About CJ

Ceylon Journey

“Ceylon Journey” is a journey of academic studies embarked on by the Shan / Tai Sangha from Shan State, Yunnan Province of China, Thailand and elsewhere in the world. The name itself is related to the past history of cultural relationships between the Shan Sangha and Sri Lanka and also that of the present days of ours. Thus, the interdependent nature of this process can be seen as in the following.

According to history of Theravada Buddhism in South-East Asia, the eleventh century AD is an important landmark in the history of both Ceylon and Burma. There is evidence to show that in this century close cultural and religious ties existed between the two countries. Several Buddhist monks from Burma visited Ceylon to study the sacred texts and to receive academic education. Thus, the eleventh century AD, is significant in the religious and cultural history of south-east Asia. From this period onwards Buddhist countries in south-east Asia came into close contact with Ceylon which played an important role in the establishment and development of the Theravada form of Buddhism in South-east Asia.

We have also learnt that in the past there were some Shan Buddhist monks visiting Ceylon for their studies. It is said that Sao Jarng Khun Aik, a brother of King Sur Khan Fa, was the first of them. He had acquired the academic studies in the field of Buddhist Philosophy from Ceylon for many years. Having left Ceylon, he joined his brother King Sur Khan Fa and propagated the teachings at his best. There is no doubt that the King Sur Khan Fa got aids from his brother Sao Jarng Khun Aik in the propagation of Buddha Sasana even though the historical records still remain to be studied.

The second one from Shan State to study in Ceylon was the first head of Tai Sangha community, the most Venerable Pannyabhoga (MongShu). He came to Ceylon after 15 years of his higher ordination. After returning from Ceylon, he orgarnised all the Sanghas in Shan State to translate Tipitaka (Canonical) into Shan Language with the help of the first president of Burma, Sao Shwe Theik. They started doing the task from (myanmar era 1319). The next who came to the island were Venerable Muninda ( La Shio) and Venerable Narinda (Tangyang). They visited Ceylon as individuals and we have not heard of them bringing friends or disciples to study the same. That would be the case that little has been known of them by most of the Shan people.

But from 1991, Venerable Dr. Khammai Dhammasami became the first to bring with him many young Buddhist monks for their modern monastic education up to the present day. This has given birth to the present journey, which is the journey of academic studies in Buddhist or religious studies in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the world. This is widely known all over Shan State, across the Union of Myanmar and other parts of the world where the existence of Tai Sangha can be seen.

The chief aim of those who are with the Ceylon Journey would be to acquire the knowledge of academic studies on Buddhism and religious studies. This will surely enable them to be of service to the society for peace and prosperity.

In short, Ceylon Journey is the journey of students and Buddhist scholars who embrace monastic education in Theravada Buddhist Studies in Ceylon Island (Sri Lanka) as they come from Shan State and places where Theravada Buddhism flourishes.