Religious Competition: 9th Nationwide Buddha’s Life Stories competition

Under the supervision of the Nationwide Buddha’s Life Stories Association (Central), the Grand Final of the 9th Nationwide Buddha’s Life Stories competition was held at Seikda Thukkha Tat Oo Monastery in Mingaladon Township of Yangon Region on May 28.

The event began after reciting Namotasa three times and the responsible person made explanation on the step-by-step contestant selection and the test formats. About 90 contestants from the nationwide exam centers joined the test via online and 10 were selected for the Final. The judges asked the questions by using the 8 prescribed test books - 6 series per book of the Maha Buddha’s Life Stories. 

Patron Sayadaw, Buddha’s Life Stories Quiz Association, Dr. Pandita Beikkhu said "To know the Buddha’s teaching well and to hand down the religious literature to younger generation, this competition was held in the midst of difficulties. Though we had already selected the Top-10 finalists since 2020, the contest was not held due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We’d award the honourary title “Buddhawontha Bahuthuta Dara” together with 300,000 kyats, badge, medal and honorary necklace to the 1st prize winner."

Patron, Buddha’s Life Stories Quiz Association, May Pearl said "We held lots of contests before but suspended our contests for 2 years due to COVID-19 outbreak. We made this contest to be the best. Bago and Yangon Region have the highest number of contestants but some contestants from other states and regions also competed in this contest. Those who did not win can also try again next year and we would like to encourage those who had never competed before to come and compete. Competing in such a contest like this can promote the prestige of the nation and religion." 

1st prize winner, Dhamma School, Kawthmu Township, Khin Yoon Htet said "I tried so hard and competed. I studied 8 books, 6 series per book of Maha Buddha Life Stories, Buddha Life Stories Quiz Primary text book and general knowledge about Buddhism and culture to prepare for this contest. It’s an honor to know widely about Buddhism."

2nd prize winner, Wetlet Exam Center (Sagaing), Hlaing Phyoe Aung said "I’ve ever competed in the contests but never reached to this step. Now, I won the 2nd prize of General knowledge Contest on Buddha’s Life Stories and also get honorary title “Buddhawontha Witharada”. By taking part in this contest, I’ve got general knowledge about Buddhism and the life story of Buddha."  

At this contest, the judges also made Q&A session to Top-3 finalists and awarded the honourary title “Buddhawontha Bahuthuta Dara” to the 1st prize winner.