A Brief Biography of the Venerable Mogok Sayadaw (1899-1962)

The Venerable Mogok Sayadaw, U Vimala, was a prominent figure in Myanmar’s modern history, widely regarded as an Arahant. His teachings have inspired the establishment of numerous Mogok Vipassanā meditation centers not only in Myanmar but also globally. Although he passed away, his Dhamma teachings continue to resonate with many, available in the form of books and recorded sermons. Born on Wednesday, the 11th day after the full moon of Natdaw in the Myanmar year 1261 (December 27, 1899), in U Yin Taw village, on the banks of the Duṭṭhavatī River (also known as the Myitnge), the future Venerable Mogok Sayadaw was the fifth of eight children. His parents were U Aung Tun and Daw Shwe Eik, and his childhood name was Maung Hla Baw. At the age of nine, he embarked on his monastic journey by becoming a novice (sāmaṇera) under the guidance of the Venerable U Jāgara at the Gway Bin Tawya Monastery in U Yin Taw village. He was subsequently given the monastic name Shin Vimala. Upon reaching the age of 20, on the 8th waxing day of Waso in 1281 (1919), Shin Vimala underwent higher ordination as a bhikkhu under the preceptorship of the Sayadaw of the Mingala Taik (Monastery) in Amarapura. This significant milestone marked his attainment of the lofty status of a fully ordained monk. In 1286 (1924), he became the resident teacher at the Middle Tipiṭaka building within the Mingala Taik, where he imparted Buddhist scriptures for over thirty years. Subsequently, he completed the Abhidhamma Ta-gon Treatise, which the esteemed first-class honors scholar and great teacher, U Ohne, had left unfinished. He also authored the Yamaka Mañjūrī Treatise and the Putthujana Alinpyay Treatise (A Guide for the Worldling). While teaching scriptural studies to novice monks, Sayadaw U Vimala also expounded Abhidhamma teachings to lay devotees. Starting in 1294 (1932), at the invitation of the generous donors U Lè and his wife Daw Thaing Chone from the George Taung quarter (now a municipal ward) in Mogok, Sayadaw U Vimala made annual visits to Mogok to teach the Dhamma. He also generously offered diamond and ruby spires for the Mahāceti Pagoda in Sri Lanka and the Botataung Pagoda in Yangon. From 1941 to 1942, during World War II, he resided in Mogok. As the Second World War spread to Myanmar, the Sayadaw sought refuge at the cemetery monastery in Mogok to escape the dangers and hardships of war. Later, guided by the Venerable Aung Khyin Shipar Sayadaw U Nāgavaṃsa, he relocated to Bawbadan village, approximately four miles from Mogok, to engage in meditation. He diligently practiced Vipassanā meditation in a natural cave near that village. From the onset of the rains retreat (vassa) in 1942, he devoted himself to this practice for four consecutive years, leading to profound spiritual realizations. After the war, the Dhamma talks he delivered were notably different from his previous ones, becoming more unique and profoundly impactful. The Rise to Fame as the Mogok Sayadaw Several factors contributed to his rise to fame as the Mogok Sayadaw: 1. Intensive Meditation Practice: During World War II, he engaged in rigorous meditation practice in a cave in Mogok. 2. Invitation from Devotees: Devotees from Mogok invited him to come and teach the Dhamma there. 3. Deep Reverence and Affection: The lay devotees of Mogok showed him profound reverence and affection. 4. Monastery Buildings: They built monastery buildings for him, and he subsequently resided in that large monastery in Mogok. Embarking on the Mission of Practice (Paṭipatti) In 1314 (1952), upon his return from Mogok to Amarapura, the Sayadaw ceased his activities related to nurturing Saṅgha members and teaching scriptures. He dedicated himself solely to teaching and guiding Dhamma practice, fulfilling his mission of propagating the practice (Paṭipatti-sāsana). To achieve this, he established a significant Dhamma center named ‘Maṅgala Maggaṅ’. The Circular Diagram of Dependent Origination (Paṭiccasamuppāda) In accordance with the Buddha’s intention, the Venerable Mogok Sayadaw aimed to ensure that people comprehended and applied the Four Noble Truths correctly. He employed various methods and language accessible to the masses. Unlike the popular trend of using varied tones and pitches, his style of exposition was straightforward and direct. He spoke the truth without artifice, making it easy for listeners to understand. He refrained from showing deference based on status and instead pointed his finger directly and firmly, expounding and pointing out the truth with compassion. For meditators, he taught Vipassanā practices in everyday language, making them accessible for practice. Even the great Mingun Sayadaw, the Tipiṭakadhara Dhammabhaṇḍāgārika, remarked on Mogok Sayadaw’s discourses, stating that if the Buddha were present, he might bestow the special title of ‘Etagga’ (Foremost) Great Burmese Commentary Master for explaining the Buddha’s Dhamma in Burmese in a manner that the Burmese people could comprehend. Initially, the Sayadaw employed betel nuts lined up on his bed to elucidate the Dhamma. Later, when a Dhamma royal seat was presented, he sat on it and used betel nuts on a table. Subsequently, the artist U Tun Yin provided cups, prompting the substitution of plastic items for betel nuts, which further enhanced clarity. At U Tun Yin’s request, the Circular Diagram of Dependent Origination was drawn, and U Tun Yin redrew it on triple-layer wood, making it even more comprehensible. The Sayadaw would occasionally arrange the cups and point to the circle with a stick to illustrate his points. Throughout his life, the Venerable Sayadaw devoted himself to tirelessly expounding the Dhamma of the Four Noble Truths. He didn’t merely discuss the Four Noble Truths; he demonstrated them through his own practice. The Dhamma teachings of the Venerable Mogok Sayadaw are preserved in approximately a thousand recordings (on CDs and digital MP3s), which continue to be listened to today. Moreover, over five hundred of these recorded talks have been transcribed and published as books. The Sayadaw’s discourse on Dependent Origination has also been translated into English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Sinhala, and other languages, making it a subject of study and practice in foreign countries. On the seventh waxing day of Waso, 1362 (July 8, 1962), the Department of Religious Affairs of the Union Revolutionary Council Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar conferred upon him the honorary title of Agga Mahā Paṇḍita. The Venerable Mogok Sayadaw passed away on Wednesday, the fourth day after the full moon of Thadingyut, 1324 (October 17, 1962), achieving final Nibbāna. In Amarapura, a stupa named Maṅgala Dhātu Dhamma Cetī was constructed to enshrine his relics.