mon monk

The Ven.Nyar Nein Da, an ethnic Buddhist Mon, is headed to Germany to teach at Humboldt University, which marks the first time a Mon Buddhist has become a university teacher in Germany.

The Ven. Nyar Nein Da , who received his Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, told Kaowao that he is going to teach at Humboldt University in Germany very soon.

The Ven. Nyar Nein Da , who received Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) from the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. (Photo:Kaowao)

“Education is very important. The more educated our Mon people become,  the more dignity we will have. This is why I wish to encourage all our people to study,” said Dr. Nyar Nein Da.

There are only two Mon Buddhist monks who hold Ph.Ds, according to the  Ven.Khe Ma Wan Sa, who lives in Canada.

“I know of only two people. One is Dr. Kho Si Ta and now we have Dr. Nyar Nein Da,” said Ven.Khe Ma Wan Sa.

“Many of our Mon people only have an interest in donating money so as to build more monasteries, not for education. There are very few people who donate for education. This is why our state has fewer educated people,” said an ethnic Mon youth from Rangoon, the former capital of Burma.