One of Burma’s best known monks will give a free public Dhamma talk on “Compassion and Buddhism” today from 7 to 8 p.m. at Roosevelt High School’s auditorium during his first visit to Hawaii.

The Venerable Ashin Nyanissara, better known as Sitagu Sayadaw, is abbot of Sitagu Monastery of Myanmar (Burma). He has sponsored the Hawaii-based Aloha Medical Mission’s humanitarian visits to Burma for three years. He also raised funds for relief efforts and set up emergency relief centers and clinics in the worst-hit villages in Burma’s Irrawaddy delta, which was devastated by Cyclone Nargis in May 2008.

Myanmar Association of Hawaii and Island Insurance are hosting the event. Other sponsors are Lao Buddhist Association of Hawaii, Pacific Gateway Center and Nora Sisounthone.

RSVP to Dr. Tin Myaing Thein at 851-7010 or e-mail myaing@msn.com.