Sayagyi U Ba Khin (1899–1971) was a Burmese teacher and influential figure in the spread of Vipassana meditation, particularly in the tradition of S.N. Goenka. He was a government officer, well-known as a competent and upright civil servant, and a dedicated practitioner of Vipassana meditation.
Here is a brief biography of Sayagyi U Ba Khin:
Early Life and Education:
Born: March 6, 1899, in Burma (now Myanmar).
Education: U Ba Khin studied at the University of Rangoon, where he excelled in his academic pursuits.
Government Service:
U Ba Khin served in various capacities within the Burmese civil service, holding positions such as Accountant-General and Director-General of Economic and Administrative Planning.
Introduction to Vipassana:
Sayagyi U Ba Khin was introduced to Vipassana meditation by Saya Thetgyi, a renowned meditation teacher. He began practicing Vipassana under Saya Thetgyi’s guidance and made significant progress in a relatively short period.
Appointment as a Meditation Teacher:
Due to his deep understanding and mastery of Vipassana, U Ba Khin was appointed by the Burmese government as a meditation teacher, and he conducted Vipassana courses for government officials.
Spread of Vipassana:
Sayagyi U Ba Khin played a pivotal role in spreading Vipassana beyond Myanmar. He accepted students from different parts of the world, including India, the United States, and Europe.
S.N. Goenka:
U Ba Khin’s most well-known disciple is S.N. Goenka, an Indian businessman of Burmese descent. Goenka learned Vipassana meditation under U Ba Khin’s guidance and later became a prominent teacher, spreading Vipassana globally.
International Expansion:
U Ba Khin’s teaching attracted people from various backgrounds, and many individuals from different countries learned Vipassana under his guidance.
Passing Away:
Sayagyi U Ba Khin passed away on January 19, 1971.
Legacy:
Sayagyi U Ba Khin’s legacy lives on through his dedicated service and the spread of Vipassana meditation worldwide. Many meditation centers around the globe continue to teach Vipassana in the tradition of U Ba Khin and S.N. Goenka.
While U Ba Khin’s direct teachings were primarily in-person, the tradition of Vipassana that he passed down has been preserved and disseminated by his disciples, particularly S.N. Goenka, who established Vipassana meditation centers and courses globally.
