International Institute of Theravada

[Eko Care]

This is a newly established institute but by a group of highly educated forest vinaya monks.

The main teacher Ven. Maggavihari addresses some of the key Theravada Principles which modern people have mixed up with Non-Theravada views.
These lessons are getting extremely famous among both forest monks and scholar monks these days.

For an example he addressess and trying to prove:

• Everything is not created by the Mind.
  (If other person is created by your mind, then the faithful communication with him is worthless. ...etc )

• If there is a beginning in the world then there is no Theravada.

• If someone rejects Abhidhamma or Commentary then he is not a Theravadin.

• and many many more ...

These lessons are considered an attractive introduction to a subtle analytical study on Theravada Meditation.

• Sankhata/Asankhata

• Paramattha/Nama-rupa

• Kamma/Anusaya/Avijja/Thanha

• Paticca samuppada

You can join and ask Questions here in ongoing lectures on Zoom. (The above is the completed lesson series)
The teacher monk is friendly and open even to Non-Theravadins who are interested in Theravada.

[SarathW]

Thanks for the post and I will listen to them later.

Everything is not created by the Mind.
(If other person is created by your mind, then the faithful communication with him is worthless. ...etc )
If there is a beginning in the world then there is no Theravada.

Perhaps these things Buddha refused to answer, as they are not relevant to the final goal.

[DooDoot]

a group of highly educated forest vinaya monks

Is not shaving a sign of higher education?

[confusedlayman]

I hope they preserve theravada

[Dhammanando]

a group of highly educated forest vinaya monks

Is not shaving a sign of higher education?

The stubble on Ven. Maggavihārī's chin is merely a sign that he shaves his beard only when he shaves his head - a common practice among Sri Lankan forest monks.

The Vinaya prohibits the growth of a long beard but doesn't require a bhikkhu to be always clean-shaven.

https://www.dhammatalks.org/vinaya/bmc/Section0040.html

[Ceisiwr]

These are some nice introductory videos. Thanks for sharing.

[Eko Care]

The Buildings are still under construction I think, but their lectures are continuing in another monastery these days.



All Subjects (youtube play lists)

Their Website

Courses Offered

Mission

The International Institute of Theravada (IIT), a fully-fledged training institute based on Theravada teachings is dedicated to the spiritual and academic development of Buddhist monks irrespective of sects (Nikaya) and other differences.

A group of competent monk-disciples (who have completed Theravada Buddhist education in Myanmar and exposed different traditions in Thailand and elsewhere) of the Late Most Venerable Nā-Uyane Ariyadhamma Mahāthera, the vice president of the Śrī Rāmañña Mahānikāya and the Supreme Head of the Śrī Kaḷyāṇī Yogāśrama Saṃsthā, and also affiliated to the well-known Nā-Uyana Forest Monastery, Malsiripura, has already commenced initial work in establishing IIT at Karuwalagaswewa, Sri Lanka with the blessings and guidance of senior Mahātheras of both Rāmañña Mahānikāya and Amarapura Mahānikāya.

Strategy

The training process will mainly be focused on five main principle: LDTPP-strategy.
1. L – Learning
To educate monks on the profound Dhamma and Vinaya preserved under the Theravāda tradition in six Buddhist synods
2. D – Discipline
To discipline monks on the Vinaya rules promulgated by The Buddha for his disciples
3. T – Training
To train monks in samatha and vipassanā meditation practices
4. P – Propagation
To produce monks capable of spreading The Buddha’s teachings globally
5. P – Prolongation
To capacitate monks proficient in ordaining and training novices to preserve the Bhikkhu lineage

[Bikkhutittadammo]

The Buildings are still under construction I think, but their lectures are continuing in another monastery these days.



All Subjects (youtube play lists)

Their Website





Courses Offered

Mission

The International Institute of Theravada (IIT), a fully-fledged training institute based on Theravada teachings is dedicated to the spiritual and academic development of Buddhist monks irrespective of sects (Nikaya) and other differences.

A group of competent monk-disciples (who have completed Theravada Buddhist education in Myanmar and exposed different traditions in Thailand and elsewhere) of the Late Most Venerable Nā-Uyane Ariyadhamma Mahāthera, the vice president of the Śrī Rāmañña Mahānikāya and the Supreme Head of the Śrī Kaḷyāṇī Yogāśrama Saṃsthā, and also affiliated to the well-known Nā-Uyana Forest Monastery, Malsiripura, has already commenced initial work in establishing IIT at Karuwalagaswewa, Sri Lanka with the blessings and guidance of senior Mahātheras of both Rāmañña Mahānikāya and Amarapura Mahānikāya.

Strategy

The training process will mainly be focused on five main principle: LDTPP-strategy.
1. L – Learning
To educate monks on the profound Dhamma and Vinaya preserved under the Theravāda tradition in six Buddhist synods
2. D – Discipline
To discipline monks on the Vinaya rules promulgated by The Buddha for his disciples
3. T – Training
To train monks in samatha and vipassanā meditation practices
4. P – Propagation
To produce monks capable of spreading The Buddha’s teachings globally
5. P – Prolongation
To capacitate monks proficient in ordaining and training novices to preserve the Bhikkhu lineage

Sadhu, these seems very interesting. I'm a recently ordained monk of sinhala descent , looking for a place like this. Do you know if there are taking newbies? I could go to Sri Lanka after Vassar, around November

[Eko Care]

Sadhu, these seems very interesting. I'm a recently ordained monk of sinhala descent , looking for a place like this. Do you know if there are taking newbies? I could go to Sri Lanka after Vassar, around November

(I think) Yes, their main/primary course is for new monks. (Technically and According to their courses offered)
May be you can contact any known yogasrama/Na uyana monk to get the information clearly or to get teacher monks' phone numbers.
Otherwise try messaging through their website https://kshemabhoomi.com CONTACT US page
or https://international-institute-of-ther ... ness.site/ (Contact 071 848 5874)
or https://www.facebook.com/International- ... 014460272/ ([email protected])

Courses Conducted

Nissayamuttaka Training Course (NmC)
Nissayamuttaka training course is a series of theoretical and practical lessons that will impart knowledge and develop the skills required by a monk who wishes to lead his life without the dependence of a teacher.
• Duration of the course – Six years
• Subjects – Vinaya, Suttanat, Abhidhamma, Pāḷi, Samatha, Vipassanā, History of the Sāsana, English and few more
• Practice – Students undergo daily meditation practices throughout the six-year course (in addition to theoretically studying samatha and vipassanā subjects), and observation of dhutaṅga practices during an entire semester
• Skills – Abilities to execute formal disciplinary acts (vinayakammas), skillfulness in crafts such as robe-making and bowl-colouring and capability in preaching Dhamma
The monk who successfully completes the NmC is expected to have the following qualities:
•Has obtained adequate theoretical knowledge of the scriptures to lead his meditation by himself. In addition to this, he has learnt the practical experience gained by certain well-celebrated meditation masters (This includes the knowledge about different meditation traditions).
•Has gained complete knowledge about the training rules found in both Vibhaṅga and Khandhaka sections of the Vinaya Piṭaka.
•Well versed and skilled in all sorts of formal acts of the Vinaya (vinayakammas).
•Has the knowledge and experience in ascetic practices called dhutaṅga which are utterly supportive for the eradication of one’s inherited defilements.
•Has obtained sufficient knowledge in the Pāḷi language in order to read any Pāḷi text by himself and understand the meaning according to the traditional and modern interpretations.
•Endowed with sufficient knowledge and skill to represent the sāsana to the people he encounters with.
•Skilled in crafts such as robe-making and bowl-colouring so he could live by himself while assisting his fellow brethren.
Parisupaṭṭhāka Course (PuC)
Parisupaṭṭhāka training course is a series of theoretical and practical lessons aimed at facilitating the monk to become a qualified mentor with adequate knowledge and spiritual qualities mentioned in the Vinaya Piṭaka as required to become a teacher (preceptor).
•Duration of the course – Two years
•Subjects – Extensive studies on Pārājikāpāḷi, Pācittiyapāḷi, Vinayakammas and Khandhakavatta in Vinaya, comprehensive studies on Mahāvagga of Dīgha Nikāya, Mūlapaṇṇāsaka of Majjhima Nikāya, Mahāvagga of Saṃyutta Nikāya, first half of the Aṅguttara Nikāya, Jātakapāḷi together with its commentary and Dhammapadapāḷi together with its commentary in Suttanta and extensive lessons in meditation especially on giving meditative instructions.
•Practice – Regular meditation during the course
•Skills – Skills in teaching and training students and preaching skills in preaching Dhamma
The monk who successfully completes the PuC is expected to have the following admirable qualities of a mentoring monk (preceptor).
•Has gained complete knowledge about the training rules found in both Vibhaṅga and Khandhaka sections of the Vinaya Piṭaka and is capable in training his student in these disciplines, especially the duties of monks towards the brethren.
•Has the ability to conduct and monitor vinayakammas properly.
•Has the ability to render guidance in meditation to his students and also the laity.
•Capable in teaching aforesaid Suttas to his students effectively enhancing their spiritual traits.
•Endowed with admirable spiritual qualities such as strenuous effort (uṭṭhānaviriya), steady mindfulness (sati), contentment (santuṭṭhi) and so forth.
•Gained sufficient knowledge to remove doubts arising in students regarding the Triple Gems and the practice.
•Capable in dispelling the boredom arising in students to abide with the holly life.

Bahussuta Courses (BstC)
Bahussuta training courses are the advanced theoretical training courses that focus upon extensive and comprehensive studies on scriptures especially following ancient methods of interpretation preserved in Myanmar. There are few such courses based on the subjects studied. For instance, course for studying the entire Vinaya Piṭaka, course for studying the entire Abhidhamma Piṭaka and so forth.
•Duration of the course – depends on the subject
•Courses
‣The whole Vinaya Piṭaka and related literature The Dīgha Nikāya and related literature
‣The Majjhima Nikāya related literature
‣The Aṅguttara Nikāya related literature
‣The Saṃyutta Nikāya related literature
‣The whole Abhidhamma Piṭaka related literature
‣Visuddhimagga, Paisambhidāmagga and literature related to meditation
‣Advanced Pāḷi Studies; Kaccāyana, Moggallāna, Saddanīti traditions and modern philological studies
•Tasks – Students are expected to write term papers and a thesis at the end of each course.
The monk who successfully completes any of the BstC courses is expected to have the erudition in teaching, explaining, writing and solving unsolved problems in the field he has mastered.

Minor Courses

There are few minor courses which students can take in order to broaden their knowledge.
•Courses on books of Khuddaka Nikāya such as the Buddhavaṃsapāḷi, Apadānapāḷi and Cariyāpiṭakapāḷi
•Basic foreign language courses intended for monks who wish to do missionary works overseas

Modes of Instruction

•The Nissayamuttaka Course (NmC) is mainly based on text books compiled by the members of the study council of the institution. However, the curriculum will be designed on a student-centered format. During the course, students are expected to do inquiry and research on the topics discussed.
•Parisupaṭṭhāka Course (PuC) has more student-centered traits, while teaching will be done mainly based on original Pāḷi texts, i.e. canon, commentaries and sub- commentaries, expecting students to read extensively. Workshops will be conducted to improve tutoring and rhetoric skills.
•Bahussuta Courses (BstC) are entirely student-centered and research-based. Integration of the knowledge on other Buddhist traditions and philosophies is encouraged in writing term papers and theses.
•In general, meditation, experience in abiding with disciplinary rules and austerity practices (dhutaṅga) and skills in crafts related to monk-life are practical and experience-centered.

Enrollment of Students
•Any Theravada Buddhist monk with a virtuous character (or willing to become virtuous), and who is willing to pursue the training courses of the IIT will be allowed to obtain the training, according to his qualifications required by the Institution’s constitution, regardless of his sect (nikāya) and nationality.
•The constitution will be designed facilitating the studies of non-Theravāda Buddhist monks as well.
•All students who join the IIT are compulsory to follow the Nissayamuttaka Course (NmC) before getting enrolled into other advanced courses.

Mentoring Resources

The IIT is now equipped with necessary qualified monk-teachers capable in conducting the aforesaid main three courses.

Current Mentoring Recourses

The curricular and study materials of the IIT are designed and implemented by a group of senior monks which has been organized as The Study Council. It consists ten monks who had garnered theoretical, practical and disciplinary experiences under monastic traditions in Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand.
•Some members have gained Masters and Bachelor Degrees and Diplomas in Buddhist Universities in Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
•Some of the members of the council have successfully passed advanced examination in Myanmar such as Sāsanadhaja Dhammācariya Degree, first stage of the Sakyasīha Dhammācariya Degrees, Sāsanālaṅkāra Degree and Vinayavidū Degree.
•Moreover, some of the members of the council has undergone training, to a certain extent, under the Thai Forest Tradition.

Future Mentoring Recourses / Pilot Teacher Training Program

•To create mentors for the further functioning of the institution, initially a new course will be designed integrating both Nissayamuttaka Course (NmC) and the Parsupaṭṭhāka Course (Puc). This initial study-program shall be known as the Teacher-Training Program (TTP).
•Students who successfully accomplish the TTP and are willing to teach under the IIT will be enrolled as mentors.

Visiting Mentors

Visiting teachers will conduct foreign language courses, and workshops aiming to develop teaching and preaching skills. Qualified persons will also be invited to give lectures on subjects such as psychology, philosophy, world religions and other contemporary studies.

Dhamma Teaching by Monks for the Laity

The lay Buddhist community also needs to walk upon the path towards Nirvāṇa as of the practice of the monks. Thus, they, too, need to have obtained adequate knowledge to lead their meditation practice accurately. A program named Upāsakajanālaṅkāra has already been designed to impart knowledge on Buddhism to laity. The student monks will be trained in this program to conduct this particular course that will suit to both local and international audiences.
The Upāsakajanālaṅkāra Course includes the following subjects

•Fundamentals of the Theravāda Abhidhamma and Suttas
•Tikamātikā and Dukamātikā of Dhammasaṅgaṇī
•Twenty-Four Paccaya (Conditional Relations)
•Theoretical studies of Samatha and Vipassanā practices
•Basic knowledge in Vinaya essential to support the Buddhist monks properly

Propagation of Dhamma

•Considerable amount of support, both material-wise and knowledge-wise, will be provided to monks who have successfully accomplished the training courses and are willing to spread the Buddhist teachings in non-Buddhist culture and foreign countries
•Foreign language courses conducted under the IIT will provide the missionaries with basic understanding of the language and cultures of the regions they are willing to propagate the teachings
•Dhamma books will be written by qualified monks in Sinhala, English and other languages

Preservation of Dhamma

•Programs will be conducted to preserve the Tipiṭaka, Aṭṭhakathā and Ṭīkās digitally
•Digital platforms facilitating Dhamma studies will be created aiming at a larger audience