THE International Dhammacakka Foundation plans to open a meditation institute next month in Yangon with the aim of providing schooling in Theravada Buddhist meditation techniques, said an official from the foundation.

The president of the foundation, U Maung Maung, said the institute would fulfill the need for a centre “that can provide theoretical and practical instruction to non-Myanmar or non-Buddhists who are interested in learning about Theravada Buddhism”.

“We want to establish an institute where people of all religious beliefs can learn about Theravada meditation techniques,” he said, adding that Buddhist universities tend to focus on theory rather than practice.

He said the foundation was working with the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities in Yangon to develop a curriculum for the institute, which will initially offer three-month courses but will eventually expand to offer degree programs.

“We also plan to install miniature copies of significant sites at Bodhgaya, India, in the institute compound,” U Maung Maung said. “We want students to learn and practice meditation in a calm place that reflects the search for nibbana, or liberation from the cycle of suffering.”

More information about the meditation institute can be found by calling 09-512-7330 or by visiting the International Dhammacakka Founda-tion’s website at www.dhammacakka-idf.org.

The foundation was established in 1996 with the aim of propagating the Dhamma (teachings of Buddha) and organising charitable services. It has more than 1600 members throughout Myanmar.