Ashin Munindabhivamsa
Ashin Munindābhivaṃsa, also known as Shindan Sayadaw, was a Burmese scholar monk and chief abbot of Win Neinmitayon Monastery in Bago. Recipient of the title of Agga Maha Pandita, he was a member of the central executive committee of the Shwegyin Nikaya, the second largest monastic order in Myanmar. The assassination of Munindābhivaṃsa, a member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, in June 2024 led to a confrontation between the Burmese military and founding members of the monastery.
Early life and education
The eldest son of Tun Shwe and Kyeyin, Munindābhivaṃsa was born in Thanatpin Township in Bago Division on 13 December 1946. Novitiated under the 5th Kyakhhetwine Sayadaw at the age of 10, he passed his first examination titled vinyānuggaha sāmanera bhāņaka sīla sikkhā at age 11. He passed the government examination of Dhammācariya at 17, ranked second in the country. In addition to his degrees in three examinations of Dhammācariya, Munindābhivaṃsa was also bestowed the title of Dhīghabhāņaka upon the completion of Sutta Piṭaka at the Tripitaka Examinations.Life as an instructor
Munindābhivaṃsa had started his career as an instructor since he was 14 years old, at the Kyakhetwine Monastery. He founded the Win Neinmitayon Monastery in 2003 at which he took the role of chief abbot until his death.He also compiled religious writings under the title of Shindan and was known as Shindan Sayadaw. He received the title for senior instructor Agga Maha Ganthavācaka Pandita from the government in 1992. He was offered the titles of Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja and Agga Maha Pandita in 2006.
He had served as a member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee for 8 years and was also in charge of State Vinayadhara. Upon his death, he was a wunsaung sayadaw, which literally represents who accepts and carries out a specific responsibility, and a member of the central executive committee of the Shwegyin Nikaya.