Biography of Venerable Sayadaw Kusala
Early Life and Ordination
Venerable Sayadaw Kusala was born on September 10, 1984, in the town of Chauk in Myanmar's Magway Region. Born to parents San Nwet (mother) and Tin Yone (father), his early life was rooted in the rich Buddhist traditions of Myanmar. His spiritual journey began formally in 1999 when he undertook novitiation as a sāmaṇera (novice monk), showing an early dedication to the Buddhist path.
After serving as a novice, Sayadaw Kusala received higher ordination as a fully ordained bhikkhu (monk), marking the beginning of his formal monastic career. With 21 vassa (rainy season retreats) completed as of 2025, he has dedicated over two decades to monastic life, deepening his understanding of Buddhist texts and meditation practices.
Education and Academic Achievements
Venerable Kusala completed his primary education in 1995 before fully dedicating himself to Buddhist studies. His academic accomplishments include earning the prestigious Sāsanadhajadhammācariya degree and becoming a Vinaya Pāḷipāragū, demonstrating his mastery of the Buddhist monastic code and Pali texts. These significant achievements reflect his scholarly aptitude and commitment to preserving the Buddha's teachings.
Teaching Career
Venerable Kusala has built an extensive teaching career at several prominent Buddhist education centers in Myanmar:
- New Mandalay Masoyain Monastery in Kabaraye, Yangon
- Konekaing Pali University in Kayan, Yangon
- Alotawpyae Dhammacariya University in South Dagon, Yangon
His longest teaching appointment has been at the internationally respected Pa-Auk Tawya Forest Monastery. From 2009 to June 2024, he taught Pariyatti (theoretical Buddhist studies) at both the Mawlamyine and Pyint Oo Lwin branches of Pa-Auk Tawya. This 15-year tenure demonstrates his deep connection to the Pa-Auk tradition, known for its rigorous approach to meditation and scriptural study.
Current Role
In July 2024, Venerable Kusala received instructions from the venerated head of Pa-Auk tradition, Pa-Auk Sayadawgyi, to relocate to Indonesia. He was directed to spend the vassa (rainy season retreat) and take up residence at Pa-Auk Tawya Vipassana Dhura Hermitage in Medan-Kutalimbaru, Indonesia. This appointment reflects the high regard in which he is held and his role in extending the Pa-Auk meditation tradition to practitioners in Southeast Asia beyond Myanmar's borders.
Legacy and Influence
Through his teaching and practice, Venerable Sayadaw Kusala has contributed significantly to the preservation and transmission of Theravada Buddhist teachings, particularly within the Pa-Auk tradition. His expertise in the Pali canonical texts and the Vinaya (monastic discipline) has helped shape a new generation of monks and serious Buddhist practitioners. His recent assignment to Indonesia demonstrates his growing international influence and the trust placed in him to represent the Pa-Auk lineage abroad.