“I got to know meditation in Burma. It was simply through the fact that my stepfather met Sayagyi U Ba Khin in Germany, which led to our stay in Rangoon. We were supposed to be there six months, but I stayed more than 10 years! I was happy in Burma, and it changed my life, really."

— Friedgard Lottermoser, Episode #283 (Listen here: https://insightmyanmar.org/complete-shows/2024/11/5/episode-283-twelve-years-in-burma)

Friedgard Lottermoser, later Daw Onmar Khin, was born in Germany in 1942 and moved to Rangoon in 1959 with her family. Immersing herself in Burmese language and culture, she studied under Sayagyi U Ba Khin, becoming a devoted Vipassanā meditation practitioner, while also earning a Master’s Degree in Pāḷi after enrolling in universities in Rangoon and Mandalay. Friedgard later played a vital role in introducing U Ba Khin’s teachings to the West, supporting the foreign teachers he appointed during the early spread of meditation in Europe in the 1970s and 1980s. Friedgard also supported the education and empowerment of Buddhist nuns, recognizing the importance of providing them with resources and opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth. At the same time, she was a passionate advocate for democracy, freedom and justice for the Burmese people.

Friedgard was also influenced by her extended time with two renowned monks, Webu Sayadaw and Maha Gandayone Sayadaw. Webu Sayadaw, famous for his emphasis on continuous mindfulness practice, profoundly influenced her meditation journey, encouraging austerity and unwavering dedication. Maha Gandayone Sayadaw, known for his strict monastic discipline and commitment to education, offered her unique insights into Buddhist philosophy. Friedgard gained rare access to study at his monastery in Amarapura, immersing herself in rigorous learning. But it was her time with Sayagyi U Ba Khin that was most impactful for her.

Friedgard’s dedication to U Ba Khin’s teachings was unwavering and deeply personal. During her initial ten-day course at the International Meditation Centre, when she was just 17 years old, she displayed such rapid progress in Vipassana meditation that U Ba Khin encouraged her to extend her stay for additional, specialized instructions. Friedgard’s disciplined practice led to profound meditative experiences, which gave her insights into impermanence in advanced stages of Vipassana. She appreciated U Ba Khin’s tailored teaching methods, which were individualized, tailored to each student's needs as they progressed. Early on in her spiritual journey, U Ba Khin had doubts about the suitability of her home environment for meditation and suggested she stop practicing. However, Friedgard’s resolve only strengthened; she left home so she could immerse herself fully in the practice.

Friedgard Lottermoser described her years in Burma as the happiest of her life. It was her spiritual home, and her extended stay allowed her to integrate into the community in ways that most foreigners could not, leaving a lasting impression on her identity and outlook.

"I was happy in Burma, and it changed my life."