Pu Zaw Pwe is a Noble Tradition that is practiced in Burma.
Thet Kyee PZP is for paying respect to the Elders. The age requirements vary.
Saya PZP is for paying respect to the sayas and sayamas. Some use the term Acariya PZP.
Thet Kyee PZP
In some places, a Senior Day is held. Transportation, Food, Entertainment and Photo-shoot are provided for Old people of all races and creeds.
Thet Kyee PZP may be held in conjunction with a Festival, e.g Thingyan or Thadinkyut. Buddhists may also pay respect physically to the Elders.
MES organized Thet Kyee PZP for Senior Engineers and Architects.
The All-Mechanical Gathering also had a program to pay respect to Thet Kyee Mechanical Engineers.
Acariya PZP
Examples :
Combined 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
M72 (and some other Disciplines)
ICST/UCSY
Saya PZP
RIT Alumni International hosted the First RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP in San Francisco, California in October 2000. The term SPZP was chosen over Saya Ga Dawt Pwe so that Alumni of different Faith can pay back the Metta and Cetana of their mentors. I am honored to be a Core Organizer of SPZP-2000. I wrote the poem “SAYA PU ZAW PWE”. It was published in the RIT website and the Commemorative Issue of the RIT Alumni Newsletter for SPZP-2000.
Singapore hosted SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010. Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War) and team published Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung for the SPZPs. My poem was reprinted on the Back Cover of SDYSS-2002. I wrote a poem “SWE DAW YEIK” for SDYSS-2007. I wrote an article “EE Sayas : A Sad and Short Clip” for SDYSS-2010.
Yangon hosted SPZP-2004, SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. Commemorative Issue of Swel Daw Yeik Magazine was published for SPZP-2012 and SPZP-2016. U Saw Lin (GBNF) was Chief Editor of SDYM-2012. Saya U Moe Aung was Chief Editor of SPZP-2016. Several Distinguished Authors (e.g Ma Sandar, Maung Sein Win — Padeegone, N Jar Thaing, Aw Pi Kye) also served as Editors.
Due to the pandemic, SPZP-2020 was canceled.
Some of the Organizers and Volunteers of the SPZPs are GBNF. They include Saya Allen Htay, Ko Saw Lin, Ko Aung Moung, Ko Than Sin Myint and Ko Robin.
Several Sayas are GBNF. They include U Ba Toke, H Num Kok, U Soe Khaw, U Khin Aung Kyi, U Thit, Dr. Mg Mg Win, S Arya, S Kyaw Aye, U Soe Lwin.
Sayas U Ba Than, U Aung Khin, Dr. Aung Gyi and U Min Win are 90+ years young. Many of our sayas are 80+ years young.
We hope to see SPZPs in the not so distant future (after the Calamities have ended).
Ko Tin Hla (EP 69) passed away on 10th January 2012 of cancer, which has spread over most of his organs, originally started on his lungs. He was suffering from cancer and was operated four months ago.
His funeral will be on the 12th January 2012 at Yae Wai (13.00 hr).
He is the No. 59 on GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) list.
Ko Shwe, Myint Maung. Win Maung, Aung Gyi Shwe, Myint Thein Kabar, and I went and met his family yesterday.
May I remind you to take care of your health.
With Metta and best regards. Aung Min (M 69)
From Ivan Lee (M69)
It is sad news. I was very close with him at the RIT second and third years. I named him Tommy, resident from Myoung-Mya. I met him at the Bassein college first year. He had a younger brother. When his father passed away in Rangoon, I remembered he and I seated together at the front, next to the driver of the funeral car at Rangoon Chinatown. At my RIT 69er welcome party in Yangon in Nov. 2006, that was the last time I saw him.
I am sending my deepest condolence to his family, and wish him be merry whatever he is going to be.
Again, it is an universal rule, we can keep going to lose one after another, will never ever to add any single one more into our network, regardless what, we must regard [and help] one another. And take care of our health, not others assistance, but ourselves desirability.
God bless all of our beloved classmates , alumni, respectful Sayas.
Best regards Ivan Lee USA
From U Aung Kyaw Pe (EP69)
Dear all,
Very sad to hear the demise of him.
Aung K P
From U Sein Myint (EP69)
Dear All,
Very sad to hear from Aung Min regarding Ko Tin Hla from Myoung-Mya. He is very near to Myint Mg (Bu Gyi). We were very near when doing this and that. Kristian Lal also together with him.
Sein Myint (K K Wong)
From U Thein Swe (EP69)
Dear Ko A Min and all,
Well done! Thanks for your annual and, occasional reports [about the ’69er Health Care Fund]. Once a friend is forever the friend. The older we become the more we should recognize our classmates no matter whether alive or deceased, in high or low profile. Please extend my words of thanks to Ko Shwe, Moe Hein, Myo Nyunt, Myint Sein, Kyaw Zin, Myint Thein, etc for their activities regardless of old age.
There are some outstanding classmates of the year 2011 viz: Ivan Lee @ Khin Maung Oo (USA, Kyaukme, M), unnamed classmate from USA,. Nyunt Nyunt Wai (Tx, Germany).
With metta Th Swe
From U Sein Tin (M69)
Dear Ko Aung Min and the rest,
Thank you for your annual report of Health Care Fund and activities. You are right. We are at the sun set time. We need both physical and mental support to each other.
You have done well. I support you.
With regards, Sein Tin [Omega]
Updates
At one time, the Class of 69 had median age of 69 and the GBNF list was 69.
At present the Class of 69 has a median age of 78 / 79 and the GBNF list is 138.
Note that several people in the post — Aung Gyi Shwe, “Kabar” Myint Thein and Thein Swe — are now GBNF.
Ma Tin Tin (Anne, EC69) donated $300 to the 69er Health Care Fund. Per her request, she was listed as a “classmate in the US”. She is the lone female EE graduate in 1969. She migrated to the US. She earlier told the 69ers of her volunteer work for immigrants and/or seniors. She attended the Golden Jubilee Celebration in 2019 and donated $1000.
My Friend Khin Tun (Peter), My friend since college day one, he is a dedicated kind hearted neuro rehab consultant in the UK. He is a brilliant analytical thinker of renown and beloved husband and father of two also brilliant young men. Memories of our friendship flood my mind.
We were in second MB when the workers riots rocked the city of Rangoon, we two were about the only ones left in the anatomy dissection room. Most students had not come that day and those who did had left. We two were doggedly dissecting into a cadaveric skull from the roof of the middle ear cavity to expose the three ossicles inside the middle ear. Khin Tun was lead dissection and he wasn’t going to stop till done. Our tutor had told us to leave and we were carrying on, we were about 19 then. We finally finished and I could finally convince him it was time. We left from Leik Khone dissection halls via the back on to a gravel road in the back leading to Inya Road. It was the short cut from Prome road to Inya road. Near the Inya road entrance my dad’s batman U Htar Pei was waiting with the family car. He had surmised that I would take the back road to Inya Road and stay off the main roads. He sighed a relief and took us home, we dropped Khin Tun at his family home in Windermere on the way. Throughout this Khin Tun was reciting the merits of the ossicles of the ear. I wondered if this was his way of dealing with stressful situations. He is an exceptionally bright individual, interested in knowledge only for the propagation of more knowledge for practical solutions, never for academic accolades or distinctions, one that I truly believe that was never interested in prizes or glory or renown, just a purist thirst for knowledge to solve problems.
Thus, we would finish medical school with only those close friends knowing how brilliant and knowledgeable he really is. After our House surgeon period we took up an assignment to collect data on Maternal and Childhealth in Upper Burma Townships, We spent the month of summer driving all over the dry midlands of ah nyar and collecting data in Magwe, Taung Dwin Gyee and Kyaut Ba Daung per project of our mentor Saya Johnny, interviewing auxiliary midwives, Community Health Workers and collecting answered questionnaires. We borrowed a land rover from the Agricultural department and he navigated and planned while I drove, talking all the time of friends, college and future hopes and plans.
I was to join the army after the trip and he would continue in Maternal and Childcare research projects while opening a private clinic. We ended the trip at Kyaut Ba Daung where Nwe and her Final Part One PSM group were staying for their community health project. We would spend a joyous night and half day there exploring Mt Popa and singing in front of the barracks well into the deep starry night in front of a bonfire. Afterwards we would leave, I would immediately join my unit in the army and Khin Htun would finish writing up the report. We spent many a night on makeshift cots or on the floor in closed high schools talking of anything under the sky eating at roadside restaurants along the road. Young restless and full of plans for the future that was roaring towards us at a fast pace. We had plans to go abroad for further training but never did we guess we would be leaving Burma to settle in foreign lands.
About a year later I would be attending Young Officers Course in Mhawbi and Khin Tun together with Pe Thet Khin was in a research project in Hlegu, Maternal and Childcare under our mentor Saya Johnny. I was on weekend free days and had taken a commercial line car to Hlegu where they were. Basically hung on to the back of a pickup with the spare till I got to the car gate. I had bought some roast duck and roast pork for them from a Chinese restaurant in Mhawbi. Also, brought a bottle of army rum for drinks. Khin Tun does not drink but loves roast duck and pork. Before dinner the three of us walked over to their private clinic in Hlegu, a little rented room and foyer with an examining table and desk with waterbath etc. A medium size closet for drug and medical paraphernalia. A few patients later two young ladies came walking into the clinic for a consultation and treatment. One was the friend cum chaperone as was traditional in a gossip prone rural setting and the other was a pretty young teacher with a rash on her hand. My friend Peter Khin Tun was immediately attentive as her youth and beauty captivated him. He proceeded to examine the rash, most likely an allergic eczema from some chemical, like it would earn him a Nobel prize in medicine if he were to cure it. The interest seemed pretty mutual to me and PTK who looked on with slight smiles. He asked for a second opinion and we agreed with him and I left a tube of steroid cream from my night bag for her. PTK the schemer made sure Peter would get all credit by telling the fair young teacher that it was a present from Bo Gyi Aung Gyi since his wife didn’t need it anymore. It was his way of ensuring Peter was a lone contender though Nwe and I had not married yet. There was really no need as it was love at first sight for both of them. The rest is history with two brilliant young men for sons.
Winmar would tell the encounter in her own sweet way. There were three young doctors at the clinic, One tall fair handsome one , of course Peter, one slim one with a mischievous knowing twinkle, you have to remember this was PTK two hundred pounds ago, and presumed single heavily tanned short haired officer, ruggedly handsome, I added the last bit, laugh if you want. We would joke about it anytime we met with Winmar looking on with her sweet gentle smile.
I remember a wonderful time when we met again in UK. My family and I were visiting UK and Peter and his had settled down in UK after taking the MRCP exams. The exams were a breeze and he finished in record time. Myself, Aung Hpyoe, Ernie and Min Zaw aung and Peter were taking a hike into Epping forest. Taking pictures with our new found hobby in cameras. We persuaded peter to come along with us before lunch promising him a Bariyani lunch and a cold drink at the pub. I also promised I would carry extra cold water and all the cold pop fizz he could drink under the English summer sun. It was a most happy time taking pictures together ribbing each other with old escapades of youth, old girlfriends failed courtships etc. Talking ill of all those not present with renewed gusto and guffaws. We had some drinks at a pub and went home to Aye Aye Yee’s home for a sumptuous lunch hosted by her and Ko Min Zaw Aung. Khin Tun ever thoughtful had brought some fresh coconut which we prepared and have young coconut with sweet juice. Photos from that gathering are the some of the most treasured memories we have.
A few years back we met again in Rangoon when we both were there to see our parents. Our parents homes are about a mile from each other, my mother’s home in Golden Valley and his parents home in Windermere road. One morning we made plans and I walked over to his house at 0530. By the time I got there found Peter making fried rice on a wok, in the kitchen. He’s a first class cook. We had a plate each fast and walked over to Shwedagon pagoda hill about two miles walk , it was still dark when we got to the base of the hill , the flower stall owners were still sorting lotus blooms at the base of the hill before carrying the bunches up for vending to the early worshipers. We walked up the Zaung Dan and did the rounds of family members birth day corners, and Peter showed me the various parts his family had donated. I said a prayer in my mothers corner and my father’s favorite Bayan tree sate. After watching the beautiful Rangoon sunrise from the hillside we walked down the East Zaung Dan to YeTarShay road street market. At the base of the hill we found our friend Ko Aung Khin waiting for us beside his brand new Nissan crossover. He does not like rising too early but was willing to wait for us at the base. We had built up an appetite for a second breakfast by that time. We walked to MyaungMya Daw Cho for MontHingar, there we three had breakfast and paid for the two monks and thelashin eating there as a good deed for the day. Afterwards Ko Aung Khin aka Zaw Zaw The Phyu would drive us home, we stopped first at my house and my two friends graciously said hello to my mom and sat down for a chat.
Peter 1
Going back many decades of friendship there was much to say and reminiscence while laughing heartily all the time. Time flies and we vowed to do do it again. He and Winmar also found the time and effort to attend my daughters wedding Swun Kywe at Mahasi in Rangoon from their busy schedule. He would also visit my mom even when I’m not there in Rangoon.
True friends always there for you. I pray very hard Peter, you had so much more to contribute to the world, your daily meditation must have given you much mental strength you are surly now in a higher realm, please the world was a better place with you in it.
We miss you my friend, my regards to Uncle Tin U, Winmar, Min Ko and Ye Lay, stay in touch we are all family.
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
First and Last Visit to Rangoon
Arrived Rangoon on the morning of July 6, 1962 (Friday)
A dhamma talk was scheduled at Tekkatho Dhammayone (RU Dhamma Hall) that evening
Citing security reasons, the venue had to be changed to U Than Daing’s residence on 35 Lancaster Road (now Bo Ye Nyunt Lann)
Sayadaw delivered the talk “The Four Noble Truths”
Translation of the talk by U Sway Tin
Devotees asked Sayadaw if he would come back the following year.
Sayadaw said, “This Khanda will provide an answer”.
Sayadaw passed away three months later.
Translations of Mogok Sayadaw’s Works
HOW TO DIE WITH A SMILE By U Sway Tin
THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS delivered by THE MOGOK SAYADAW on July 6, 1962 Recorded/translated by U Sway Tin Publisher: Society for the Propagation of Vipassana (Mogok Sayadaw’s way)
In Samatha, one chooses a “Meditation Object”. In the early days, some practitioners chose a white or colored disk (Kasina) as a Meditation Object. By fixing one’s eyes and thoughts on the Meditation Object, one can develop Concentration.
Some practitioners chose “Ana Pana” (Out-breath and In-breath). For example, one can note the direction, direction and hardness/softness of the breath.
One may attain one level of more Jhana (Absorption).
Vipassana
Vipassana means
various ways of seeing
seeing things as they truly are.
A practitioner may choose a Primary Object for the meditation session. Depending on the tradition of the Mediation Master, the Primary Object can be a nostril, nge dait (part of the head), abdomen, or the body (e.g. touching the mat or floor).
Then, one practices one of the “Four Foundations of Mindfulness” by being aware of the Kaya (Physicality), Vedana (Feelings), Citta (Mind) and Dhamma (General artifacts for meditation).
One may practice Meditation using one of four postures.
One may be able to experience
Nama and Rupa
Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta
Stages of development ultimately leading to Liberation.
In the West, some people try Meditation
to experience relaxation and tranquility
as an alternative medical treatment (allowed by some Health Insurance).
Miscellaneous
Covered in books and podcasts
Slips, falls and accidents may be caused by “slight loss of attention”
Most people spend one third of their lives sleeping.
Some try to sleep 8 hours a day because they are told that it is necessary to refresh the body and the mind.
Some say that the number of hours of sleep vary with age. Children need to sleep longer. Adults may sleep less.
My late uncle slept about four hours a night, but he took a power nap. He lived up to his 80’s.
A friend of mine sleeps four hours a night. He is active at work, church, Toastmasters and play competitive ice hockey.
Some say that the quality of sleep is more important than the quantity of sleep.
Too much sleep might make a person sluggish.
Some develop a rhythm for sleeping. They go to bed at the same time every day, and get up at the same time every morning.
Those who work on different shifts might encounter sleep problems.
During youth , some may not feel drastic effect of 24-hour, 36-hour or more duty. The Navy SEALs have to spend sleepless nights during their training / certification.
Before you sleep, turn off your smart phone and place the alarm clock away from the bed.
Some can sleep easily — like a log. They can sleep on trains, planes, and beaches.
Some find it hard to fall asleep. (Insomnia). Counting sheep or reading books do not help them fall asleep.
Some may have breathing problems during Sleep. (Apnea) They may be prescribed breathing apparatus.
Some have dreams, but they cannot recall them.
Some may have nightmares, and wake up.
A few perform Sleep Walk. (Somnambulism)
There are Sleep Study Projects. Monitor brain activities and physiological factors
Dr. Nyunt Wai (SPHS63) wrote :
“Ma Eik Ma Nay Ah Thet Shay”
Editor’s Notes
Pauk Kyaing was advised to follow :
“Thwar Bar Myar Khayee Yauk”,
“May Bar Myar Sagar Ya” and
“Ma Eik Ma Nay Ah Thet Shay”.
Skipping sleep for one night allowed Pauk Kyaing to avert a death threat and become a King.
Traveled as a guest and volunteer mentor with members of the Myanmar Professional Speakers Association (PSA).
Got to know professionals with different expertise.
The members held “Sar Pay Haw Pyaw Pwe” (SPHPP) at selected cities from January 5 to January 11, 2020.
(Optional) Some members had a day of rest at Inlay. Two PSA members conducted a Training Seminar for the employees of the Inlay hotel.
January 5, 2020
Left Yangon by Chartered Bus for Nay Pyi Taw
SPHPP at Lei Way
January 6, 2020
SPHPP at MICC-2 at Nay Pyi Taw
Left for Mandalay
Met Prof. Dr. Khin Maung Maung (Chair, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Mississippi, RASU Class of 73) who was giving lectures at Mandalay University.
January 7, 2020
SPHHP at Mandalay University
Left for Pyin Oo Lwin
SPHHP at Pyin Oo Lwin Town Hall Sponsor : Point Sunflower Group Pyinnya Dana
January 8, 2020
SPHPP at University of Technology, Yatanarpon Cyber City
Left for Shwe Bo
SPHPP at Wet Let
January 9, 2020
SPHPP at Shwe Bo University
Left for Meiktila
SPHHP at Meiktila Business Group
January 10, 2020
SPHPP at Meiktila University
Left for Taunggyi
January 11, 2020
SHPP at Southern Shan States Chamber of Commerce (SSSCCI) in Taunggyi
Definitions and Usage of words may change with time.
Computer Early days : One who computes e.g. the six females who worked on ENIAC Later : Machine which can process data / information …
Compiler Early days : One who compiles e.g. historical records Later : Software to translate a programming language into machine language
Bit Early days : small piece e.g. drill bit Later : Binary digit
Confusion in the 1970s The book “Anatomy of a Compiler” was sent to the Institute of Medicine (instead of UCC or RU Library). The book “Compiler Construction of Digital Computers” was sent to the Public Works Department (instead of UCC or RU Library)
March 27, 1945 Early days : Taw Hlan Yay Nay (Resistance Day) to honor all those who fought for Independence Later : Tatmadaw Nay (Armed Forces Day)
Taung Thu Le Tha Mar Nay (Peasant’s Day) Early days : January 1 Later : March 2
Lost in Translation Physician was translated as “Yupa Beda Pyinnya Shin” (Physicist)
Dhammapada is a collection of Pali verses (that refer to Buddha’s teachings).
It has been translated by several Pal Scholars.
Some Dhammapada books also cover short stories related to the verses.
Narada Thera’s Dhammapada
The Dhammapada
Subtitle: Pali text & translation with stories & notes
Author : Narada Thera
Editions: 1st edition (1963), 4th Edition (1993)
Contents
The Pali alphabet
Preface
Chapters
The Twin Verses
Heedfulness
Mind
Flowers
Fools
The Wise
The Worthy
Thousands
Evil
The Rod or Punishment
Old Age
The Self
The World
The Buddha
Happiness
Affection
Anger
Impurities or Taints
The Just or Righteous
The Way or the Path
Miscellaneous
Woeful State
The Elephant
Craving
The Bhikkhu or the Mendicant
The Brahmana
Dhammapada (by Venerable Buddharakhitta)
The following verses are from the book by Venerable Buddharakkhita.
Verse 182
Hard it is to be born a man; hard is the life of mortals. Hard is it to gain the opportunity of hearing the Sublime Truth, and hard to encounter is the arising of the Buddhas.
Verse 183
To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to cleanse one’s mind — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.
Verse 184
Enduring patience is the highest austerity. “Nibbana is supreme,” says the Buddhas. He is not a true monk who harms another, nor a true renunciate who oppresses others.
Dhammapada (in Myanmar and English)
Sayadaw U Thittila‘s Translation (in Myanmar / Burmese)
Venerable Buddharakkhita‘s Translation (in English)
Frequently Quoted Verse
The following Dhammapada verse is frequently quoted by Sayadaws and writers.
“Not to do any evil, to cultivate good, to purify one’s mind, – this is the Teaching of the Buddhas.”
It seems simple (at the basic level), but it also has a deeper meaning (at the metaphysical level).
The explanations may refer to Abhidhamma to expound what Kusala (wholesome deeds) and Akusula (unwholesome deeds) are.
References may also be made to the three Seikhas (Practices) : Sila (Morality), Sammadhi (Concentration), and Panna (wisdom).
Bhavana practices such as Samatha (Tranquility Meditation) and Vipassana (Insight Meditation) are needed to calm and purify the mind.
U Lokanatha – Italian Buddhist Monk (1897-1966)
U Lokanatha
Mr. Salvitore was a Chemical Analyst in the USA.
He received a book from his supervisor as a Christmas present.
The book had a chapter on Dhammapada. After reading the verses, a deep impulse (which resonated with his scientific inquiring mind) led him to pursue Buddhism and become a Buddhist monk.
He was from a devout Catholic family. His elder brother was a Priest.
Sayadaw U Lokanatha spent considerable time at the Bawdigone monastery (donated by my paternal grand mother) on Windermere Road, Rangoon, Burma.
Sayadaw practiced Dhutanga.
Sayadaw also preached and had Dhamma Dhuta missions to India and Ceylon. His Dhamma Duta work can be found in the articles in Wikipedia and some Buddhist web sites.
His booklet, “Why I became a Buddhist“, had considerable influence on the leader of the Untouchables in India.
HlaMin 