Ven. Anil was conversing with Nepalese nuns studying in Myanmar
Three beauties! Left and right are medical doctors taking care of all delegates with their compassionate hearts. Beautiful both inside and out!
Main shrine of Lin Jiao Shan Mountain Temple branch located near the northern gate of Swedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
A group picture at the Main shrine of Lin Jiao Shan Mountain Temple branch located near the northern gate of Swedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
Ven. Anil at Lin Jiao Shan Temple with Master Xin Dow, the Leader of Lin Jiao Shan
Manjushri Dance - a unique performance from Nepal for 2nd Biennial ATBU Conference in Myanmar
Traditional Thai music played by lecturers of King's Mongkut's Institute of Technology from Thailand to entertain the audience of ATBU conference
International delegates are enjoying cultural performance at the Chatrium Hotel on their first night of arrival.
International delegations of monks and laity enjoying Myanmar and Nepalese cultural performance at the first night at Chatrium Hotel, Yangon
Ven. Anil conversing with a Bhikkhuni and devotee from Taiwan who were participating the ATBU conference
Nepalese dance couple filling fuel after entertaining the audience on 3rd March 2009 at Chatrium Hotel, Yangon
Beautiful local hosts who took care of the delegations!
Nepalese Nun led by the Head of Nepalese Nun Dhammavati (middle) taking snap with Nepalese dance couple
A busy organizer checking whether things are OK with monk delegates.
A view of Yangon from Chartium Hotel room
Swedagon Pagoda taken on 4th March 2009. The pagoda is under renovation after damage made by the Nargis cyclone.
Who is the most handsome monk? :-)
Swedagon Pagoda taken on 4th March 2009. The pagoda is under renovation after damage made by the Nargis cyclone. Taken 4 March 2009
Traditional procession before ordaining as a Buddhist novice. Paying respect at Swedagon Pagoda
Shakya Prince from Nepal and Burmese lady
Myanmar beauties in their traditional costume!
Nepalese group at Swedagon
Pre-ordination procession of novice at Swedagon pagoda
Buddha pavilion around Swedagon Pagoda, Yangon
Thai monks are chanting with great pious at Swedagon Pagoda, 4 March 2009
(from left) Ven. Anil, the Most Ven. Phra Theppariyattivimol, the Rector of Mahamakut Buddhist University (MBU), and Ven. Phrakhru Dhirasanpariyattikhun, the Deputy Rector for Foriegn Affair of MBU at the picture of diamon pinnacle of Swedagon Pagoda
Associate Professor Nun Vimittiya front of the Swedagon Museum. 4 March 2009
A magnificent Saddhammajotika convocation hall and sima hall of SIBA
A Thai girl with national costume ready to give welcome greeting to the Prime Minister of Myanmar at SIBA on 5 March 2009
An alternative view of SIBA Sanchi Pagoda
Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Sagaing is ready for the inauguration of the Saddhammajotika Sanchi Stupa and Sima Hall by H.E. Gen. Thein Sein, Prime Minister of Union of Myanmar, 5th March 2009
Beautiful ribbon holders are ready as ever!
Lady-in-waiting ready to hand over remote switch for the Prime Minister to press to reveal the hall.
The Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw giving honorary tour of the SIBA to Gen. Thein Sein, Prime Minister of Myanmar
H.E. Prime Minister and his entourage waiting to cut ribbon as a symbol of inauguration.
The Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw is waiting for VIP guests to arrive.
The Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw escorting the Prime Minister and Commander of Mandalay region into the hall.
The Prime Minister was happy in smile seeing so many honorable and venerable from 22 different countries.
The Prime Minister and his entourage attending the inauguration ceremony.
MBU team from Thailand attentively witnessing the ceremony
Bhaddanta Kumara Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru, Chairman Sayadaw of State Sangha Mahanayaka Committee of Myanmar leading the chanting.
Deputy Rector for Foreign Affairs (left) and Rector of Mahamakut Buddhist University (MBU) chanting in inauguration ceremony
Bhaddanta Kumara Abhidhaja Maharatthaguru, Chairman Sayadaw of State Sangha Mahanayaka Committee of Myanmar delivering the inauguration speech
Senior administrative bodies of MBU in their gown attending the ceremony of conferring honorary doctorate degree in Buddhist Studies to the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw, 5 March 2009
Peaceful and gracious atmosphere of the conference hall.
The Most Ven Sitagu Sayadaw translating speech of Sangha Nayaka into English
the Most Ven Nandamalabhivamsa, Rector of SIBA conferring degree to newly graduates.
Ven. Anil (left), Dr. Myo Myint, Director General of Department of Religious Affairs and the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw ready for inauguration ceremony
MBU Rector
New graduates!
Declaration of Commendation The Most Ven. Sayadaw Ashin Nyanissara Mahathera
MBU Rector delivering a speech of congratulations.
An MC performing duty!
MBU honorary degree procession entering the hall
MBU honorary Degree and its decorations
MBU Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs reading the Declaration of Commendation in Thai
lady-in-waiting!
Advisor for Foreign Affairs of MBU Rector reading declaration of Commendation in English
Ven. Dr. Dhammasami performing the task of an MC
MBU Rector conferring with Honorary Doctorate Degree to the Chancellor of SIBA
The SIBA Chancellor & MBU Rector in jolly mood!
MBU Rector handing over souvenir to the Prime Minister of Myanmar
Gen. Thein Sein, the Prime Minister of Union of Myanmar
A group photo with new graduates
The Mahamakut Buddhist University group after conferring honorary degree of PhD to the Most Venerable Ashin Nyanissara, Chancellor of Sitagu International Buddhist Academy.
Ven Dr Dhammasami and senior writer of Myanmar showing her great admiration for the work of Ven Dhammasami
MBU personnels congratulating the newly graduate of honorary doctorate degree on Buddhist Studies, Sitagu Sayadaw
MBU Rector & SIBA Chancellor
A group photo with the MBU staff and the recipient of honorary doctorate degree, the Most Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw
the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw in action!
ATBU Journal launch!
Rector & Chancellor are discussing in depth!
Poor me! Why me?
A speech delivered in Pali language
Soe Yu Paing
At the one of the temple in Sagaing! (can't remember the name of the temple.)
Three Sakya brothers: (left) Dr. Keshab Man Shakya, Ven. Dr. Anil Sakya (Sugandha) and Raja Shakya
Ven. Anil Sugandho with a giant rabbit!
Locals from Sagaing visiting exhibition booth of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyansamvara, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, Thai Abhidhajamaharatthaguru
Local nuns, novices, and villagers enjoying life of the Buddha cartoon showing as an exhibition at the booth of the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
Small cute nuns, waiting to watch Life of Buddha cartoon showing at the exhibition booth of the Thai Sangharaja
Nuns and novices are enjoying the exhibition
Thai traditional music team playing music for local audience
Small nuns are waiting to visit exhibition booths
attentive audience!
Cambodian monks leading morning chanting
Panel of 'Engaged Buddhism' moderators: Ven. Anil & Dr. Siddhartha Singh
Pali panel using Pali as a medium for presenting papers.
Uhmmm! very interesting paper!
A young Pali scholar!
Dr. Myo Myint, Director General of Department of Religious Affairs and Pla
Soe Yu Paing, untiring girl, a big helper for the ATBU conference, a staff from International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Yangon.
Dr. Myo Myint, Director General for Department of Religious Affairs of Myanmar greeting warmly with Ven. Phra khru palad Sawai of MCU.
Nun Associate Professor Subhaphan Na Bangchang from Chulalongkorn University conversing with Sitagu Sayadaw
Nun Associate Professor Subhaphan Na Bangchang from Chulalongkorn University of Thailand presenting her paper on Post 19th Century Pali literature in Thailand
Associate Professor Bunchob from Chulalongkorn University looking with curiosity
The Most Ven. Chancellor Ashin Nyanissara, the host of the 2nd ATBU conference listening to papers with a great enthusiastic.
Buddhist Nuns from Thailand enjoying the academic treats
Another perspective of the Sanchi Pagoda at SIBA
Ajarn Banchob presented his paper
Shan Ladies attending the conference
Small nuns waiting to visit exhibition and cultural performance
Very Unique and interesting Pali Panel using Pali as a medium of communication
MBU Deputy Rector for Academic affairs speaking Pali as a moderator
Enjoying Pali panel: 'Feels like we are at the time of the Buddha!'
Ven. Dhammasami moderating a panel
Sri Lankan talented and young star and scholar!
International flags of the countries participated the conference
This Professor is a blind but he is the dean of Pali and Buddhism within the Pune University.
The audience
Interesting!!!
Excuse me! Can you clarify bit more?
A memorial photo with the Sitagu Sayadaw and MCU team
Hello! Im Pali scholar from MBU! How do I look?
Life of an old monk and baby novice!
Busy secretary!
Delegations chant every temple they visited. Let Myanmar hear Thai Chanting!
This is 'Tanakha' what you see on Myanmar girls and ladies' cheeks.
Am I look good with Tanakha, Sir?
A white big stupa, replica from Sri Lanka
Three Burmese monks who worked tirelessly as volunteer for taking care of foreign guests
Venerable From Singapore with local novices
Dr Rabindra Panth on the spree of his lecture
Local nuns, novices, and villagers enjoying life of the Buddha cartoon showing as a part of exhibition at the booth of the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
Happy monks!
Listen MC! Next program has slight changes so announce it to audience, OK?
I'm from Ladakh and I will tell you all about my work in Ladakha. R U ready?
Conference atmosphere inside the main convocation hall of SIBA. The dome of the stupa is all intricate wood carving handwork.
Locals are enjoying the exhibition of Thai Sangharaja
locals are enjoying Thai classical music played by lecturer team of King Mongkut's Institution of Technology
Monks scholars from different countries exchanging knowledge
Wow! those scholars are brilliant, don't you think so?
This is just a testing of the instrument.
Pong Lang dancers
Two Thai monks with Myanmar nuns
MC Dhammasami!
Two Associate Professors: Nun Professor from Chulalongkorn University, Lay Professor from Kasetsart University. Both are Buddhist & Pali scholars.
Thai Sangha chanting
Thai Sangha initiating the conference of the day by chanting
Corridor outside the convocation and Sima hall at SIBA
top view of the hall atmosphere.
The Most Ven. H. Gunaratana from USA chairing the panel.
Two not so young monks are attentively listening to the conference
Panel on Monasticism
Magnificent Stupa at SIBA
The Most Ven. Gyanapurnika from Nepal presenting paper on Theravada Buddhism in Nepal
Uhmmmm! It is interesting indeed!
Local beauties!
Our heartfelt veneration to Venerable!
Two secretaries in work between relaxing mood.
Pariyatti Panel
Relaxing exchange among scholars!
Local monk-staff responsible for logistic arrangement for foreign delegates and observers to the conference.
A host monk taking snap of memory with a beautiful delegates from Thailand!
group of scholars with a great interest
Two god & goddess from Nepal waiting for queue.
Local novices are enjoying the exhibition and the Life of the Buddha animation.
Pancha Buddha Dance from Nepal
Vajra Yogini Dance from Nepal
Myanmar secretary between two god and goddess from Nepal
Who is most beautiful? Thai or Myanmar?
Nuns & villagers are enjoying the cultural performance put up by MBU cultural group
Monks are on their way to alms round!
Monks are on their way to alms round, guess to far away!
Welcoming deity at the entrance of SIBA
A group photo of all delegates and observers of 2nd Biennial ATBU conference at SIBA
Memorial Group Photo!
Nepalese delegations group photos
Indonesian delegations at the 2nd Biennial ATBU Conference at Sitagu International Buddhist Academy (SIBA), Sagaing, Myanmar
A memorial photo of Vietnamese monks and the host team
A group photo of MBU team in front of the Pagoda at SIBA
Convocation hall
Sangha from South Asia Region leading the chanting of the day
The Most Ven. Ashin Nyanissara, Sitagu Sayadaw, the excellent and exquisite host of the conference
Myanmar traditional musical team playing Myanmar harps
Famous Myanmar traditional Buddhist hymn singer singing beautiful song of venerating the Buddha
TWO MCs
Mahamakut Students who participated the conference as 'Pong Lang' dancing group. Their performance was superb and became the talk of the town. Congratulations!
Dr. Siddhartha Singh reporting the Panel report on Engage Buddhism to the main audience in the closing ceremony
MC and panel reporter
very generous and kind heated hosts
Sitagu Sayadaw handing over souvenir to the Pakistani Counselor
Nepalese Ambassador and Daw Dhammavati from Nepal receiving the souvenir
Daw Dhammavati is receiving books on Pali from the Rector of SIBA
Raja Shakya, coordinator of Nepalese delegation offering Nepalese Buddha statue to the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw as a birthday gift for his Sayadaw
Raja Shakya, head of Nepalese delegation offering Nepalese Buddha statue as a birth day gift to the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw on 8 March 2009
MBU Deputy Rector for Academic Affairs offering souvenir to the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw
Two MBU Deputy Rectors offering souvenir to the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw
MCU Deputy Rector offering souvenir
Two MBU Rector presenting gift to Dr. Myo Myint, Director General of the Department of Religious Affairs
A Nepalese delegate presenting gift to the director general
A traditional way of honouring by giving Khata, a Tibeto-Nepalese way
Ven monks from India and Bangladesh offering the sovenir
Monks from Cambodia offering souvenir
A Nepalese delegate congratulate Ven. Anil upon receiving the Religious title of 'Mahasaddhammajotikadhaja' from the government of Union of Myanmar
Another congratulation from the same fellow country
Another congratulation from Nepal, some more!
MBU Deputy Rector receiving the certificate of participating the conference
the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw handing over conference flag to Ven. Anil
Indonesian delegation receiving conference flag
Singapore's delegation receiving the flag
Ven. Dhammasami receiving the flag
MCU receiving flag
A white robed pre-novice boy whose duty is to learn and help monks around including the task of handling money in proxy at Mahagandhayong Monastery where currently 1200 monks are studying in Mandalay.
1200 students monks at Mahagandhayong Monastery welcoming the ATBU conference visitors
Ven. Buddharakkhita from Uganda and Ven. Anil from Thailand enjoying each other's company
A sitting break after a long walk of sight seeing with local hosts taking care of monks with a great respect.
Locals are attracted for foreigners' cameras!
A giant gong at one of the temple
The sacred Maha Myat Muni Paya in Mandalay
Local delicacies around the Maha Myat Muni Paya
An international gathering of monks at Maha Myat Muni Paya (from left: Ven. Anil (Thailand), Ven. U Dhammapiya (USA), Ven. U Nandisena (Mexico), Ven. Buddharakkhita (Uganda) and a Mexican devotee
Fried crab, local delicacy selling around Maha Myat Muni Paya
Locals are welcoming guests at Mandalay Hill
Escalating up to Mandalay Hill for magnificent sight of sunset
Chanting @ Mandalay Hill
A view of Mandalay from Mandalay Hill
Lovely host who take care of foreign delegates
Ven. Phrakhru Palad (Sawai) of MCU and Associate Professor Suchao Ploychum of MBU having a great exchange of knowledge.
A snap of memory and networking between hosts and visitor. Indirect but important benefit of an international conference.
The Most Venerable Sitagu Sayadaw's birthday was on 9th March. The Most Venerable Phra Dhammakosajarn, the Rector of MCU offering alms to 1,000 invited monks early morning.
Invited monks of 1,000 are in queue receiving alms round.
Local devotees are enjoying the rare occasion of offering alms round to 1,000 monks
A scene of alms around early morning of 9th March at SIBA
A Thai delegation offering alms to only one Ugandian Buddhist monk in the world!
Ven. Wei Wu from Malaysia joined alms round together with Theravada monks. A unique harmony indeed!
Monks in 1,000 queuing for alms round early morning of 9th March, a part of birthday dana celebration of Sitagu Sayadaw.
1,000 of nuns are queuing for alms round another birthday dana of the Most Ven. Sitagu Sayadaw.
Generous hearted MCU Rector
We admire and appreciate Your Venerable Rector
Ven. Anil with 1,000 of invited monks for alms
Very generous MCU Rector
Ven. Anil with Dancing couple from Nepal who came to perform religious dance all the way from Nepal for free as an honour for Sitagu Sayadaw.
Ven. Anil and his younger brother, Raja Shakya at SIBA
A rare family reunion of Ven. Anil. (from left: Nilanta-younger sister, Jujubhai-eldest brother, Ven. Anil, Raja-younger brother and Rubina-niece)
Monks who arrived for alms are waiting to be invited.
Beautiful volunteers from Shan State who took a good care of Thai delegations. All Thai delegations fell in love with Myanmar because of kind hearts of these beautiful hosts!
Mr. Boonsin (man in the middle), MBU photographer surrounded by local beauties!
Local hosts who gave all their hearts to make foreign delegates most comfortable! Salute for their noble effort!
Local hosts who gave all their hearts to make foreign delegates feel like their home! Salute for their noble effort!
The Most Ven. Phra Dhammakosajarn, MCU Rector (left) and Prof. Bhikkhu Satyapala from University of Delhi taking a snap of memory from Myanmar.
A rare group photo of Buddhist scholar monks!
Taking a leave from Sayadaw after the conference
Ms Soe Yu Paing, a never tired secretary to Ven. Dhammasami,
Two secretaries with their charming smile!
Airport!
Golden Guest Hotel, residence for foreign monks invited for religious title award by the government of Myanmar at Nay Pyi Taw, the new capital of Myanmar.
The Most Ven. H. Gunaratana from USA
Shan traditional Long drum
Newspaper cutting on New Pagoda at Nay Pyi Taw
Newspaper cutting about the conference
Ven. Dhammasami, a Meditation guru!
Ven. Dhammasami, in a blissful state after the meditation
Foreign monks who were in Nay Pyi Taw for receiving Religious title conferred by the government of Myanmar. (from left back: Ven. Dhammasami, Ven. Satyapala, Ven. Anil, Ven. Panyalinkara, 2 Ven. from Sri Lanka (assistants), Ven. Saeng (Assistant to Ven. Dhammasami). (Front from left: Ven. Theripehe Somananda Thero, Ven. Dr. H. Gunaratana Thero, Ven. Wilapitiye Ghanawansa Thera, and Most Ven. Soulodh Danpanna (Laos)
Foreign monks who were in Nay Pyi Taw for receiving Religious title conferred by the government of Myanmar with devotees.
Paying homage to the Most Ven. Soulodh Danpanna from Laos
Foreign monks who were in Nay Pyi Taw for receiving Religious title conferred by the government of Myanmar with officials from department of Religious Affairs.
Ven. Dhammasami's younger sister and his niece.
Ven. Dhammasami's younger sister.
Nung Nung, Ven. Dhammasami's cheerful niece.
Victory to ATBU!
A fossil of a tree transformed to be a stone, decorating pieces at Golden Guest Hotel, Nay Pyi Taw
Ven. Dhammasami after receiving the title
Ven Satyapala on the procession
Two happy monks after receiving the award from the government of Myanmar.
A snap of memory inside Royal City Hall of Nay Pyi Taw where the religious title award ceremony took place on 10 March 2009.
Two award recipient monks and two award recipient nuns with devotees.
Ven. Aggamaha Pandita Satyapala
A proud sister with her beloved brother!
Let's see what we got as a part of our title???
The certificate of religious title
Sister and devotees of Ven. Dhammasami inside Royal City Hall of Nay Pyi Taw.
Ven. Saenghueng
Agga maha pandita Satyapala
Uppatasanti Pagoda at Nay Pyi Taw
Sr. Gen Than Shew is offering alms round to newly title recipient monks
Title recipient monks are going out of the hall to receive alms around the Uppatasanti Pagoda.
Ven Staypala with delightful smile after receiving the title of 'Aggamahapandita' from the government of Myanmar.
Decoration around the Royal city Hall of Nay Pyi Taw
Ven. Anil after receiving the title of 'Maha Saddhamma Jokitadhaja' from the government of Myanmar.
Award recipients' procession leading out of the Royal City Hall
Two proud award recipients!
Ven Dhammasami front of the Altar in the Royal City Hall
Uppatasanti Pagoda, replica of Swedagon in Nay Pyi Taw
Royal City Hall of Nay Pyi Taw
Award recipient and well wishers!
Award recipient monks with certificate and title stamp box.
Award recipient monk.
Ven. Anil is in the procession out for alms
Ven. Anil's title certificate, title stamp box carrying front of him.
Award recipient Ven Dhammasami and well wishers!
Ven. Dr. Dhammasami and Ven. Saeng (left) his assistant
Ven. Dr. Dhammasami is on procession way out of the Nay Pyi Taw City Hall to recieve alms round
Fan holder is Shan monk, a reciepient of the Myanmar religious title conferred by the government of Union of Myanmar
A Shan monk, a reciepient of the Myanmar religious title conferred by the government of Union of Myanmar
Sr. Gen. Than Shwe is offering alms to newly title receipient monks amidst heavy security force
Royal City Hall of Nay Pyi Taw where the religious title conferring ceremony took place on 10 March 2009. The ceremony was let by Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of Union of Myanmar
Ven. Dr. Dhammasami's sister (middle) and his devotees
Newly constructed Uppatasanti Pagoda, the replica of Swedagon at Nay Pyi Taw, the new capital of Myanmar
Ven. Dr. Dhammasami walking for alms after the title conferring ceremony at Nay Pyi Taw, 10 March 2009
Ven. Anil receiving alms from Myanmar devotees after the title conferring ceremony at Nay Pyi Taw, 10 March 2009
Generous serving fruits to lay helpers who help to carry alms for religious title reciepients
To Ven with our great admiration!
Congratulations! Your Venerable 'Maha-saddhamma-jotika-dhaja Anil Sakya, Sir!
Newly constructed Uppatasanti Pagado, the replica of Swedagon from Yangon at the heart of new capital Nay Pyi Taw
Ven. Anil Sugandho receiving alms round after receiving an ecclesiastical title of "Maha-saddhamma-jotika-dhaja" from the Union of Myanmar at Nay Pyi Taw, the new capital of Myanmar
A scene of people waiting for offering alms around the Uppatasanti pagoda, the replica of Swedagon pagoda at the new capital, Nay Pyi Taw.
Ven. Dr. Dhammasami after awarded with the religious title of "Maha saddhamma jotika dhaja" by the government of Union of Mynamar he is receiving the alms round from the government bodies and public.
Chaukhtat Gyi - A huge reclining Buddha Image,
Chaukhtat Gyi - A huge reclining Buddha Image
Ven. Anil appreciating Myanmar's custom of offering free water for travelers on road sides
A typical delicious Myanmarese dish
Buddha's Sacred Hair Relic enshrined in Shwe Sandaw Pagoda, Yangon
A majestic main shrine of Buddha at Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Yangon. It is cast out of rare white jade.
A bye bye photo shoot at the departure hall of Myanmar International Airport. Taken on 11 March 2009
