About Us
Discover the story, mission and vision of International Institute of Theravada.
Discover the story, mission and vision of International Institute of Theravada.
The International Institute of Theravada (IIT) is a comprehensive training institute aimed at facilitating spiritual and academic development of Buddhist monks, based on Theravada teachings. It is inclusive and accommodative, irrespective of sects (Nikaya) and other differences within the Theravada Buddhist clergy.
The IIT would disseminate the teachings of the Buddha as per the ancient Theravada texts, to Buddhist practitioners across the globe.
Located in Sri Lanka (Karuwalagaswewa, near Anamaduwa), a country where theravāda Buddhism is preserved and practiced extensively, the IIT will cater to monastics from all parts of the world.
The Saṅgha community, especially the Sri Lankan Saṅgha community has witnessed great setbacks during the past few decades in spirituality, knowledge and practice. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is the absence of a proper monk-training program during the initial stages of the monkhood.
A group of young competent monks from the Śrī Kalyāṇī Yogashrama Saṃsthā, Sri Lanka who have completed their studies in Myanmar and exposed to forest traditions in Thailand and elsewhere took the initiatives to establish the International Institute of Theravada (IIT).
The land of approximately 87 acers known as Heenatikalma Watta, where IIT is located, was offered to the Mahā Saṅgha, on the 25th April 2019, by pious devotee Mr Chandrakeerthi Bandara and his family.
The auspicious establishment of IIT took place on the 15th November 2019 with the offering of six residential chambers (kuṭis) for the Mahā Saṅgha by Honorable Maitreepala Sirisena, the President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The IIT shall always function to achieve its vision and mission.
Creating and propagating a Buddhist monastic community which clearly understands the path to ultimate liberation or Nibbāna, and whose primary goal is to encourage striving towards it.
Establishing a community of monastics who would share the Theravāda teachings, and guide monks, nuns and lay persons in practicing the dhamma-vinaya according to the original teachings of the Buddha.
Building the capacity of monks in executing formal disciplinary acts (Vinaya kamma) in order to prolong the sanctity of monks' lineage.