Sayadaw U Kumārābhivaṃsa (born 1975) is a distinguished Burmese meditation teacher who bridges the gap between deep academic learning and intensive forest meditation.
The Abhivaṃsa Scholar
- Ordination & Early Success: In 1988 Sayadaw ordained as a novice in Kaw Lin Township, Sagaing Division, Myanmar. Received higher ordination in 1995 in Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar and immediately excelled in academic pursuits.
Degrees
- 1998: Earned the government-authorized Dhammācariya degree.
- 2003: Achieved the prestigious Abhivaṃsa degree. This is why his name ends in (a)bhivamsa. This is said to be an equivalent to a PhD.
Academic Career
- Served as a lecturer for over a decade (2000–2010) at the renowned Masoeyein Education Centre in Mandalay, teaching advanced Buddhist scriptures to senior monks.
The Meditation Teacher
- Transition to Practice: Shifted from theory to practice in 2004, undertaking intensive training in the Pa-Auk forest tradition.
- Teacher Training: Completed the specialized Meditation Teacher Course in 2013, conducted personally by the Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw.
- Current Role: Has served as a Kammaṭṭhānācariya (Meditation Teacher) at the Pa-Auk Meditation Centre (Pyin Oo Lwin) since 2015.
- International Mission: Frequently travels abroad to lead retreats in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and beyond.