DHAMMA DANA: The Theravada Monastic Tradition in Myanmar
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“Dhamma Dana” is Pali for “The Gift of Dhamma.” Dhamma is the path to inner liberation taught by the Buddha 2500 years ago.
Myanmar (Burma) is home to one of the most peaceful spiritual traditions in the world: Theravada Buddhism. In the Theravada tradition, which is followed by 90% of Burmese people, peace and freedom are not pursued externally. Instead the Theravada Buddhists find freedom within themselves. Originating from the Buddha’s 2500 year-old teachings, the path to inner liberation is propagated by the Sangha: the community of ordained monks and nuns. Over 5% of Burmese people are members of the Sangha. In order to materially survive, the Sangha relies on Sangha Dana: the offerings given by lay devotees. It is by the merit of Sangha Dana that the order of monks and nuns can continue to recompense the generosity with Dhamma Dana: the sacred gift of the Buddha’s teachings.
Filmed entirely in Myanmar, Dhamma Dana delves deep into the Golden Land’s monastic tradition and reveals how the Burmese Buddhists find inner freedom. The film presents the Dhamma with a serene rhythm; documenting a powerfully peaceful ancient tradition that few experience first hand.
Dr Molini, a Burmese nun and avid social worker, provides the experience and guiding light to tell the story of how the Burmese preserve and propagate their unique tradition. In Dhamma Dana, she illuminates the heartwarming effort of a people who transcend the influence of modern times in order to uphold the ancient tradition of Theravada Buddhism.
Filmmaker Theodore Martland had to meet with the Burmese Ambassador’s second secretary in India, Khin Aye Kyi Than, file his itinerary with the Burmese military government, and apply to the Burmese Ministry of Religious Affairs for official documents that would allow him to enter the country and film. It is rare for westerners, Americans especially, to be able to travel to Myanmar. The US only started to re-allow travel to the country a few months before he went. With only a 26-day visa he continuously filmed as much of the Golden Land’s Buddhist culture as he could. Living in monasteries and meditation centers; traveling by pick-up truck, open-air trains, and on the roofs of buses; the longest he stayed in one place was 3 days.
Running Time: 30 minutes
- Young Monk Sunrise – Amarapura, Myanmar
- Pensive Monk Sunrise – Amarapura, Myanmar
- Burmese Novice Nun – Sagaing Hills, Myanmar
- Mahasi Meditation Center – Amarapura, Myanmar
- Fishing Boat Sunrise – Amarapura, Myanmar
- Monk Steps – Amarapura, Myanmar
ADDITIONAL TEAM MEMBERS:
Dr. Molini is a Burmese Buddhist nun in the Theravadan tradition, ordained in Burma in 1983. She holds a PhD from Magadh University in India in Buddhism focusing on the history of the Bhikkhuni Sangha. She is a member of the International Buddhist Nun Society of the USA, the Buddhist Light International Association and the Nepal Buddhist Dhammodaya Sabha. Speaking several languages, she teaches meditation and Buddhist philosophy in the US, India, and Southeast Asia. Dr. Molini’s social organization (Dhamma Moli Project) provides a home and education for young Nepalese girls who have been exploited by the South Asian sex trade. For her social work alongside Dr. Dhamma Vijaya, she is the co-recipient of the 2006 BCM Women and Engaged Buddhism Award and the 2007 Award for Outstanding Women in Buddhism, presented at the United Nations, Thailand.
Dr. U Hla Myint, has had 22 years monastic training, 10 years as a novice and 12 years as a monk. He studied Buddhist scriptures for 12 years at Mahagandayone Buddhist University in Burma and obtained three degrees: Alankara (BA), Dhammacariya (Master) and Abhivamsa (PhD).
He has engaged in several intensive meditation retreats under the guidance of Mahasi Sayadaw and Panditarama Sayadaw at Mahasi Meditation Center in Yangon, Burma. He became an assistant meditation teacher at the Mahasi Meditation Center. This monastic training has given him extensive knowledge of the Buddha’s teachings, and mastery of the teaching and practice of meditation.
Zachary Schlosser studies Religion at Brown. He was whelmed with ecstatic joy to be a part of the Dhamma Dana experience. Assisting with the project and offering intelligence at the most curious of moments, Zach was a critical force in this production.
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PRESS
Queens International Film Festival NYC – New York Times – Buddhist Channel – Accolade Award of Merit – RichmondNow Article – Richmond Alumni Magazine Article: Student Film Features Burmese Buddhists – Richmond Collegian Article: Student Projects Culminate in Documentary Premiere – Filmmaker Interview on Public Access – Elephant Journal – Rev. Danny Fisher – MahaSangha News – Antioch News & Updates – IMDb Page: Dhamma Dana
