Dr. Soe Lwin (Mandalay)

Leading Patron of the Visuddhimagga Dhamma Path Groups
Recipient of the Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Title

Early Life and Education

Sayagyi Dr. Soe Lwin was born in 1958 in Mandalay to father U Than Aung and mother Daw Win May. He passed the matriculation examination in 1975 from No. 9 Basic Education High School (formerly St. Peter’s) in Mandalay. He attended the University of Medicine, Mandalay from 1976 to 1982, earning his medical degree (M.B.,B.S.). Following his graduation, he established a private medical practice.

Medical Service and Family

From 1989 to 1990, Sayagyi served at the Jivita Sangha Hospital in Nan Shay, Mandalay, established by the venerable Mingun Sayadawgyi. In 1991, he married Daw Shwe Yee Hla, and they have a daughter, Ma Htoo Yee Lwin. The family resides in Aungmyaythazan Township, Nan Shay, 19th Street, Mandalay.

Journey into Dhamma

Beginning in 1990-91, Sayagyi embarked on an intensive study of Dhamma literature, exploring the teachings of prominent Sayadaws including Mingun Sayadaw, Sunlun Sayadaw, Webu Sayadaw, Mogok Sayadaw, Mahasi Sayadaw, Taung Myo Maha Gandhayon Sayadaw, Pakokku Sayadaw (Anicca Sayadaw), and Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw. He also studied Ledi Sayadaw’s Dipani collection and the Burmese translation of the Sixth Buddhist Council Pali Canon (Tipitaka).

In 2004, he transitioned from intellectual study to experiential practice, beginning his Vipassanā meditation practice to develop direct understanding of Dhamma and the nature of body and mind.

Teaching and Organizational Leadership

In 2006, Sayagyi began sharing Dhamma teachings with friends in Mandalay and Yangon. His formal teaching activities expanded significantly in 2009 when he wrote “Let’s Walk the Dhamma Path” for the 10th Paying Homage Ceremony of his medical school class.

Starting in 2010, he established regular meditation courses: monthly five-day retreats at Tagaung Monastery in Mandalay and quarterly courses at Tamwe Zambu Kaung Monastery in Yangon.

Visuddhimagga Dhamma Road Vipassanā Group

On August 14, 2014, a Vipassanā propagation group was formally established under the guidance of eight Ovadacariya Sayadaws (Patron Monks), led by the Chairman of the Mandalay Region Sangha Nayaka Committee, Ma-soe-yein Sayadaw. The group was named the “Visuddhimagga Dhamma Path Vipassanā Group” with three core objectives:

1. For ordinary people to understand and realize the Buddha’s teachings
2. To enable the practice and application of Dhamma in daily life
3. To pass on and share teachings with new generations

In 2015, the Visuddhimagga Dhamma Path Vipassanā Center was established in Pyin Sar village, Pyin Oo Lwin District, where meditation retreats, Dhamma training courses, and discussions continue to be held regularly.

State Recognition

In January 2020, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Vipassanā missionary work, Sayagyi received the “Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja” title conferred by the State. This prestigious missionary title means “One who can hoist the victory banner that illuminates the Sāsana (Religion) grandly and nobly.”

Expansion and International Outreach

The Visuddhimagga Dhamma Path Vipassanā Group has established branches in Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi, Monywa, Nay Pyi Taw, Bago, Toungoo, Singapore, UK, USA, and Japan. Dhamma courses and retreats have been conducted in numerous towns throughout Myanmar including Lashio, Myingyan, Madaya, Mogok, Mogaung, Meiktila, Mawlamyine, Danubyu, Labutta, Bogale, Myaungmya, Loikaw, and Nyaung-U.

Internationally, Sayagyi has conducted Dhamma courses and discussions in Bangkok and Singapore (approximately twice yearly since 2017), and has led Dhamma discussions during pilgrimage trips to Bodh Gaya, India. He established the “Wisdom Path” initiative in Singapore specifically for international Vipassanā training.

Academic Contributions

Since 2021, Sayagyi has served as Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Wisdom (Paññā) at the University of Global Peace, located at the foot of Yankin Hill in Mandalay, where he teaches M.A. second-year Buddhist courses in English to monks, nuns, and lay practitioners.

Digital Presence and Modern Outreach

Embracing modern technology, Sayagyi conducted daily morning Dhamma discussions and evening panel discussions via Zoom during the Covid pandemics (2020 to 2022). His teachings are widely accessible through over 3,500 audio files and more than 1,400 videos available on YouTube. He maintains an active presence on Facebook, TikTok, and other digital platforms to reach contemporary audiences worldwide.

Literary Contributions

Over 20 years of dedicated Dhamma work, Sayagyi has authored more than 90 Dhamma books, making significant and lasting contributions to Buddhist literature. He continues to write and teach through Dhamma talks, discussions, and retreats.

Current Activities

Sayagyi Dr. Soe Lwin continues his mission through multiple channels:

• Regular meditation retreats and courses at the Visuddhimagga Dhamma Path Vipassanā Centre in Pyin Sar (monthly)
• Monthly 3-day training sessions at Tagaung Monastery in Mandalay
• Monthly training at the Dhamma Path Center (4-story building) in North Dagon Township, Yangon
• Special courses in various cities including Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi, Monywa, and Bago
• Online Dhamma discussions and courses via Zoom
• Academic teaching at the University of Global Peace
• Supervision of children’s Dhamma classes conducted by teachers from the Visuddhimagga Dhamma Path Vipassanā Group

Through his unwavering dedication, Sayagyi Dr. Soe Lwin continues to illuminate the path of Dhamma for countless practitioners in Myanmar and around the world, making the profound teachings of the Buddha accessible, practical, and relevant for contemporary life.