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Abhidhamma philosophy degrees planned
(Volume 26, No. 514)
THE International Institute of Abhidhamma (IIA) is scheduled to offer degrees on Buddhist philosophy (Anhidhamma) for the first time in Myanmar, said retired ambassador U Mya Than, Pro Rector of IIA on March 7.
“This is the first ever university-level specialist course of Abhidhamma in history, particularly in English,” Pro Rector U Mya Than said.
This year, IIA offers distance learning of Abhidhamma to non-English speakers, and will open new faculties in Mandalay and Mawla-myinegyun township, Ayeyarwady Division.
The study of Buddhist philosophy is flourishing in Myanmar, even by comparison with other Buddhist countries.
In some Buddhist countries, of the three Buddhist canons, Sutta, Vinaya and Abhidhamma, only Sutta and Vinaya are widely studied. Abhidhamma is not popular.
Nowadays, public awareness of the value of Abhidhamma is rising with the passage of time. Accordingly, the institute was inaugurated in 2007 with the management of Dr Ashin Nyanissara, chairman of the Association of Theravada Buddhist Universities (ATBU) and Dr Nandamarlar Viwuntha, rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University (ITBMU).
The propagation of Buddha’s Abhidhamma is directed not just to trainees of IIA but to everybody, as human development is the main pillar of Buddhism.
So far, more than 1500 people from all walks of life, including foreigners, scholars, government officials and even teenagers are studying Buddha’s Abhidhamma at the institute.
In every course, there are about 30 students from Australia, New Zealand, United States, France Germany and some Asian countries.
After the diploma program, IIA is going to offer courses for bachelors, masters and PhD degrees in English on Buddhist philosophy, said U Mya Than.
The original text of Abhidhamma is in Pali, an ancient Indian language. “Abhidhamma is the essence of life. It is very profound. It is about the life of every person”, said U Mya Than.
