01

HISTORY

Panditarama Sydney Meditation Centre

Panditarama Sydney Meditation Centre (PSMC) is a Theravāda Buddhist meditation centre in Sydney dedicated to the practice and teaching of Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation in the Mahāsi tradition of Myanmar.

Founded in 2000, PSMC provides a peaceful environment for mindfulness meditation, Dhamma learning, Buddhist cultural activities, and spiritual development for people of all backgrounds across Australia as well as from around the world. The centre welcomes meditators, families, students, and community members seeking inner peace, mindfulness, and insight through authentic Vipassana Meditation practice based on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as taught in the Pali Canon.

Under the guidance of Sayadaw U Paññathami and with the blessings of the Most Venerable Sayadawgyi U Panditabhivamsa of Panditarama Shwe Taung Gon, the centre was established as a non-profit organisation supported entirely through generosity of devotees.

02

Journey

Our Journey

Building for the Future (Year 2020 to date)

Planning for PSMC’s new building development project began in 2020 as part of the centre’s long-term vision to establish a larger meditation and community space with improved facilities for Vipassana Meditation retreats, Dhamma education, and mindfulness practice.

In 2025, the Construction Certificate was officially approved, marking a significant milestone in the centre’s expansion journey.

Construction of the new facilities is scheduled to commence in 2026, reflecting PSMC’s continued growth and commitment to serving the spiritual and community needs of future generations.

Our Vision for the Future

PSMC continues to develop with a long-term aspiration to establish a complete meditation and cultural learning centre in Sydney. Future plans include expanded meditation facilities, accommodation for retreats, and educational spaces for children and families.

Through the dedication of our teachers, volunteers, and supporters, Panditarama Sydney Meditation Centre continues to serve as a refuge for meditation, mindfulness, Dhamma education, and spiritual growth for all communities in Australia.

03

Objectives

vision

To be a leading Vipassanā meditation centre in Australia that nurtures mindfulness, wisdom, compassion, and inner peace through the authentic practice of Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation in the Mahāsi tradition.

Mission

  1. To preserve, practise, and propagate the teachings of Theravāda Buddhism for all communities in Australia.
  2. To provide authentic training in mindfulness and Vipassanā meditation under the guidance of qualified spiritual teachers.
  3. To offer meditation retreats, Dhamma education, counselling, and community programs that support spiritual growth and personal well-being.
  4. To cultivate a peaceful and inclusive environment welcoming people of all races, cultures, and beliefs.
  5. To foster future generations through youth, cultural, and educational programmes grounded in Buddhist values.

Our Principles

Mindfulness & Insight

We uphold the practice of Satipaṭṭhāna Vipassanā meditation as a path toward greater awareness, wisdom, and liberation from suffering.

Inclusivity & Respect

We welcome people of all backgrounds, races, cultures, and beliefs to learn and practise in a peaceful and respectful environment.

Authentic Theravāda Tradition

We preserve and share the teachings of Theravāda Buddhism in accordance with the Mahāsi meditation lineage and the guidance of our spiritual teachers.

Well-Being & Peace

We strive to create a safe, tranquil, and nurturing environment that supports spiritual cultivation, mental well-being, and inner peace for all.

Lifelong Learning

We encourage continuous learning through Dhamma education, meditation practice, cultural activities, and personal development.

04

Sangha

Our Sangha Organisation

Master Teacher - the Most Venerable Mahāsi Sayadawgyi​

[U. Sobhana] Mahāsi Sayadaw
[Agga Mahapandita]

Venerable Paṇḍitārāma Sayadawgyi

Sayadaw U Pandita
(Ovādacariya Sayadaw U Paṇḍitābhivaṃsa)

05

Resident
Monks

Resident Monks of PSMC

Mahā Nāyaka
Aung Si Sayādaw

Ashin Paññāthāmi (Sāsanadhajadhammāciriya)
Chief Abbot of Paṇḍitārāma Sydney Meditation Center, Australia

Sayadaw U Paññāthāmi was born in Kawmhu, Myanmar in 1948. He became a novice at age 12 and was fully ordained at 20. He trained under renowned meditation masters, including the Mahāsi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita, earning the Sāsanadhaja Dhammāciriya title.

Sayadaw undertook his first intensive four-month retreat in 1966 and later spent five years practising and teaching at Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha. Since 1983, Sayadaw has taught Vipassana meditation internationally – in Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, the USA, and the UK. With many decades of experience as a spiritual advisor, Sayadaw had founded and guided serveral meditation centres: 

  • Panditarama Sydney Meditation Centre, Australia
  • Panditarama Melbourne Meditation Centre, Australia 
  • Saraniya Dhamma Meditation Centre, UK
  • Dhammaramsi Centre, Belgium
  • Veluvana Hermitage, Yangon
  • Senior Advisor to Vipassana Meditation Centre (Singapore)
  • Spiritual Advisor to Malaysia Buddhist Meditation Centre in Penang 

    Respected for his skillful guidance, loving-kindness, and compassion, Sayadaw founded and became the abbot of Panditarama Sydney Meditation Centre in 2000 and later founded Panditarama Melbourne Meditation Centre in 2001.

Sayadaw U Pannobhatha

Sayadaw U Pannobhatha is the resident monk at Panditarama Melbourne Meditation Centre.

Sayadaw U Pannissara

Sayadaw U Pannissara is the resident monk at Panditarama Sydney Meditation Centre.

06

Management
Committee

2026 PSMC Management Committee

Name Position Held
Jonathan Aung
Patron
Richard Din
Patron
Maung Wai Toe
President
Nilar Wai Toe
Vice President
Dr. Nang Si Si Win
Vice President
Yan Naing
Secretary
Thant Zin Naung
Assistant Secretary
Maung Pyai Soan
Public Officer
Than Htwe
Treasurer
Sai Thingar
Assistant Treasurer
Nang Maw Kham
Assistant Treasurer