Maurice Chee (M75) organized a Birthday Soon Kyway at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay in August 2016.
He prepared electronic & hard copy of the birthday wishes.
Another set was for attendees, who had not sent wishes by e-mail.
Thanks to the sayas, colleagues and friends for a memorable gathering.
Appreciation from Sayas and Alumni in US and Canada
Award 2
Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi could not attend the soonkyway, but he requested Ko Maurice to donate a food dish for him & his family. Sayagyi’s message was read by Ko Maurice.
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) presented the appreciation award at Half Moon Bay soonkwyay and gathering (August 2016).
September 2016
Alumni Appreciation Award from NorCalRITAA
Award 3
The award was signed by
Saya U Myat Htoo (C68, Chair, BOD)
Gordon Kaung (M83, President)
U Thaung Nyunt (M87, Secretary)
Award 4
Saya U Myat Htoo presented the award to me at the NorCal RITAA Annual Dinner, 2016.
From SPHS in 1963
Collegiate Scholarship winners from SPHS in 1963
There were five Paulians in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
SPHS637th in Burma
Khin Maung U (Retired from FDA, USA) – 1st
Min Oo (Retired Maths Professor from McMasters University, Canada) – 2nd
Myo San (Freddie, Surgeon, GBNF) – 3rd
Nyunt Wai (Victor, Professor, IM & Malaysia) – 4th
Thein Wai (Migrated to USA after graduation) – 5th
Hla Min (Lifelong Learner, Retired Software Engineer) – 7th
Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, Retired Doctor in UK) – 17th
Three are GBNF
Luyechun
Summer of 1965
Attended Inlay Khaung Daing Camp
LYCLYC 1LYC 2
From Toastmasters International
Awards
ToastmastersDTM 1
CC (Competent Communicator)
ACB (Advanced Communicator Bronze)
ACS (Advanced Communicator Silver)
ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold)
CL (Competent Leader)
ALB (Advanced Leader Bronze)
ALS (Advanced Leader Silver)
DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)
Triple Crown
DTM 2
I served as
Club Officer
Area Governor
Club Coach
Contest Chair
Ambassador
Guest Speaker
Test Speaker
Team Builder (for Excellent Leadership)
From my Life Savers
Coffee mug with photos
Coffee Mug
My beloved grandchildren gave me a present for Grand Father’s Day.
Drawings
On several occasions
Book Presents
For editing and proof reading
I edited or proof-read books by
Sayadaws (U Silananda, U Jotalankara)
U Jotalankara
Sayas (Saya Des Rodgers)
Friends (Saya U Aung Zaw)
Dhamma & Bawa
They provided me copies of their books.
From colleagues and friends
I also received copies from others. They include
“Myanmar in my life-time” Book by BBS U Khin Zaw air mailed from Australia by U Wint Khin Zaw
Book by K
Book honoring Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint air mailed from Australia by Dr. TOKM
Book by TOKMDhamma Q&A
Centennial for U Khin Maung Latt & Daw Khin Myo Chit Two books given by Junior Win, twin sister of Maung Yit
Books by U Ye Sint (former Editor of Dhammanda Newsletter) His works Pathan Dethana (Dhamma Dana by his siblings)
U Kesala (Chief Resident monk, Alodaw Pyie Monastery in Arizona) Dhamma Q&A Several other books
“Nga Doh Khit Ka Tekkatho” Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin Given to me at the San Francisco Bay Area Talk
Book by Shwe Ku May Hnin
Books by Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) Collection of Poems Collection of Articles
Book by Tekkatho Moe War
Book by Saya U Nyunt Htay Collection of Swel Daw Poems
Book by RIT Poets
Books by Nyan Oo Maung Currently known as “Mudita Shwe Kyaung” Sayadaw U Nyanika
Books by various sayadaws in the Bay Area & beyond U Dhammapiya U Gosita Dhamma Bheri Sayadaw Aung San Tat Oo Sayadaw Thamanay Kyaw
Books by Dr. San Oo, Daw Than Yi & family
“Yahandar and Poke Ko Htoo Myar” Book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing (in the 80’s for translating several of his “Dhamma Duta” articles)
Books by Sayawun Tin Shwe Given by his daughter Tyn Tyn Aye during her UCC studies
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) mailed me two books that he bought in Myanmar. U Thant Ah Yay Ah Khin Collection Bagan poems (by Zawgyi, translated by Ah May Thar).
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt believes in a “revolving library”. Gave me several books that he enjoyed reading.
8-8-88 Book by Dat Pone Htein Win Given at 5th ILF in Mandalay
Books by Members of Professional Spakers Association (PSA) Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing Kaythri Kyaw …
Magazines
Editor for “90th Anniversary Issue of the Founding of RUBC” (2013)
Wrote poems and articles for
RIT Alumni International Newsletter (for SPZP-2000)
“Swel Daw Yeik Sarsaung” for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010
“Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for Shwe YaDu”
U Ohn Khine (M70) and I compiled the CD supplement for HMEE-2012.
CDs
Received raw and formal CDs and DVDs for the various RIT Gatherings.
Son of Saya Kar (Education Minister in the Care Taker Government; RU Rector)
Joined Maths Department as Tutor
Went for further studies in UK.
Upon his return, he was promoted to Lecturer.
Later received doctorate from Queen Mary’s College.
Succeeded Dr. Chit Swe as Director of UCC.
During his tenure, DCS (Department of Computer Science) was established. U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF) served as Professor. U Tun Aung Gyaw served as Associate Professor. I was Senior Lecturer.
ICST
In 1987, ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) was established with Dr. Tin Maung as Rector.
There were four Departments : Information Technology (with U Ko Ko Lay as Professor & Head) Hardware Technology (with U Tun Aung Gyaw as Associate Professor & Head) Software Technology (with U Hla Min as Associate Professor & Head) Computational Mathematics (to be taught by sayas from UCC and RU Maths)
Bachelor degree courses in CS and CT were given.
In the first batch, there were 30 CS and 15 CT students. Two later became Rectors.
Events
40th Anniversary of UCC was celebrated at MICT Park in 2011. Saya Dr. Tin Maung’s spouse and daughter attended the gathering. Saya is GBNF.
Due to resources, Acariya Pu Zaw Pwes were not held annually.
The 4th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe took place in 2011.
26 batches (from ICST and UCSY) hosted the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe on January 14, 2018. Saw Yaing Naing gave me a ride.
ICST PZP
The 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe took place in December 2019. Daw Mar Mar Soe gave me a ride.
In the old Education System, there were only a handful of female Engineering students
The first batch of five female students graduated in 1961. Four were from Textile : Tin Tin Ohn (Amy Thwin), Julie Han (later Dr.), Yin Yin Kyi and Mi Mi Lay. Pauline Reynolds was the first female Chemical Engineering graduate.
Julie Han Pauline Reynolds
In 1962, Khin Than Nwe (Margaret, Tex) was the lone female engineering graduate.
Khin Than Nwe
Ma Ni Ni Thwin, Ma Khin Thein Yi, Ma Tin Myint, Ma Pyi Aye, Ma Khin Khin Kyu, Nancy Hla Aung, Maywaddy Tun Tun, Ma Yi Yi Aung, Ma Mya Mya Than, Ma Nyunt Nyunt Zaw, Ma Cho are grads from 1963 – 68.
Nancy & Yi Yi Aung
The new Education System saw more female students.
There were about 45 female students in the 1st BE intake in 1964, and about 30 female students in the 2nd BE intake in 1964. G-Hall accepted most female students.
There were more in the 1st BE intake in 1965.
Archi
Ushers at RIT Graduation
Annotation : Daw Mae Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71) Editor for “Swel Daw Yeik Magazine” Organizer for Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
We all served as ushers at the Graduation Dinner in late 1966.
Graduation took place at RIT as well as the Dinner, at “aw bar lan” area.
Ushers
Right to Left
Sandi Hlaing — Ch 66 intake
Mai Khin Nyunt (Rosie Gyi) — Ch 65 intake
Nila Mya Aung — M 64 intake
Jessie Htwe — M 66 intake
Annie Ba Htaw — Tex65 intake
Aye Aye Than (Pauk Pauk) Ch 66 intake (UK)
Tin Tin Myint (Emma Myint) — Ch 64 intake (Singapore)
Than Than Yi (GBNF) Tex 65 intake (my best friend who passed away in Sept 2013, USA)
Photo provided by Daw Tin Aye (C73). Initially took Mechanical Engineering and helped with “Set Hmu Thadin Zin” (founded by U Win Thein). Played Volley for Civil Engineering Volunteered for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016
Annotation : Daw Mae Khin Nyunt (Rosie, ChE71)
Right to Left
Aye Aye Than (Pauk Pauk, Ch 66-72, UK)
Tin Tin Myint (Emma Myint, Ch 64-70, Singapore)
Hla Hla Aye (She was as a cover girl at one of the “Shay Tho Sar Saung”, and inside the Sar Saung had an article about RIT activities with photos. I kept that Sar Saung, but unfortunately (after so many years) now I only have a page left with a photo taken at the Chemistry lab, which included Ma Khin Myat Swe (spouse of Saya U Moe Aung), Henry Koe, my spouse Ko Khin Mg Miynt and myself).
Tin Aye (C )
Nelly Khin Myo Win (GBNF) (Ch 65-71, Mandalay)
Could be Margaret Yi (Ch 65)
All are from G -Hall at one of the Tha Din Gyut or Da Saung Taing Pwe at Shwe Dagon Pagoda, organized by G -Hall.
Reunions
Daw Pwint Than
Daw Pwint Than and Daw Cho Cho Tin
Selected High School Luyechun from Loikaw twice : Ngapali Camp in the Summer of 1964 and Inlay Camp in the Summer of 1965.
In July 2015, Ivan Lee (M69) invited us to stay at his home in New Jersey. Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma were also invited to spend a few days before going back to Canada.
Conversation with Sayagyi and Ivan was interesting. Ivan had an expensive hearing aid, but he did not use it. So, several questions and answers had to be repeated.
Ivan took us to selected places in New Jersey & New York. We saw a victory parade of the victorious US women soccer team.
Ivan hosted the RIT-UCC gathering at his house.
Ivan asked Fred to join us in the whirl wind tour of Canada and US East Coast.
Ivan provided his car (Mercedes) & gas for the trip. Fred drove most of the trip.
Stopped at Buffalo & Niagara Falls before heading to Windsor.
Niagara
Visit to Canada
Windsor
Windsor 1Windsor 2
We arrived at the house of Sayagyi U Aung Khin a few hours late. Sayagyi was calm and smiling. We had a brief conversation before Ivan and Fred left for a nearby hotel. Sayagyi graciously let my spouse and I spend the night in his guest room.
Sayagyi prepared Mohinga and Ah Kyaw for breakfast for all of us.
We paid respect to Sayagyi.
He asked us to choose a souvenir from Windsor.
Ottawa
We went to Ontario, but did not have the time to visit Saya Des.
We drove around and headed to Napean (in Ottawa Province) to visit Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & Daw Emma.
DAG 1
Sayagyi shared his memories and jokes.
We all stayed at Sayagyi’s house.
Sayagyi showed us around Ottawa.
DAG 2
He then took us to a Thousand Islands for a boat trip.
Massachusetts
TAG 1
On the way back, we visited Dr. Tun Aung Gyaw (EC69) and Daw Khin Maw Maw in Massachusetts.
They live about 50 miles from Boston.
Since they were renovating their house, they put us up at a hotel.
TAG 2
We visited MIT, Harvard and selected places in the area.
Connecticut
Toung 1
The next leg took us to Trumbull, Connecticut. U Toung (EC69) and Daw Khin Myint hosted us.
Toung 2
They took us to see Yale and a restaurant where Bill Clinton used to hang out.
Rest of the Stay
Then, it was “Home Sweet Home” for Ivan.
Side Trip
Fred later took us to see his second sister in Philadelphia. Sad to note that Ma Kathleen passed away recently in November, 2021.
We stayed at Fred’s house.
He showed us around. We bought souvenir coins from Liberty Bell.
He drove us to Maryland to see my lone remaining uncle.
SPHS classmate in Std VIIIA, IXA and XA. He was among the youngest, but also the brightest.
We were in different sections in the lower classes.
VIII AMin Oo (Seated left)
Matric Exam in 1963
SPHS had five students in the Top Five, seven in the Top Ten, and ten in the Top Twenty.
All received Collegiate Scholarships with a monthly stipend of 75 Kyats (net 60 Kyats after the school fees).
Min Oo stood 2nd in Burma. He chose to study Maths.
Language expert
Grapevine says that he was reading a German book before entering the hall to take the Matric exam
Scored distinctions in English, Maths, Physics & Chemistry
Mathematics Genius
A Tuition Saya 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 playing cards. Min Oo scribbled the answer during the card game. The Tuition Saya was unhappy; he broke his promise to give the student free tuition.
U Aung Sein (Retired Associate Professor of Maths) saw Min Oo get out of the Tutorial classes after a few minutes and yet had perfect score. Saya 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.
Luyechun Student & Staff
Selected Tekkatho Luyechun in the summer of 1965. We attended Inlay Khaung Daing Camp.
Inlay Luyechun (Min Oo — Seated Right)
He joined RASU Maths Dept. He was chosen as Staff for the Tekkatho Luyechun camp.
As a multiple Luyechun from IM(1), Ko Khin Maung U was present at two camps with Min Oo. Ko KMU remembers Min Oo with a cigar trying to look like a Saya.
Career
Doctorate of Maths from University of Bonn, Germany
Professor Emeritus, McMasters University in Canada; Voluntarily retired in 2015.
Was Visiting Professor in selected US Universities.
Micro-reunion
After retirement, he visited Silicon Valley frequently to see his daughter.
A few years back, we had a lunch gathering in the SF Bay Area.
Dr. Nyan Taw (SPHS63) wrote :
Yes – Min Oo is the brightest. Proud to be his class mate. SPHS VIA group photo Min Oo also Khin Mg U sitting.
Saya U Po Thon (Director of Education & Author of High School Maths Texts) recommended Dr. Nyi Nyi to recruit Tin Aung Lwin as a Science Scholar.
He had published a book based on his blogs.
In a recent blog, he shared his memories about Saya U Aung Sein, Dr. Min Oo and Dr. Zaw Win.
Science Scholarship
In the old education system, there were minimal requirements to attend courses at the University.
Among those who stood First in Burma, Dr. Soe Win (Matric 58) chose to study Chemistry and Dr. Hla Tin Ngwe (Frankie Ohn, Matric 59) chose to study Physics. Sayagyi U Ba Khin chose to work and later became Head of four Departments and a renowned Vipassana Teacher.
The disruption took in several forms (a) the use of the controversial ILA system (b) competition to enter professional courses (c) discrimination of those who are not 3-NRC.
The “Science Scholarship” (SS) program was introduced to lure brilliant students to study Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi, then Deputy Minister of Education, “promised” that SS holders will be sent for further studies (may be even before they graduate).
Twenty Scholarships were reserved for each discipline, but they were never filled due to lack of student interest.
For the first batch, there were four Science Scholars for Maths (including Ko Tin Aung Lwin & Ko Win Naing) and two for Physics (including Ko Kyaw Kyaw Hlaing).
For the second batch, Zaw Win (Second in Burma in 1970) was Science Scholar for Maths.
There were two more batches.
Silver Lining
Reality struck.
There were few scholarships for the Ministry of Education.
But, there’s a silver lining in every cloud. Some SS scholars gained wealth and fame as Tuition Sayas.
Prolific writer, an outstanding lecturer, and a teacher of teachers
Lay people in Burma were not known to teach Vipassana meditation
The Ledi tradition has a lineage of Vipassa teachers who are not ordained monks: Sayagyi U Thet, Sayagyi U Ba Khin, Sayagyi S. N. t
Mingun Jetawun Sayadaw U Narada (1868 – 1955)
Credited as one of the major revivers of Vipassana meditation
Went to one Mingun Sayadaw, who presumably had studied meditation under Thee Gon Sayadaw, and asked for guidance. Was told to study Sattipattha (from the Scriptures) deeply and then practice meditation
Prominent disciples : Mahasi Sayadaw and Taung Pulu Sayadaw
Sayadaw U Thittila (1896-1997)
U Thittila
Did missionary work in UK
Came back to Burma and taught at the Pali Department for several years before continuing his missionary work abroad
Lectured in 25+ countries (including US, UK, France)
Ovadacariya to Sanagha Maya Nayaka, trustees of renowned pagodas
Outstanding teacher and writer
Played an important role in reviving Buddhism in India and propagating the study of Abhidhamma
Very modest; rarely talked about his many achievements
Patamagyaw scholar of all Burma (1918) : selected from among 5000 candidates
Panyattisasanahita (1923) : among the 4 out of 150 entrants who passed the toughest monastic examination
Studied Sanskrit in India; English in India and England
Translated Vibhanga (second of the seven Adbhidhamma texts) from Pali to English : published by the Pali Text Society in 1969 under the title of The Book of Analysis
Mahagandaryone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa
Mahagandayone Sayadaw
Wrote several books in Pali and Burmese
Several of his students including Thamane Kyaw Sayadaw and U Hla Myint are teaching “Pali Sikkha (Training)” to lay persons without overwhelming with Pali Grammar
Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana
Sixth Buddhist Council Mahasi & Mingun SayadawsMahasi Sayadaw
Renowned Meditation Master and author
Served as Questioner at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at Kaba Aye, Rangoon, Burma
Chief Resident Monk of Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha
Mentees : Sayadaws U Pandita, U Kundala, U Janabhivamsa and many meditation teachers
Panditarama Sayadaw U Pandita
U Pandita
Senior disciple of Mahasi Sayadawgyi
Renowned Meditation Master and author
Succeeded Mahasi Sayadaw U Sobhana at Sasana Yeiktha
Established Panditarama
Saddhamaransi Sayadaw U Kundala
Senior disciple of Mahasi Sayadawgyi
Outstanding meditation teacher
Made Dhamma Duta missions abroad (until his health forced him to stop going on long, tedious trips).
Practiced vipassana meditation with the instruction of Mahasi Sayadawgyi in 1953-54
Served as Palipatiwisodhaka (editor of Pali scriptures) at the Sixth Buddhist Council.
Meditation teacher at the Sasana Yeiktha from 1967 – 1977.
Member of Mahasi Sayadaw’s Dhamma Dhuta Mission to Europe and US in 1978 – 80
Established the Chanmyay Yeiktha Buddhist Meditation Center in Myanmar chanmyay.org Branches in several countries (e.g. US, Singapore, Australia)
Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw Ashin Vicittathara
Two Sayadaws at Sixth Buddhist Council
The Guinness Book of World Records listed Sayadaw as having an outstanding memory — the best at that time [in 1954].
Served as the Chief Reciter (a la Ashin Upali and Ashin Ananda at the First Buddhist Council) at the Sixth Buddhist Council held at KabaAye (World Peace) Pagoda in Rangoon, Burma from 1954 – 1956.
Could memorize, recall, and give exposition on 8027 pages of the Buddhist Scriptures known as Tipitaka [“Three Baskets”] : Vinaya – Rules of monastic conduct Sutta – Buddha’s discourses Abhidhamma – Ultimate reality)
Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala (1899 – 1962)
Mogok Sayadaw
Renowned Vipassana meditation master
500 (or more) audio tapes of Sayadaw’s recordings have been transcribed into books (some e-books), and CDs Available at the Mogok Vipassana Meditation Centers
Featured in “Yahanda Hnit Poke Ko Htoo Myar” book by Dhammacariya U Htay Hlaing
Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
U Silananda U Silananda
External examiner for the Pali Department
Rector of ITBMU
Chief Resident Monk of Dhammananda Vihara
Spiritual Advisor of several monasteries and meditation centers
Wrote books in Pali, Burmese and English
Served as Chief Compiler of the Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary for the Sixth Buddhist Council.
In April of 1979, Mahasi Sayadawgi made a Dhamma Duta mission to the US. At the request of the devotees, Sayadawgyi agreed to leave behind Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa and Sayadaw U Kelasa as “trail blazers” for the promulgation, preservation, and the promotion of Sasana.
There were no Burmese Buddhist monasteries and/or temples, but the Sayadaws were determined to sacrifice their blissful lives back in their homeland to do whatever they can to do the Sasana work.
HlaMin 