordained.
The abbot sounded full of energy and inspiration for carrying out this second ordination in response to the enthusiastic demand for education for local children. The event is planned for April 13-14 during Water Festival. Donations to support these ordinations can be considered “Pañnā Dāna” or the highest form of donation, as it will not only provide education to children, but also training in meditation for the sake of their own wisdom and insight.