Venerable Ashin Pannasīha, widely known as Shwe Nya Wa Sayadaw, who peacefully resisted military dictatorship throughout his life, passed away at 2:45 AM on July 10, 2023, at Asia Royal Private Hospital in Sanchaung Township, Yangon. As the abbot of Thadu Pariyatti Monastery in Kyimyindaing Township, Yangon, he was renowned for his peaceful resistance against successive military dictatorships. In 2004, he established the Yangon Buddhist University, where he taught Buddhist literature in accordance with modern times.
During the era of military dictator Than Shwe, the Sayadaw permitted political events at Thadu Monastery that were disapproved by the military regime, including National Victory Day ceremonies and the 20th anniversary celebration of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Nobel Peace Prize. At that time, no other monasteries dared to host political events or ceremonies related to the National League for Democracy (NLD) party. Due to these brave decisions, the military frequently detained and interrogated the Sayadaw.
From February 10, 2011, to February 11, 2012, he was banned from giving sermons for one year and was prohibited from residing at Thadu Monastery. On January 18, 2012, the military-controlled State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee forcefully expelled him from Thadu Monastery. Following the 2021 military coup, he was arrested on February 1, and on December 28, 2021, the Insein Prison Special Court sentenced him to two years imprisonment under Section 505(b) for sedition.
The Sayadaw was released on November 17, 2022, along with 88 Generation student leader U Mya Aye, writer Maung Thar Cho, and Dr. Myo Nyunt. After his release, he suffered severely from liver disease. The Sayadaw had achieved Dhammācariya and Pārājika Canon qualifications and earned the Sāsanapāla Dhammācariya degree in the National Dhammācariya examination. His remains were transferred to Shwe Nya Wa Forest Missionary Monastery in Hmawbi Township.
