For those interested in taking a formal course in Pali or Buddhist studies, which universities would our knowledgeable members recommend?
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I went to ITBMU for a 1 year Diploma in Buddhism in 2016-2017
They have programs for:
- 1 Year Diploma
- 2 Year BA
- MA (by recommendation)
- PhD. (by recommendation)
All students, no matter what degrees or knowledge they have had prior must start with the diploma and then move through the ranks. Even Ven Maggavihari and Ven Devananda had to do the basic diploma for one year, and then BA in order to join the MA programs.
The MA Program was very long for Ven Maggavihari and Ven. Devananda… I think 3 or 4 years. I heard ITBMU reduced the time needed though.
The program is free of charge and they will even issue a free visa for all students.
Lodging and Food is provided free of charge too.
Field Trips to see certain sites (like bagan) are also arranged by the school at no charge.
There are opportunities to ordain at ITBMU, but I don’t recommend non-vinaya places to ordain. They have a sīma there as well, but pātimokkhas are only done during vassa and up to aniyata. This type of pātimokkha schedule is pretty much the standard at most monasteries in Myanmar. Monks should be happy they do that much.
The classes meet all day 5 days per week and one is free on the weekends to do as they wish. The program also includes Myanmar Language and Myanmar Buddhist history.
The school closes down twice a year for 1 month each time and you need to go to a monastery to do a retreat and simply live outside ITBMU. As a student of the Myanmar Government School and their policies, you will get a special letter which pretty much can get you into any monastery you choose, even Pyin Oo Lwin Pa-Auk when they were fully booked (although I don’t guarantee this). However, post COVID… not sure what policies there are. ITBMU is located in Myangone, Yangon which is a military zone and well protected. I’m sorry to say, but for your own safety, you need to be worried more about the rebels than the Government Military. As usual with Myanmar, if you have political views, you need to keep them to yourself or best not to come. Usually you sign an agreement about non-political involvement before you get a visa. In any case, the area is well protected and considered “safe” although nothing is certain and everything changes.
The information you will learn for the Diploma course is general and basic and there is no assumed prior knowledge to start. English exam is required for entry which should not be an issue for anyone reading this post.
For Shan State University: You can watch this video:
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This is one for ITBMU. More will come.
