"Because the mind is covered by defilements, we are unable to see dhamma or to understand nature as it is. What is the meaning of nature? It is cause and it is also effect. The cause and effect process itself is nature. Whatever is happening in the present moment is nature, dhamma. Even defilements become dhamma, become nature. Nature is becoming, nature is arising, knowing is arising and awareness is arising—object and mind, object and mind. In nature, there is nobody there. Nature is not us, not them, not others; nature is nature.
Dhamma is ever present and there is dhamma talk everywhere. Nature is also teaching us dhamma but we are unable to hear. We can’t know or see dhamma because of the defilements in the mind and because there isn’t enough understanding or wisdom. If we can think and see nature as it really is, the mind is free and free from defilements. Dhamma is everywhere. Dhamma is here all the time, everywhere. Is the mind ready to understand?"
—Sayādaw U Tejaniya—
Sayadaw U Tejaniya (front) and the late Shwe Oo Min Sayadaw.
Sayādaw U Tejaniya began practicing meditation in his early teenage years under the late Shwe Oo Min Sayādaw (1913–2002), ordaining several times as a novice monk. He took the robe in 1996 after a life as a householder and businessman. He is now the meditation teacher of the Shwe Oo Min Dhamma Sukha Tawya meditation center in Yangon, Myanmar. Sayādaw Tejaniya’s style of teaching and what he emphasizes is dynamic—an evolving process based on his own experiences and his recognition of difficulties yogis face in their practice.
With an easy sense of humor, Sayādaw Tejaniya relates naturally to his lay students, helping them to appreciate the presence of dhamma everywhere with awareness + wisdom. Don’t Look Down on the Defilements, They Will Laugh at You, Awareness Alone Is Not Enough, Dhamma Everywhere, and Collecting Gold Dust are books printed for free distribution that will resonate with both new and experienced meditators alike. Relax and Be Aware (Shambhala Publications) is another of his books worth reading.
◎ How this site came about
This site is a humble gift, born in late 2017 from the aspiration of Malaysian yogis who were deeply touched and inspired by Sayādaw U Tejaniya’s wisdom and guidance in Satipaṭṭhāna. It is dedicated solely to supporting fellow yogis in their practice.
With heartfelt gratitude to Bro Chiu Sheng Bin, who lovingly compiled the excerpts shared here. For more resources and enquiries, please visit ashintejaniya.org .
◎ HOW TO GO ABOUT
If you’re new, Opening Talks is a gentle place to start. For seasoned yogis, Wise Utterances offers nourishing insights, and Guided Meditation makes a wholesome main course. Wherever you begin, may these deepen understanding within you..
◎ GET FULL BENEFIT FROM THIS SITE
Rather than reading casually, receive these words as a direct pointing to your own mind— the very place where the teachings come alive and the heart of practice is found.
the 5 spiritual faculties
That which makes the meditating mind grow in wisdom
The 5 hindrances
That which makes the meditating mind drown in delusion
If you wish to dive straight into all the excerpts found on this website, this Collected Excerpts will surely nourish your interest. They are not arranged by specific topic but preserved in the natural order in which they were discovered. Since 2016, Bro Chiu Sheng Bin has patiently listened to countless recordings, carefully extracting and preserving the words of Sayādaw U Tejaniya. What you find here is not only a compilation of teachings but also a testament to his interest and tireless devotion to the Dhamma.
Burmese Zen
Right Information as pre-requisites to right meditation
GUIDED MEDITATION
Using our inherent wisdom to meditate instead of merely focusing on the object
OPENING TALKS
The how-to-practice for newbies and also a good refresher for seasoned yogis
social block
WISDOM'S ROAR ON SOUNDCLOUD
Short MP3 clips to inspire and remind yogis of the beauty of awareness. The snippets offer a window to the practice and maturing of wisdom or Right Understanding. Consider the clips a wake-up call from Wisdom’s Roar.