Venerable Dhammapiya, MA, Ph.D
"A brief introduction to the life of a missionary Buddhist monk in Southern India"
India as a large country has the second largest population in the world. India is also a holy place where over 2500 years ago the fully enlightened One, Gautama the Buddha took birth, realized Bodhiñana, preached the noble Dhamma and attained Parinibbana. Credited to the missionary endeavour of the great emperor Ashoka, the rays of Buddha Sasana flourished in leaps and bounds in this land (India) like the Sun and the Moon in the sky.
But soon Buddhism confronted cancerous forces and India witnessed the complete eclipse of Buddhism, the dark phase by the beginning of 14th Century A. D. To bring the glory of Buddhism back to the land of its origin, qualified Buddhist missionary is very much needed today. There has already appeared a firmly determined Buddhist monk to re-candle the rays of Buddha Sasana in India who now lives in Hyderabad, a fast developing city in Southern India. A brief account of his biography is given below:
Birth: He was born to U Kaung Phyu and Daw Kya Nyo on 15th June 1971 at Sukhnachary Village, Tripura State, India. His parents named him U Tun Oo. He is the first child among eight siblings. His forefathers were originally from Arakan State of Myanmar (Burma) but migrated to Tripura State of India over three Centuries ago.
Ordination: Sri Tun Oo received higher ordination (Upasampada) under the preceptorship of Kalabariya Sayadaw U Sujata Mahathero at Mahamuni Buddha Vihara, Sukhnachari Village, on 6th December 1989. He was renamed Ven. Dhammapiya as a monk.
Education: Ven. Dhammapiya did schooling in Tripura State. He completed Intermediate (10 + 2) and B. A. (Bachelor of Arts) degree from Bombay with flying colours. He received Gold Medal for securing first class first in M. A. (Master of Arts, Philosophy) from University of Hyderabad and completed Ph.D. degree from University of Bombay.
He is well versed in all religions and is well known for having dialogues with religious leaders of Hindu, Muslim, Christian and other community. He not only receives Dhamma education from senior and learned monks but also he takes interest in learning on wide ranging subjects. He is a well-read person and is gifted with intellectual sharpness. He is always prepared to preach, clarify doubts and help both monastics (monks & nuns) and laity for their healthy growth on the path of Dhamma.
In 1997, he practiced Vipassana meditation at Bahan Mahasi Yeitha, and studied Abhidhamma Pitaka at "World Buddhist Meditation Center" of Kaba Aye Sayadaw U Paññadipa, Yangon, and Myanmar. He also has taken eight courses of Vipassana meditation at International Vipassana Meditation Center, Dhammagiri, as taught by Sri S. N. Goenka. He adheres earnestly to pariyatti (theoretical) and patipatti (practical) aspects of the noble Dhamma and thus he is well established in both.
Dhamma Missionary Programme: Ven. Dhammapiya has made unshakable resolution to revive, preserve, promote and propagate Buddhist Culture in India. He conceived a big project to set up a Buddhist University well equipped with all necessary infrastructures and facilities in order to produce well-trained Buddhist missionary and to cater Buddhism to the masses. The main aim is to create a center of learning for monks, nuns and laity like the Nalanda University which served the same purpose in olden days in India.
To pursue the proposed project he has founded a non-profit Public Charitable Trust named "Vishwa Shanti Buddha Vachana Trust". He is the founder Chairman and Trustee of the Trust now. At present he is running all Dhamma activities from a rented house-cum-office in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh State of India. He conducts Dhamma classes, meditation courses and delivers Dhamma talks on every Saturdays and Sundays. He visits different villages and District towns on his missionary tour to propagate the teachings of the Buddha. Though such missionary campaign involves the risk of life in India, he moves ahead undeterred by all odds, threats and hardships. He resolved to sacrifice his life for the cause of Dhamma. His mission is not confined only to India but is to widen in future to other parts of the world with the progress of time.
The proposed project is being pursued and is moving progressively. In order to make this noble mission a reality, we seek cooperation and participation from like-minded people who love peace and harmony and the reigning of noble Dhamma.
Biography written by:
U Myint Aung, Assistant Secretary, Vishwa Shanti Buddha Vachana Trust, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA.
Ph. & Fax: 0091-40-3563055
E-mail: dhamma@satyam.net.in
Website: www.vsbvt.org