The Panditarama Shwe Taung Gon Meditation Centre was founded on Saturday 18 August 1990. A plot of land was donated to Sayadaw-gyi U Paṇḍitābhivaṃsa by a devotee, Daw Ni (and her family) in memory of her late husband U Tha Tun Aung. Originally the plot measured 1.584 acres and contained a two-storey building. It was situated at 80A Than Lwin Road in Bahan Township of Yangon Division in Myanmar. At the time, Daw Ni had settled in America and donated the land in order for Sayadaw-gyi and his Saṅgha to promote, propagate and practice Buddhism within Myanmar and beyond.
Renovation of the double storey house began 22 August 1990. The property was developed into a major complex, including a dining hall, a Dhamma hall, an office, a medical clinic, a retaining wall and a water storage area. All these were made possible largely due to a generous donation of 2 million Kyats made by lay devotee U Than Tun and his wife Daw Daw Than. Together with the help of Sayadaw-gyi and other lay devotees, each supporting according to his or her own capacity, the centre developed and expanded from there.
Sayadaw-gyi resided at the new meditation centre from 26 October 1990. Many other Sayadaws came to join him at the centre. They were Ashin Ruciranana( Kyauk Tan Sayadaw), Ashin Sasanabhadda(Gant Gaw Myaing Sayadaw), Ashin Nanujjotābhivaṃsa (England Sayadaw), Ashin Dhammikābhivaṃsa (Tharmanaykyaw Sayadaw), Ashin Saṃvarā Lankāra (Dhammapiya Yeiktha Sayadaw), Ashin Pannasara, Ashin Vivekananda (German Sayadaw) and the former Ashin Visuddhacara (then known as Malaysia Sayadaw). In total, there were eight Sayadaws who resided at the new centre to practice and propagate Parayatti (Buddhist literature) and Patipatti (Insight meditation practice).
Sayadaw-gyi named the centre Panditarama Shwe Taung Gon Sasana Yeiktha. 'Panditarama' means 'the place where the wise delight, pursuing path and fruition.' 'Shwe Taung Gon' (Golden Hill) denotes the location of the centre. Literally translated, the entire title means 'the delightful place on Golden Hill where the wise practice Buddha's teachings.'
The very first Youth Buddhist Culture Course at the centre began on 10th March 1991. It was a three week course and a total of 200 youths attended.
On 2nd April 1991, full-time meditators were first accepted at the centre. They consisted of 28 Saṅgha, 12 Sikkhāshin (nuns), 3 male yogis, 21 female yogis and 3 foreign yogis, making a total of 67 meditators.
As a result of Sayadaw-gyi's guidance and loving kindness, the centre has flourished into a large thriving complex and an internationally renowned institution for the teaching and practice of Vipassana insight meditation.
Under the leadership of Sayadaw-gyi U Pandita with the assistance of his devoted Saṅgha, Sikkhāshin, administrators, volunteers, donors, educators, scientists and supporters from all walks of life, many local and international branches were born from this 'mother organization.' Currently, in Myanmar there are 6 branches of Panditarama meditation centres and 3 other centres under the patronage of Sayadawgyi. Internationally, there are 3 Panditarama meditation centres and 11 additional centres under his patronage.
With the guidance, great benevolence and loving kindness of Sayadaw-gyi U Pandita, the Mahānāyaka Sayadaws, Nāyaka Sayadaws, Junior Sayadaws and Sikkhāshin, these meditation centres continue to practice and propagate the interrelated teachings of Pariyatti and Patipatti.