One of Myanmar's best-known monks will give a free public Dhamma talk on "Compassion and Buddhism" today from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Roosevelt High School auditorium.

It is his first visit to Hawai'i.

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

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

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