Sayadaw U Janakabhivamsa Mahagandaryon

The Late Sayadaw U Janakabhivamsa, also known as Mahagandhayon Sayadaw, devoted his life to teaching Buddhist studies (pariyatti) to many hundreds of monks. In Myanmar the fame of his monastery is perhaps comparable to that of Oxford University in England, and many young monks wish to go there to study. He followed the vinaya very strictly, and worked tirelessly for the preservation of the sasana.

"I am not striving for my own benefit. I am trying to maintain the noble attributes of the Buddha's teachings that tradition has established so that the dispensation may continue to prevail."

:::Biography:::

Sayadaw was born on Tuesday the 14th of Tabodwe 1261, ME. (27 February 1900). The son of U Zaw Ti and Daw Ohn Hlaing in Tha-yine villege, ShweBo district, Sagaing Division.

In 1266, he was sent to the local monastery and became a novice Sangha, samanera, for the first time.

In 1275, he was initiated for the second time as a samanera and it was to spend his life-time as a disciple of the Buddha in his dispensation.

In 1279, at the age of 18, he passed the Government Examination of the Higher Level Pathamagyi.

In 1280, he took his ordination on the full-moon day of Tabaung.

In 1281, he took the ordination for the second time on the full-moon day of Nayon and the third time on the full-moon day of Tabaung.

In 1283, on the first waxing day of Kasone, he was acknowledged as a instructor in Pakhokku by the most distinguished teachers.

In 1287, he passed the Government Pathamagyaw examination.

In 1289, he got the title of Pariyattisasanahita Dhammacariya.

In 1312, he was conferred an Aggamahapandita title.

In 1315, he was given the following positions to perform the multi-tasks at the Sixth Buddhist Council ...

1) Chattha Sangiti Ovadacariya Sangha Nayaka

2) Chattha Sangiti Bharanittharaka

3) Chattha Sangiti Palipativisodhaka

4) Chattha Sangiti Osanasodheyyapattapathaka

In 1337, he was appointed as a Second Chief Abbot at the Council wide meeting of ShweKyin in Pegu.

In 1339; he passed away at the age of 78 at 04:30 pm, on the 2nd waning of Nattaw (Tues, 27 December 1977).