Shin Mahasilavamsa


Shin Mahāsīlavaṃsa was a Theravadan Buddhist monk and a classical Burmese poet who lived in 15th century Ava Kingdom.
He is famous for his pyo poetry and he is considered one of the greatest poets of pre-colonial Burma, in particular his masterpieces, Paramidawkhan Pyo and Sodaungkhan Pyo, which are considered ideal models of the medieval literary style. While the primary focus of Mahāsīlavaṃsa's compositions was dhamma, he also composed the earliest extant Burmese chronicle, Yazawingyaw. His contemporary literati rival was Shin Raṭṭhasāra.

Personal life

Mahāsīlavaṃsa was born Maung Nyo in Myolulin village. While it is not known when he became a novice monk, his gift for poetry was recognized from the age of 7. When he was 20, he became a monk under Shin Sīlācārabhidhaja. At the age of 38, he wrote his masterpiece, Paramitawkhan Pyo, which garnered recognition from throughout the kingdom. At the age of 40, he moved to Ava; King Minkhaung II of Ava subsequently donated the Yadana Beikman Golden Monastery at Sagaing as his residence.

Works

Paramidawkhan Pyo is one of the greatest compositions of Burmese literature. Throughout this literary career, he composed numerous epics, stone inscriptions, and poetic verses including:
  1. Record of the Golden Palace Title
  2. Htupayon Pagoda stone inscription
  3. Yadana Beikman Monastery stone inscription
  4. Mitthilā Lake songs
  5. Pāramīdawkhan Pyo
  6. Sutaungkhan Pyo
  7. Nanphwin Linka
  8. Buddhuppatti Pyo
  9. Rājavasatīkhan Linka
  10. Record of the Inaugural Memorandum
  11. Taungdwinla Pyo
  12. Saṃvegakhan Pyo
  13. Dhammapāla Pyo
  14. Pārāyanavatthu
  15. Yazawingyaw
  16. Mahārahanīti
  17. Hsonmasa Linka
  18. Treatise on Buddhālaṅkāra
  19. Nettipāḷidaw
  20. ''Nettihāra Akauk''