Sayadaw

In this article we are going to explore Sayadaw from a completely new perspective, analyzing its most relevant aspects and its implications in different contexts. Sayadaw has been the subject of interest and debate in various disciplines and its importance is undeniable in today's world. From its impact on society to its influence on popular culture, Sayadaw is a topic that deserves close examination to understand its true meaning and scope. Throughout these pages, we will unravel the mysteries surrounding Sayadaw and try to shed light on its many facets, allowing the reader to embark on a fascinating journey of discovery and introspection.

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A sayadaw (Burmese: ဆရာတော်, IPA: [sʰəjàdɔ̀]; lit. 'royal teacher', and alternatively spelled hsayadaw, sayado, sayāḍo or sayāḍaw) is a Burmese Buddhist title used to reference the senior monk or abbot of a monastery. Some distinguished sayadaws would often be referred to as a sayadawgyi (ဆရာတော်ကြီး, as a sign of reverence. The terms "sayadaw" and "sayadawgyi" originally corresponded to the senior monks who taught the former Burmese kings. These sayadaws may be influential teachers of Buddhism and also important meditation practitioners. They usually are abbots of monasteries or monastery networks with many resident monks and a lay following.

In Buddhism in Burma, several honorific terms exist for Buddhist monks, reflecting their achievements and how many vassas they have passed. The most frequently used terms, which are used as prefixes to the monks' Dhamma name, include:

  • "Bhaddanta"
  • "Ashin"
  • "Shin"
  • "U"
  • "Upazin"
  • "Sayadaw"
  • "Sayadawgyi"

A sayadaw may be known by his dharma name (ဘွဲ့), a qualified name, or by the name of his monastery. Thus, venerable Mingun Sayadaw, who served as "Chief Respondent" at the Sixth Buddhist council in Yangon, could be addressed as:

  • Mingun Sayadaw (in reference to his home monastery at Mingun)
  • U Vicittasarabhivamsa
  • Sayadaw U Vicittasarabhivamsa
  • Mingun Sayadaw U Vicittasarabhivamsa
  • Tipitaka Sayadaw U Vicittasarabhivamsa
  • Tipitakadhara Dhammabhandakarika Sayadaw U Vicittasarabhivamsa, in reference to being the first monk to be awarded the titles "Bearer of the Tripiṭaka" and "Treasurer of the Dhamma"

List of prominent Sayadaws

The following is a list of some prominent sayadaws in recent Burmese history.

References

  1. ^ "A Glossary of Pali and Buddhist Terms". Access to Insight. December 17, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2019.

External links

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