Introduction
A garden without a fence is easily destroyed, and water without banks is easily depleted. In the same way, anything without discipline and structure cannot endure and is vulnerable to decline. Therefore, anyone who desires stability and longevity must establish and faithfully observe systematic rules and regulations.
For this reason, we wish to record the systematic measures undertaken prior to the construction of the University of Global Peace.
Establishment of the College
At the outset, the founders respectfully approached the Venerable Bhamo Sayadaw and the Venerable Rector Sayadaw to express their aspiration to establish a university and to seek guidance. Both Sayadaws advised that, before opening a university, a "World Peace College" should first be established.
In accordance with this guidance, the Rector of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Mandalay), Dr. Bhaddanta Panditavarabhivamsa, officially opened the college at U Yin Monastery in 2015. From 2015 to 2017, the college operated for three consecutive years, offering instruction in Suttanta, Abhidhamma, and English to more than 200 students. In 2018, the institution advanced to operate at university level.
Land Acquisition
For the construction of the university campus, the Ovadacariya (Patron) Sayadaws and the Board of Trustees of Yankin Hill granted permission on September 2, 2011, for Dr. Bhaddanta Jotika (Padhana Nayaka of U Yin Pariyatti Monastery) to use a vacant plot of land exceeding six acres, owned by Yankin Hill.
In addition, the Patheingyi Township Sangha Nayaka Committee formally approved the construction of the University of Global Peace during its meeting on March 14, 2013.
Main Donors
The principal donors for the construction of the University of Global Peace are the Shwe Pyi Thar Family of Mandalay. This family includes U Thein Tan and Agga Maha Siri Sudhamma Singi Daw Than Than Nwe; their son, Ko Moe Myint Tha, together with Ma Myint Thae Ei Zon; their daughter, Ko Thant Zin Khant, together with Ma Su Pyae Tha; and their grandson, Maung Lin Lun Tha.
These donations were made on behalf of Shwe Pyi Thar Company, Shwe Thein Than Kabar Company, and Hotel Shwe Pyi Thar.
Construction History
Beginning in 2013, the Shwe Pyi Thar family supported the construction of essential infrastructure, including water and electricity supply systems, perimeter walls, and the main entrance archway. From 2014 onward, Dr. Bhaddanta Jotika resided at the site and personally supervised the university's construction projects.
On September 16, 2014, the foundation-laying ceremony for the Rector's Building was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Kumarabhivamsa, Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (Bhamo Sayadaw), and Bhaddanta Vicittabhivamsa, Chairman of the Mandalay District Sangha Nayaka Committee. On July 15, 2016, the foundation-laying ceremony for the Main University Building was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Nandamalabhivamsa, Padhana Nayaka of Subodhayon Monastery, Sagaing.
Campus Infrastructure
Since that time, the University of Global Peace has been developed with the following facilities, making it a fully equipped university:
- Main Building: One 5-story building (Main Hall).
- Shine Hope Hostel: One 5-story building for resident student monks, donated by Shine Hope Company.
- Samanakyaw Dhammacariya Hostel: One 5-story building for resident student monks, donated by various well-wishers.
- Thotujana Hostel: One 5-story building for resident student monks, donated by Ko Hein Min Soe + Dr. Thida Myint (Dr. Handmade Jewelry).
- Research Center: One 3-story building, donated by Ma Mu Mu Myint, Ma Mu Mu Khaing, and Ma Phyu Phyu Naing (Nane Point Purified Water Family).
- Guest Professor's Residence: One 4-story building, donated by U Aye Maung + Daw Tin Tin Aung (Kye Pya Aung Store Family).
- Lecturer's Residence: One 3-story building, donated by various well-wishers.
- Professor's Residence: One 3-story building, donated by U Yi Shin + Daw Than Than Myint (Yi Shin Family).
- Maha Nayaka Sayadaw's Residence: One single-story building, donated by U Khin Maung Hla + Daw Lay Lay Min Family.
- Rector's Residence: Donated by the Monywa Family (Ma Than Than Nu, Ma Khin Mar Win, Ma Myint Myint Soe, Ko Htay Lwin Oo, Ko Phoe Cho).
- Pro-Rector's Residence (1): Donated by Daw Than Ngwe's Family.
- Pro-Rector's Residence (2): Donated by U San Maung + Daw Than (Sein Kyaung Slipper Business Family).
- Registrar's Office: Donated by U Thein Aung + Daw Hnin Yi Family.
- Assistant Registrar's Office: Donated by Daw Khin San Myint and siblings.
- Dining Hall: One 2-story building, donated by Ko Nyi Maw Kun + Ma Yupar Aye Than Win (Thitsar Gems Family).
- Sima (Ordination Hall): One 2-story building, donated by Major U Phone Aung Lin + Daw Thae Thae Mon Family.
- University Clinic: Donated by Ko Zaw Win Htoo + Ma Moe Moe Family.
Official Opening
On June 15, 2023, the water libation ceremony (Ye-Set-Cha) for the Main Building and the official opening ceremony of the University of Global Peace were held.
The ceremony was led by senior Sayadaws and rectors, including Dr. Bhaddanta Nandamalabhivamsa, Rector of Universities; Dr. Bhaddanta Kesara, Rector of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Mandalay); and Kyaukme Sayadaw Dr. Bhaddanta Candanasara, Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.