Ministory of Religious Affairs

Objectives

The International
Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University was opended on December
9, 1998, with a total of students- 12 from inside the country and 42 from abroad-
-attending its diploma course.

The University has the following objectives:-

(a) To propagate
pure Theravãda Buddhism throughout the world.

(b) To teach Theravãda Tipitaka Pãli texts
as approved by the six Buddhist Councils and to put them into practice.

(d) To promote the four modes of sublime living (Brahma-vihãra) which
would lead to the establishment of a peaceful and prosperous world.

(e) To train more missionaries who are well versed in Tipitaka
texts and endowed with high morality.

« The
International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University

Historical
Background of the ITBMU

The
International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University

With the
permission of the State Peace and Development Council, according to
the decision (22/98) of the meeting of the Government of the Union of
Myanmar held on 5th June 1998, the ITBMU was officially established with
the organization of new set up including 327 officer posts and 426 ordinary
staff-member posts.

By the order
of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Minister’ s office), 69 officer posts
and 145 emloyees totalling 214 posts were allowed to be appointed on 9th July
1998 in 1998-99 financial year as the first phase. The ITBMU is located near
the Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon) on Dhammapala hill, Mayangon Township, Yangon.

The grand inauguration ceremony was held on 6th waxing moon of Nadaw, 1360 ME
(9th December, 1998), Wednesday, at the Mahã Pãsãna Cave
on Kaba-Aye Hill, Mayangon, Yangon.

« The
International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University

Organization
Set-up

Academic Faculties
of the ITBMU are founded as follows-

(a) Faculty of Pariyatti,

(b) Faculty of Patipatti,

(d) Faculty of Foreign Languages and Translations.

The administrative divisions have been formed, in conformity with rules and
regulations of the University Organization Set-up, in the following manner-

(a) Adiministrative Division

(b) Financial Division

(d) Printing and Press Division

(e) Health Division

(f) Training Division

(g) Library Division

(h) Museum Division

One diploma and three kinds of degree are offered for under-graduate and post-graduate
students. They are as follows:-

(1) One-year diploma
course: Diploma in Buddha Dhamma; Dip. (B. Dh.)

(2) Two-year ordinary degree course: Bachelor of Arts in Buddha Dhamma:
B.A. (B.Dh.)

(3) Three-year
M.A course: Master of Arts in Buddha Dhamma: M.A. (B.Dh.)

(4) Four-year
Ph.D. course: Doctor of Philosophy in Buddha Dhamma: Ph.D (B.Dh.)

« The
International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University

Activities

The
International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University

In 1998-99
academic year, the Diploma course in Buddha Dhamma
was initiated for the first time starting on 9th December, 1998. Over
100 students from inside the country and abroad attended after taking
the entrance examination and interviews viva voce examinations.

The qualification
for admission is to have passed Dhammãcariya for Myanmar
monks, and to be graduates for nuns and laymen; and to have passed matriculation
or equivalent for foreigners.

The
ceremony for awarding Diploma Centificates was held on 12th November, 1999 for
the academic year 1998-99. Testing for entrance examination (written and viva
voce) for the Diploma Course in Buddha Dhamma have been held for 2000-2001 academic
year and the students comprising monks, nuns, men and women from inside the
country and abroad are attending since 1-6-2000. In this academic year, first
year course (B.A) has also begun since 1-6-2000.

In this University,
Rector Sayadaw Bhaddanta Silãnandãbhivamsa
takes the leading role of the academic affairs, and Pro-Rectors, Deans of
Faculties, Professors, Emeritus Professors, Visiting Professors, Lecturers,
and Assistant Lecturers (Sayadaws, Nuns and lay persons) are carrying out the
academic duties.

The meetings of
ITBMU Council are held regularly and coordination meetings of the Academic and
Administrative Bodies are held monthly.

The lectures,
syllabus and time-tables are arranged under the guidance of Deans of the respective
Faculties and refresher courses for part-time tutors have also been conducted.
The practice of Pindacãrika– the duty of going alms round
through the houses in the village, are practically taught to the foreign monk-students
in accordance with the Vinaya Disciplinary Rules by the Lecturer-Sayadaws and
the Dean-Sayadaws headed by the Rector Sayadaw.

Summary Notes– The summary notes of the
activities of the ITBMU are as follows:

(a) Students (2000-2001 Academic year)

1.	Diploma course Buddha Dhamma
	– local	16
	– foreign	37

	Total	53

	– Monks	27
	– Nuns	7
	– Men	12
	– Women	7

	Total	53

2.	B.A (Buddha Dhamma)
	– local	36
	– foreign	18

	Total	54

(b) Books in the library

1.	Books in English language
	on various subjects	5587
2.	Books on Pitaka	4162
3.	Myanmar Periodicals	1360
4.	English Periodicals	466

	Total	11575

« The
International Theravãda Buddhist Missionary University

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