Resident Monks

U Sanda

Born in Myanmar (Burma), venerable U Sanda received novice ordination at the age of 13 in 1978. Although the novice ordination ceremony included six brothers and several cousins, only U Sanda decided to stay on as a novice. He continued to study under venerable Sayadaw U Nanda Wuntha of the Central Kywete Forest Monastery.

Five months later, U Sanda moved to Yangon (Rangoon) and continued his studies at Thirimingala Tawya Monastery. In 1985, U Sanda passed the Pathamagyi Exam, equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree. U Sanda continued to pursue his studies while working as a lecturer to 50 Buddhist monks at the Thirimingala Tawya Monastery.

In 1996, at the age of 29, U Sanda obtained the title of Dhammacariya, second highest title a monk could obtain. Later that year, U Sanda moved to Golden Hill Panditarama Monastery (International Buddhist Meditation Centre) to learn and practice Vipassana meditation under the guidance of Awardacariya Sayadaw U Pandita Bhivamsa.

U Sanda arrived in Vancouver on August 13, 2001 at the request of Manawmaya Theravada Buddhist Society and began to perform religious duties.

Brief History of Manawmaya Theravada Buddhist Society
Board of Directors