Combine the first letter of each line to spell “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”
The term SAYA PU ZAW PWE was chosen over SAYA GADAW PWE which has religious connotation, so that non-Buddhists can pay respect to their mentors.
There have been seven worldwide SPZPs : USA in 2000, Yangon in 2004, 2012 & 2016, Singapore in 2002, 2007 & 2010. I was organizer for SPZP-2000 and facilitator for the rest.
GBNF
Gone But Not Forgotten
GBNF for 69ers is maintained by U Aung Min (M69) & team
GBNF for 1st BE Intake of 64 (Class of 70) is maintained by U Ohn Khine (M70) & team
Newsletter
Poem for SPZP-2000
S eems like it was only yesterday A t our alma mater in a land far away Y ou taught us to work, play, laugh, even cry A nd coaxed us, forced us to aim for the sky
P roblems in real life, lab, computation, survey U nderstand concepts, design, display, … Z eal, zest, ardor, grit, passion to make it “our day” A rchitects, engineers, we’ve come here to say W e honor your metta, your cetana — we fully can’t repay
P resently we meet, alum from five decades we greet W ith memories true, fond, sweet E cstatic yet sad that the GBNF could not join this memorable fete
The Burmese version of the Book was published by YMBA (Young Men’s Buddhist Association) in 1951.
Mahagandayone Sayadaw
YMBA requested Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa to write a brief “History of Buddhism” and Artist Saya U Ba Kyi to provide illustrations.
U Ba Kyi observed eight precepts for 45 days before undertaking the project.
In 1953, U Ba Kyi gained international reputation.
In 1954, YMBA published an addendum (English translation of Sayadaw’s text in Burmese) for readers who are not conversant in Burmese.
TBSA
Illustrated History of Buddhism
Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa sought permission from YMBA to reprint the book with descriptions in both Burmese/Myanmar and English.
In 1994, the book was printed and published in the US and was distributed by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America).
Several books were left. Some were handed as prizes for the successful participants of the “Summer Dhamma Class / Camp”.
Missed Opportunity
An Arts professor from Stanford University expressed desire to use “The Illustrated History of Buddhism” as a text for his course provided the book can be “ordered” from the University Book Shop.
Since the book was meant for dhamma dana, the book had no ISBN (International Standard Book Number) that is used by book shops.
Miscellaneous
There have been some requests to reprint the book.
There are probably newer reprints of the book and/or PDF version of Saya U Ba Kyi’s drawings.
U Ba Kyi
Saya translated a verse of the song “Hna yauk hte nay gin de” while invigilating an examination at the Institute of Education.
Dr. Maung Maung Kha used to accompany Saya U Ba Kyi’s vocals with his violin at the functions (mostly at Rangoon University Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin).
Translation of Burmese Song နှစ်ယောက်ထဲနေချင်တယ်
Darling Only two we will live dear On the high crest Of the Mount Everest And the Sahara Desert Driest without water To the North Pole May be freezing cold Where the sun will never never grow With all my heart and soul Only two darling We will go
There is a saying, “Speech is silver. Silence golden.”
It does not mean that we should stay silent all the time.
If one does not have meaningful things to say, it is better to remain silent rather than rambling or engaging in frivolous talk.
Duration of speech
The length of a speech varies.
President Abraham Lincoln was requested to give a “few appropriate remarks” at Gettysburg. His address consisted of ten sentences. It was delivered in less than two minutes (which was not long enough for the official photographer to record the historic moment).
Typically, Elevator speeches last 30 – 45 seconds, Impromptu Speech (e.g. Table Topics) last 1 – 2 minutes, Prepared Speeches last 5 – 7 minutes, TED talks lastless than 18 minutes), Keynote speeches last 45 – 60 minutes with Q&A.
Message
It is usually more important than the messenger.
The speaker should provide a “take away” or an “action item”.
Training / Aids
I had a book of the 40+ speeches given by notable people (e.g. Winston Churchill).
Rotary Club, Kiwani’s Club and Toastmasters International provide guidance and training for communication (Public Speaking and Leadership).
I am a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
Hla Min (DTM) 1 koHla Min (DTM) 2Toastmaster 1 Toastmaster 2
Speeches
Inaugural address by Abraham Lincoln
John F Kennedy’s speech about Moon Mission
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is known for “The Last Lecture”, where a Professor presents to an audience (e.g. those present for his forthcoming Retirement). Randy Pausch, who was diagnosed with Cancer, gave an up-lifting “The Last Lecture”. It can be viewed on You Tube. It has also been made into a book.
Steve Jobs gave a Commencement Speech at Stanford University. It can be viewed on the Internet. In three parts, he connected the dots (e.g. taking a Calligraphy course to the aesthetic Font designs on Apple Computers.
Contributing Editor for the Commemorative issue of the RUBC 90th Anniversary Magazine
Proposed to write Prelude for each section
HCA lasted less than an hour. I completed the Prelude for all sections.
UCC and ICST (Jan 2018)
ICST
Attended the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST as a Member of Generation Zero
Later gave a guest lecture at UCSY (University of Computer Studies in Yangon).
In my desire to pay back to UCC, I wrote 30+ posts on “Memories of UCC” in three days of HCA.
Phyu Phyu Kyaw (my former student) told me that I should not be spending too much time in Yangon reminiscing about UCC. She asked, “Would you like to have a two-night three-day vacation at Bagan?”
Sharing Knowledge / Experience (2018 – Present)
After I came back to the USA, I decided to share my memories with my sayas and alumni.
My spouse told me that we should pay back to our beloved land, our ancestors and our mentors.
Started posting “Trivia” to my Facebook friends. Then opened up to the General Public.
Started revising and archiving in my web site: hlamin.com
Posted on selected Facebook Pages : RIT Updates, Myanmar, Memories and Fun with Learning
I am a “Jack of All Trades, and Master of Some”, Mini-Dictionary, Micro-Google, Life long learner, Distinguished Toastmaster, Amateur historian (former Docent of the Computer History Museum), “Sar Pay Chit Thu စာပေချစ်သူ” : freelance writer, editor & translator, Volunteer for alumni, religious & social organizations.
Depending on my HCA, I have written and/or updated dozens of posts daily.
“I love you because” (sung by Jim Reeves) was a hit played by Burma Broadcasting Service (BBS).
I wrote a light version of the song.
I did not have a Home Minister at that time to edit or veto it.
I love you because (Lyrics)
I love you because you always stand dear every time I opened up the door You’re always there to help me eat my jam dear I love you more because you never snore.
No matter When you’re sleeping or awake dear You’re pretty as the craters on the moon I love you every minute of the hour dear Because you said You’d cry beside my tomb
I love you because my pocket’s lighter every time you shop around the town I love you because you’re a great fighter But you promised you would never knock me down
Take These Chains (Parody by HlaMin)
“Take these chains” was a song that was played often by BBS.
Thamankyar Ko Myint (Mn70) sang a Burmese song using the tune.
I tried to parody the song.
Take these chains (Lyrics)
Take these chains from my legs and set me free And the rope that ties me to this tree If you really pity me let me drink a glass of Zee Take these chains from my legs and set me free
I’m charged with murder of a tiny, little flea “Cruel” said the judge and he would not hear my plea. So, if you really pity me let me sip a cup of tea Take these chains from my legs and set me free
Take this scarf from my eyes and let me see If your waist still measures twenty three When I’m free I’ll marry you Even barrel shape will do Take these chains from my legs and set me free
Lost Neikban RIT (Parody by U Myat Htoo)
U Myat HtooLost Neikban
U Myat Htoo wrote a parody on “Pyauk Sone Nay Thaw Neikban Bon” (the song by Sai Kham Leik and Sai Htee Saing).
Played the Ukelele and sang the song at the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, and at NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner.
Coxed the Old Paulian crew which won Senior Novices at the RUBC Regatta in 1954. The crew members : U Tun Shein (Willie Saing, Stroke), M Hla Min (Moosaji, No. 3), Dr. Than Nyunt (George, No. 2) and Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay, Box). He and three crew members later became RUBC Gold.
Served as Captain of RUBC. Due to heavy involvement in RUBC, he decided to take a sabbatical.
RUBC Captain
Engineering
Attended 1st Year Engineering at BOC College in 1955.
Graduated B.Sc (Mechanical Engineering), University of Rangoon in March 1960.
Joined the Faculty of Engineering, University of Rangoon (Leik-Khone) as Assistant Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering in May 1960.
Attended Technische Hochschule Darmstadt, W. Germany in 1961/62 as a state scholar.
Worked as a Manager in Rangoon Textile Mills Co. Ltd. from 1962 – 65.
Rejoined the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, RIT in September 1965.
Studied Engineering Production at the University of Birmingham, UK in 1968/69.
On return to RIT, lectured Industrial Management to 5th and Final Year students.
USA
Immigrated to the USA in May 1978.
Worked in the Aircraft Division, Northrop Corporation, Hawthorne, CA in August 1978.
With Leave of Absence from Northrop, worked as UNIDO Project Management Adviser in Khartoum, Sudan in 1981/82.
Retired early from Northrop in September 1992.
Family
Wife: Irene
Children: Saynne Tin Htut and Aung Aye Htut.
Grand children : Three
Editor’s Notes
His parents were entrepreneurs in the Textile industry (e.g. Khit Ah Kyaik ခေတ်အကြိုက် Nylon), production & distribution of movies (e.g. Ah Myotha Yoke Shin, အမျိုူသားရုပ်ရှင် Carlton Cinema)
Served as Captain of RUBC as a student, and later as a Saya Administrator.
Organizer of RUBC Jubilee and Anniversary regattas.
Despite having a bypass heart surgery, he was actively involved in BASES, which he co-founded with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, GBNF).
Member of the Steering Committee for SPZP-2000.
SPZP-2000
Ccontributed not only to the Saya Pu Zaw Pwe fund, but also to the special fund for inviting Sayagyi U Ba Toke from Myanmar.
Financial Controller for the 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
Ma Irene was Maurice’s teacher in Methodist English High School. Saya was Maurice’s lecturer in the 5th B.E. “Industrial Management” course. All the skills learnt were used effectively by Maurice, Financial Controller for the “Reunion & Saya Pu Zaw Pwe” and aPublisher of the “RIT Alumni Newsletter” Special Issue.
Brother Anthony (Class teacher) : taught Mathematics
Saya U Sein (Burmese teacher, GBNF) : Father of Saya Dr. Soe Win (retired Rector of YUFL); Also taught Burmese in Matric.
Brother Felix (Brother Director, GBNF) : After nationalization, moved to Germany and passed away there. Thonegwa Kyaw Win visited him.
Saya U Nyunt Maung (Arts subjects teacher) : Taught Maths in Sacred Heart
SayaBeatson(Science subjects teacher) : Became a monk
Brother Xavier (English teacher) : Also taught English in 9th standard. After nationalization, moved to UK and presumably left the Order.
Dr. Khin Maung U
OPA DinnerKhin Maung U
First in Burma in the Matric exam in 1963; Won Collegiate Scholarship
Had perfect scores of 100 in Maths & Chemistry and a score of 99 in Physics. Grapevine says that one point was deducted from the initial score.
Multiple Luyechun at IM(1)
Due to changes in the Edu System, he had to do M.Sc. (Med Sc) locally. Top students from earlier years studied in UK as State Scholars.
His persistence paid off. Got Fellowships from UK and MD from Australia
Retired from Food & Drug Administration in the USA
Translator/interpreter for dhamma courses & meditation retreats.
Wore thick glasses since his younger days.
Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) and X(A). We were in different sections in the lower classes.
Dr. Min Oo (Kenneth)
Stood second in Burma in the Matric exam in 1963. Won Collegiate Scholarsip.
Some saw him reading a German book before entering the hall to take the Matric exam.
Scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
Chose to study Maths at RASU.
Saya U Aung Sein (Maths) saw Min Oo get out of the Tutorial classes after a few minutes and yet had perfect score. He decided to give challenging questions for a Tutorial. Min Oo took longer time than the easier Tutorials, but most of the other students could not get a passing grade.
A Tuition Saya (now GBNF) challenged his students. “Ask your teachers to solve the problem. I will give you free tuition if you can provide the correct answer.” One student asked Min Oo, who was enjoying a card game. Min Oo scribbled the answer during the card game. The Tuition Saya was disappointed. He did not keep his promise to give the student free tuition.
Attended Tekkatho Luyechun Camps twice.
Min Oo (Seated Right)
In the Summer of 1965, he was chosen as Luyechun among second year RASU students.
In the Slummer of 1968, he was chosen as a Saya for the Tekkatho Luyechun camp.
As a multiple Tekkatho Luyechun from IM(1), Dr. Khin Maung U was present at both camps. He remembers Min Oo with a cigar trying to look like a Sayagyi.
Min Oo received two doctorates in Maths from Germany. He taught at McMasters University in Canada. He voluntarily retired in 2015.
He was one of the young students in the class, but also among the brightest.
Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) & X(A). We were in different sections in the lower classes.
He often visited his daughter in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. Myo San (Freddie, GBNF)
Khin Mg Zaw, Myo San, Khin Mg U
Stood third in Burma in the Matric of 1963. Won Collegiate Scholarship.
He had studied phonetics. He had read lots of English books.
He scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
He was older than us. That might have given him a slight advantage in the early years.
He gave me a quiz. “How do you pronounce GHOTI?” I gave an answer which he corrected as “FISH”. He had read George Bernard Shaw, who posed the quiz as an example of eccentricity in English. GH is phonetically equivalent to F as in ROUGH. O is phonetically equivalent to I as in WOMAN. TI is phonetically equivalent to SH as in ATTENTION. Thus, GHOTI is phonetically equivalent to FISH.
He became a surgeon, but the stress caused him to take early retirement.
Sadly, he passed away.
Classmate in Stds VIII(A), IX(A) & X(A), We were in different sections in the lower classes.
Collegiate Scholarship Holders
In 1963, students from private schools had to be in the Top Forty to be eligible for Collegiate Scholarship.
SPHS had ten students in the Top Twenty. Min Oo studied Maths. Hla Min, Maung Maung Kyi & Aung Thu Yein studied Engineering. Khin Maung U, Myo San, Nyunt Wai, Thein Wai, Aung Kyaw Zaw & Khin Maung Zaw studied Medicine. Myo San, Maung Maung Kyi and Aung Thu Yein are GBNF
First : Dr. Khin Maung U (Medical Researcher, FDA, USA)
2nd : Dr. Min Oo (Maths Professor, McMasters University, Canada)
3rd : Dr. Myo San (Surgeon, GBNF)
4th : Dr. Nyunt Wai (Physiology Professor in IM & Malaysia)
5th: Dr. Thein Wai (Moved to USA)
7th: U Hla Min (Lifelong Learner; Software Engineer, Silicon Valley)
9th: Dr. Aung Kyaw Zaw (Specialist, Base Military Hospital)
11th : U Maung Maung Kyi (Dip. Ing in Pulp & Paper, Wales, UK, GBNF)
13th : U Aung Thu Yein (EC, Schlumberger, GBNF)
17th: Dr. Khin Maung Zaw (Medical Doctor, UK)
SPHS63
In the group photo
Seated (L to R) : Min Oo, Khin Maung U, Myo San (GBNF)
Paulians — Myo Nyunt (Harry), Atom Hla & team — offered soon to Sayadaw
Sayadaw BeatsonPaulians offering Soon
La Min
Nyunt Wai (Victor)
Sayadaw Beatson
Nyan Taw (Dicky)
Hla Min
Than Win
Aung Kyi (Arthur)
Sein Nyunt (Swe Set)
Classmate in Stds IV(D), V(D) & VI(D)
Shared names & status of former classmates. Several are GBNF. Hla Myint (Snow Makeup), Maung Maung Thaung, Sonny Yone Sein, Sydney Khant, Tin Tun are some who have passed away
Someone informed of the “probable assassination attempt” to U Kyaw Myint (younger brother of U Tin Tut).
Senior Police Officials in charge of the investigation were retired with generous offers.
Memories
Tin Tut 1Tin Tut 2Tin Tut 3
Post by Thant Myint-U (on September 15, 2015)
66th anniversary of Myanmar’s tragic assassination
Friday (18 September) will be the 66th anniversary of the assassination of U Tin Tut, ICS. He was mortally wounded when a bomb exploded in his car on Sparks Street (now Bo Aung Kyaw Street). He died shortly after in Rangoon General Hospital. The mystery of who killed U Tin Tut has never been solved. His death changed the course of Burmese history.
U Tin Tut was educated at Dulwich and Queen’s College, Cambridge. He was a top scholar and athlete (captaining his college rugby team) and the first Burmese admitted into the elite Indian Civil Service. After World War Two, he was the only Burmese fluent in both financial and constitutional affairs and widely seen as the most brilliant Burmese of his generation.
He was in many ways U Aung San’s principal deputy and a key figure at both the January 1947 London negotiations and at Panglong. He was seriously injured on 19 July 1947 when U Aung San and the others were killed.
He was Burma’s first foreign minister but resigned during the increasingly chaotic and violent days of mid-1948 to become the Inspector General (i.e. commander) of the new Union Auxiliary Force, meant to counter the communists and other ‘Leftists’.
He was a nationalist but not a socialist, and wanted to maintain good relations with the West. The more radical factions in Burmese politics and in the Burma Army saw him as a threat.
Children : Maung Maung Win (Mg Yit) & Mi Mi Win (Junior)
U Khin Maung Latt, Daw Khin Myo Chit & KMW
Dr. Khin Maung Win
Maths Saya
As an assistant of Saya Dr. Chit Swe, I worked with several Maths Saya.
Dr. Khin Maung Win wrote about Maths Curriculum in France for the “High School Maths” project.
After retirement, he published books on Maths, Education & Vipassana (Insight Meditation).
Vipassana
His parents were friends and devotees of KabaAye Sunlun Sayadaw U Vinaya. They hosted Meditation retreats in their compound.
During my visit to Yangon in January and February 2018, I met Saya at Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung.
Mi Mi Win (Junior Win) gave me two of her books (one in English, and another in Myanmar) that she wrote to celebrate the Centennial of her paternal grand parents : U Khin Mg Latt (English saya at Rangoon University & Private Tution, First Chief Editor of Working Peoples’ Daily) and Daw Khin Myo Chit (Award winning author).
Junior Win took a year to write the book for the Centennial of her grandparents in 2015. Her mother Tekkatho Shwe Yi Win helped with the indexing. Her brother Maung Yit helped with photos and cartoons.
Good & Sad news
The book won a prize from Tun Foundation. Sadly, Shwe Yi Win passed away before the prize presentation.
Ko Soe Myint (M72, UCC), who appeared healthy, passed away unexpectedly at 3AM about one and a half months following his elder sister’s demise.
Life sometimes presents people with both good and sad news.
Updates
Mg Yit is co-founder of Moemaka. He helped publish several books & e-books (including those for his Twin sister).
Saya is now GBNF. I received his book on Sunlun Vipassana.
HlaMin 