HlaMin

Category: Association

  • Tathagata Meditation Center

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Apr 2026

    • Tathagata Meditation Center was founded by Vietnamese disciples of Sayadaw U Silananda.
    • It is located at 1215 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose, CA 95122
    • It’s web site is
      http://www.tathagata.org/
    • Sayadaw U Silananda resided at TMC when Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay was undergoing construction.

    Activities

    • TMC conducted long-term meditation retreats and week-end retreats.
    • TMC held summer classes : one for children and the other for young adults.
    • TMC published several books (in English and Vietnamese) for Dhamma Dana distribution.
    • TMC also offered courses via Zoom.
    • Several activities were suspended during the pandemic.

    Pali

    • Sayadaw Dhammika-bhivamsa (Tharmanay Kyaw) taught Pali courses using selected Suttas to interested yogis to have an appreciation of Buddha’s teachings without delving into the details of Pali grammar.
    • The course materials were prepared by Som Tu (Director of TMC, Retired Technology Executive) under the guidance of Thamanay Kyaw Sayadaw.

    Reference Books

    • I volunteered as Translator/Interpreter for Meditation Retreats at TMC.

    Myat Kyaw & San Lin

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_20190910_0001.jpg
    P M-E Dictionary
    • Beelin Sayadaw U Pannadipa (then Resident Sayadaw at TMC, later Padana Nayaka Sayadaw at Panditarama Shwe Taung Gone in Yangon) gave me the book “A Pali Myanmar-English Dictionary of the Noble Words of the Lord Buddha”.
    • The book was compiled by U Myat Kyaw (Myanmar Sar Ah Phwe) and translated into English by U San Lwin.
      U San Lwin is the older brother of Dr. Lyn Swe Aye, IM(2).

    Buddhist Dictionary

    Buddhist Dictionary
    • TMC gave me “Buddhist Dictionary” by Venerable Nyantiloka.
    • It is subtitled “Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines”.
    • The first edition was published in 1946. The third revised and enlarged edition was edited by [Venerable] Nyanaponika in 1970.

    Intro to Pali

    • U Hla Myint (former Sayadaw who had passed several monastic exams) gave me a PDF version of his manuscript “An Introduction to Pali” for study and review.
    • The book is available as Dhamma Dana distribution from TMC.
    • He studied Pali under the guidance of Mahagandayone Sayadaw U Janakabhivamsa, U Vijayalankara & U Dhammikabhivamsa (“Thamanay Kyaw”).
    • He studied English under the guidance of Sayadaw U Panditabhivamsa and with the eminent teachers such as U Aung Myat Thut, U Aye Maung and U Hla Maung.
    • He has written, translated and edited several books for TMC.

    Updates

    • Sayadaw U Pandita, Sayadaw U Silandabhivamsa and Beelin Sayadaw have passed away.
    Beelin Sayadaw

  • NorCal RITAA

    by Hla Min

    Update : Apr 2026

    2018

    Hosts

    U Myat Htoo & Daw Hnin Maung Maung

    Saya U Myat Htoo (C68), Chair of BOD (Board of Directors) and Daw Hnin Maung Maung (“Ma Ku”) hosted the face-to-face meeting on September 23, 2018.

    The face-to-face meeting is usually held every quarter.

    The next meeting will be held in early November by U Nyunt Than (M86, Joint Secretary) and Daw Htwe Htwe to prepare for the AGM (Annual General Meeting), where the election of the EC (Executive Committee) and BOD will take place.

    Activities

    An activity of NorCal RITAA is to provide scholarship (some prefer the terms stipend, grant and financial aid) to eligible YTU students.

    Last year four YTU students were offered $1000 for a year and three YTU students were offered $500 for a year.

    The current recipients should reapply the following years if (a) they have maintained good grades (b) they still need financial assistance.

    U San Lin (M87) and family have pledged to support for one student a maximum of six years until graduation.

    U San Lin (Rightmost)

    Daw Mu Mu Kin, spouse of Saya Allen Htay (C58, GBNF) has supported two students. She has pledged to support one student for the following year.

    Daw Mu Mu Kin

    U Kaung Kaung Oo (Gordon, M83) and Daw Lillian Kaung (EC83), owners of iNapa Wine, have pledged to support one student for the following year.

    Gordon & Lillian

    Donations

    U Thein Tun Aung (Dennis, EP76) donated $600 to the NorCal RITAA Scholarship fund.

    Daw Kyu Kyu Lin (Bawlone, T75) donated $300 to the NorCal RITAA Scholarship fund.

    Daw Khin Mya Yee (Sarah, C77) donated $200 to the NorCal RITAA General Fund.

    King Wong (Victor, C66) donated $100 to the YTU Library Project via NorCal RITAA.

    Saya Dr. Nyo Win (M65) donated $50 at the NorCal RITAA Summer Picnic.

    NorCal RITAA presented appreciation award (plaque, certificate) to the major donors.

    The list of donors is maintained by U Ko Ko Zin (M84), Treasurer.

    Updates

    • Saya U Maung Maung (ChE66), Gordon Kaung (M83) & U Aung Myint Oo (EC84) are Past Presidents.
    • U Tin Maung Win (C86) is the President.
    • Stan Liou (M67) is Past Chair of BOD.
    • Saya U Myat Htoo (C68) has been Chair of BOD for several terms.
    • During the pandemic, several activities were put on hold.
    • In 2023, activities resumed with the Annual Dinner.
    2023
    • In 2024, NorCal RITAA celebrated the Centennial of Engg Education in Burma, and the 60th Anniversary of RIT. It also revamped the website.
    • Several sayas and senior alumni mentioned the difficulty of attending Dinner Gatherings.
    • NorCal RITAA will hold a special Lunch Gathering on August 16, 2025. The entertainment program will feature Tu Tu & Zayanda. The educational program will feature two Speakers.
    Lunch Party
  • Y (Talk)

    Y (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast

    Text Update : January 20, 2021

    U Hla Min
    • 25th letter of the English Alphabet.
    • Pronounced as WYE.
    • Y-junction is a junction type (e.g. two incoming roads merge into one outgoing road).

    YMBA

    • YMBA (Young Men Buddhist Association) was involved in setting up monastic and/or Vernacular schools (predating the National Schools)
    • YMBA published the “History of Buddhism” by Mahagandayone Sayadaw with illustrations by Saya U Ba Kyi.

    YMCA

    Y is an alias for YMCA (Young Men Christian Association), which was founded in Britain and then spread to over many countries.

    Several YMCA’s in the US are credited with

    • Invention of Basketball
    • Invention of Volleyball
    • Promotion of Public Speaking via Dale Carnegie
    • Sowing the seeds of Toastmasters International (for Leadership and Public Speaking) via Dr. Ralph Smedley
  • NorCal RITAA & SoCal Guests

    NorCal RITAA & SoCal Guests

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    • The main photo was from the Dinner.
    • Other photos cover various times & events.

    David Ko (U Tin Myint, M67, GBNF)

    David Ko
    • Entrepreneur
    • Golden Sponsor for SPZP-2000.
    • Donated $3000 to SPZP-2012.
    • Supported Norcal RITAA. Sponsored a table at the Annual Dinner to invite selected sayas & alumni from Southern California

    Saya U Myo Myint Sein (A58)

    NorCal RITAA Dinner
    Saya Myo
    • First batch of Architecture graduates
    • Masters from Michigan University
    • Professor at RIT
    • Published books on Architecture
    • President of RU ConBro association. He and his brothers attended De La Salle Schools.
    • Played Soccer

    Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62)

    Dr. Tin Win
    • Matriculated from St. John’s Dio.
    • Won a Gold Medal in 1958 for Joint Highest Score in Maths in I.Sc (both years)
    • Youngest in the Class of M62
    • Doctorate from Melbourne University
    • Past President of BASES
    • Core Organizer for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles

    Daw Khin Htar Yee (Lily, T72)

    Lily (Rightmost)
    • Founding member & Secretary of BEA
    • Spouse and supporter of Saya Dr. Tin Win & his projects; Financial support for eligible students; Fundraiser for SPZP-2007 by running the LA Marathon
    • Organizer, 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles

    U Thura Thant Zin (M76)

    Thura (Seated Right)
    • Goalkeeper for All Universities & Institutes’ Hockey Team
    • RUBC Gold with Dat Pon Sann Aung (GBNF), Win Khaing (GBNF) & Phyo
    • Past President of BASES
    • Organizer, SPZP-2000
    • Organizer, 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles

    Saya U Maung Maung (George, ChE66)

    Saya George
    • Founding member of RIT Alumni International
    • Organizer, SPZP-2000
    • Founding member & First President of Norcal RITAA
    • Fundraiser for the Training Component of YTU Library Modernization project

    Daw Khin Khin Kyu (Ann, A67)

    Ann (2nd from Right)
    • Supporter of RIT Alumni international & Norcal RITAA
    • Classmates include Saya Dr. Koung Nyunt (GBNF) and U Tun Thein.
    • Brother : Saya U Thein Han (Maths, Burma selected in Basketball)

    Notes

    • BASES invited alumuni from Norcal to attend Annual Dinner. One was hosted by U Tin Htway (M59, co-founder).
      Most others were held at restaurants.

    Posts

    • Alumni
    • BASES
    • Gatherings
    • NorCal RITAA
    • RIT Sayas
  • BASES

    BASES

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Background

    • Name suggested by U Tun Aung (Jeffery, EC68, GBNF)
    U Tun Aung
    • Burmese American Society for Engineers and Scientists
    • Southern California, USA

    Founders

    • Saya U Tin Htut (M60)
    U Tin Htut
    • U Tin Htway (M59)
    • U Tun Tin (David, GBNF)

    Past Presidents

    • U Tin Htut
    • U Tin Htway
    • U Tun Tin
    • U Tun Aung ( Jefferey, EC68, GBNF)
    • Saya Dr. Tin Win (M62)
    Dr. Tin Win
    • Saya Dr. Chris Lee (EE59)
    • U Khin Maung Lay (Henry, T68)
    • U Tin Nwe (Milton, C68)
    • U Thura Thant Zin (M76)
    U Thura Thant Zin 1
    U Thura Thant Zin 2
    With Dance Troupe
    • John Huntley

    Activities

    • Fundraiser
      Kyan Yay (Sugar Cane Drink)
      Htamane
      Food & Desserts
    BAP Booth selling Sugar Cane Drink
    • Annual Dinner & Entertainment
    • Trips
    • Helped 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
    2015 Reunion 1
    2015 Reunion 2
    2015 Reunion 3
    • Active in Activities sponsored by SCBA (Southern California Burmese Associations)

    Notes

    • Many members are RIT alumni. Some volunteered for SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
    • U Aung Khin (EP68) is Past Vice President
    • James Shwe (M76) is a Donor and EC.
    • U Khin Maung Lay (Henry) served as Emcee for BAPS gatherings and 2015 Alumni Reunion. He was Secretary of RIT Track & Field Association. He represented RIT in Soccer, Rowing and T&F. He loves Cooking.
    • I attended BASES gatherings as Guest of EC and/or Saya U Tin Htut.
    • Mra Tun (UCC, TAMPS) and Ricky Zaw are guitarists & vocalists. Ricky’s sister is Nyunt Nyunt Zaw (T68, GBNF).
    2015 Reunion
    • NorCal RITAA invited selected BASES EC to the gatherings.
    NorCal RITAA Dinner

    Posts

    • Alumni
    • Associations
    • Fund Raising
    • Gatherings
  • Memories of U Tin Htut

    Memories of U Tin Htut

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Brief Bio

    • Alumnus of SPHS, RU Faculty of Engineering, Birmingham University & German University
    • Joined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer after graduating in 1960
    • His parents needed help to run their business. He complied. Three family members — his father U Chit Maung, his eldest brother U Sein Tin and saya — were taken into custody for several months.
    • After completing his Waso at Insein, he rejoined Mechanical Engineering Department as Assistant Lecturer. New Sayas had to join as Instructors.
    • Taught Industrial Management. Earlier, the subject was taught by Visiting Lecturers from Faculty of Social Science & Institute of Economics.

    Rowing

    • Past Captain & Gold of RUBC
    • Won Senior Novices twice : as Rower and as Cox of the All Paulian Crew with Tun Shein (Willie), Than Nyun (George), M Hla Min (Moosajee) & Sao Hso Holm (Sawbwa Lay)
    • Served as Administrator of YUBC for several years

    USA

    • Joined Northrop and also helped several alumni to join the company
    • Took Sabbatical to work for UN
    • Founded BASES with U Tin Htway (M59) and U Tun Tin (David, GBNF). He is a Past President.
    • Financial Controller for 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles.
    • Helped with SPZP-2000 held in San Francisco.
    • Came to SF Bay Area to attend RIT gatherings and to have family reunion with his sisters.
    • Hosted me at his new house. Took me to BASES Dinner and La Puente Monastery the following day (where there was a Soon Kwyay followed by Literary Talks).

    Donations

    • K100 lakhs to YTU Library Modernization Project
    • K10 lakhs to SDYF (Swel Daw Yeik Foundation)
    • Donated to All Mechanical Gathering

    Memories

    • SPZP-2000
    SPZP-2000
    • 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
    2015 Reunion in Los Angeles
    2015 Reunion in Los Angeles
    • Donations
    Donation
    U Tin Htut and U Wynn Htain Oo
    U Tin Htut
    • Singapore
    U Tin Htut, U Mg Mg Win, Dr. Tin Win & U Aung Myint
    U Tin Htut in Singapore
    U Tin Htut in Singapore
    • New Zealand
    U Tin Htut in NZ
    • SF Bay Area
    U Tin Htut in SF Bay Area
    • RUBC Golds
    RUBC Past Captains and/or Gold

    Posts

    • BASES
    • RIT Sayas
    • RUBC
    • SPZP
  • Head of Associations

    Head of Associations

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Only the early days (60s & 70s) are covered.

    RIT Sports Council

    • U Maung Maung Than (Chair)
    U Mg Mg Than

    Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thinn

    • U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
    • U Saw Tun (Saw Lu)
    • Dr. Kyaw Sein

    Automobile Club

    • U Maung Maung Win
    • U Myo Win

    Badminton

    • U Thein Lwin

    Buddhist Association

    • Dr. Thein Hlyne
    • U Lin

    Cartoonists

    • U Khin Maung Phone Ko
    • U Aung Myint (Kyant Ba Hone)

    Chinlon

    • U Maung Maung Than (?)

    Hockey

    • U Tin Hlaing

    Photography

    • Allen Htay

    Rowing

    • U Sein Win
    • Dr. San Hla Aung
    • U Tin Htut

    Scrabble

    • Des Rodgers
    • U Khin

    Swimming / Water Polo

    • U Sein Win
    • Dr. San Hla Aung
    • U Hla Myint (Charlie)

    Table Tennis

    • Mao Toon Siong

    Tennis

    • U Tin Hlaing
    • U Tu Myint (?)

    Thaing

    • U Tin Maung Nyunt

    Track and Field

    • H Num Kok

    Weightlifting / Body building

    • Dr. Kyaw Sein
  • RITAA

    RITAA

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    Ban of Associations

    • Coup D’etat on March 2, 1962 ended Democracy in Burma.
    • There were two dark days in July 1962. July 7th saw the violent techniques for handling protests. July 8th saw the demolition of the revered Rangoon University Student Union.
    • All parties (except BSPP) and organizations were banned.

    Alumni Associations

    • For several decades, there was no alumni associations at the Universities and Institutes in Myanmar.
    • The “Pwint Linn” era saw the first True Home Coming and SPZP in December 2012.
    • Shwe YaDu celebrations were held jubilantly in 2014.

    Preparation

    • A critical mass to form RITAA (RIT-YIT-YTU Alumni Association) was reached in March 2016.
    • The Interim Committee headed by U Tin Latt (M85, President) was formed in time to host the SPZP-2016. The Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and the Reunion Dinner were held at the Gyogone Campus. The all-day event provided free food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    • The Committee prepared the Bye Laws and RITAA was registered on June 29, 2017.

    AGM

    • The invitation for the Annual General Meeting to elect the Executive Committee members for the 2018 – 2020 term was posted in the Kyemon newspaper on August 4, 2018.
    Invitation
    • The AGM was held successfully on September 29, 2018.
    • The new EC members span three or so decades.
    RITAA AGM
    • U Wynn Htain Oo (M72, Patron) was exuberant after fulfilling his promise to hand over the torch to the young and not so young.
    WHO
    • The oldies will continue to support key projects and share their experience.

    Membership

    Please try to help your alma mater in any way you can be

    • Member
      Life membership : K60000
      Annual membership : K12000
    • Executive Committee member
    • Patron
    • Donor
    • Volunteer

    RITAA Report (Gist)

    • The Alumni Association is a requirement to get YTU accredited.
    • First step to establish RITAA started in March 2016 with the help of YTU Management and the Organizers of Shwe YaDu Celebration
    • Drafting and approval of Bye Law
    • Implementation Committee
    • Interaction with MEC
    • Visit by evaluators from Asian Pacific Engineering Association
    • Role in SPZP-2006 Planning and Implementation
    • Registration
    • Criteria for the accreditation of Post graduate courses
    • 2018 Graduates to be assessed by Asia Pacific Engineering Association
    • Fund raising for YTU Library Modernization
    • Travel grant for staff to undergo Library Training in Singapore
    • Trying to fulfill requirements for Accreditation
    • Financial aid for eligible YTU students
    • Teacher’s Corner for recreation
    • Finding donors to support RIT athletic associations
    • Finding donors to support Maker Space of YTU Student Union
  • SDYF — Memories

    SDYF — Memories

    by Hla Min

    Updated : June 2025

    U Khin Maung Tun

    U Moe Aung and U Khin Maung Tun

    Before, during and after SPZP-2012, Saya U Moe Aung floated the idea of Swel Daw Yeik Foundation to help alumni (past, present and future) and to take care of the health of eligible sayas and sayamas.

    U Khin Maung Tun (T78) not only seconded the idea but showed his commitment by donating and or pledging Kyat 1500+ Lakhs for SDYF.

    • President of SDYF
    • Major donor not only for SDYF, but for the Alumni Association
    • Donated for SPZP-2012, Shwe YaDu and SPZP-2016
    • Sponsored Entertainment Program for SPZPs & SDYF events
    • Provided Eye Care for eligible RIT sayas and sayama
    • Attended 2015 RIT Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles
    • Attended Alumni Gathering in San Francisco Bay Area.
    • Sang a song with Saya U Moe Aung (Patron of SDYF) at SPZP-2016
    • Also sang the SDYF theme song with the SDYF members

      The SDYF theme song is not a transformation of one of Saya’s poems. It was the outcome of a completely new composition. Ko Than Po (M75, Zat Sayagyi) helped with the music injection.
    • As SDYF President, he hosted meetings with lunch & entertainment
    • Expressed his desire to retire after a couple of terms, but the EC members politely declined.

    USA Trip

    • U Khin Maung Tun and his spouse attended the 2015 Alumni Reunion in Los Angeles, and the Dinner gathering in San Francisco to welcome Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi & visitors from Yangon.
    Gathering at sea food restaurant to welcome Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi
    • Gave me a “Htet Linn” bag with indigenous medicine and an MP3 player loaded with dhamma talks.
    • He and his family provided “Eye Care” for eligible sayas and sayamas. They balance of the Eye Care Fund has been transferred to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation.

    Health Care & Financial Aid

    The eligibility rules may change depending on the availability of funds, and the number of eligible sayas and sayamas.

    SDYF provides medical checkup, but currently it can offer a limited amount (e.g. 4 – 5 Lakhs) of medical expenses per saya per annum.

    When a Saya or Sayama passes away, SDYF offers 2 Lakh Kyats to the bereaved family.

    SDYF offers 4 Lakh Kyats to eligible sayas and sayamas

    • for Hospitalization
    • for frequent medical check ups
    • for severe loss of mobility

    SDYF also considers case-by-case for sayas and sayamas needing financial assistance for health care.

    Medical Check up in 2018

    SDYF provided medical check up for sayas aged 60 and above.

    May Nge and Sayas

    The program started on Nov 6, 2018 at Grand Hantha Hospital.

    Kudos to May Nge and group for their volunteer services.

    Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu to the young donors.

    Khin Htay Lin and May Nge

    Khin Htay Lin and May Nge 

    Khin Htay Lin (EC93)

    She is a Director of Grand Hantha Hospital. She donated (or offered a discount) 25% of the expenses for the medical checkup of eligible RIT sayas and sayamas.

    May Nge (May Thet Hlaing)

    She is the lead volunteer for the noble task

    U Kyaw Sein (M65)

    SDYF will provide Saya U Kyaw Sein (M65, Singapore) K4 Lakhs annually to take care of his health.

    For 2018, Ko Kyaw Moe (M 2001) donated to bring up the total to S$400.

    U Ohn Maung (ChE68)

    SDYF will provide Saya U Ohn Maung (ChE68, Singapore) K4 Lakhs annually to take care of his health.

    Pre-AGM Meeting in 2018

    • In 2018 (before the AGM meeting) SDYF Meeting was hosted by U Khin Maung Tun (President) with a sumptuous meal.
    • U Tin Latt’s food donation became “take out” by the attendees.
    • Discussed preparations for the AGM of SDYF
    • Passed resolution to spend K50 lakhs for the medical check up of eligible sayas and sayas
    • Discussed the provisional financial support for use in presenting research papers overseas.
    • Discussed the “Total Care” program for eligible sayas and sayamas
    • U Maung Maung Than (M81) donated K5 lakhs to SDYF.
    • U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) received a present (special drinks) from the President.

  • Organization

    by Hla Min

    Updated : May 2025

    • There are various types of organizations.

    Non-profit

    • There are non-profit organizations. That does not mean that the employees are all unpaid volunteers.
    • In the USA, non-profit organizations are classified by the IRS tax code. The organizations have to comply with the Federal and State regulations. If one donates to a non-profit organization with 501 (c) (3), part or all of the donation is tax deductible.

    Types

    • There are for-profit organizations.
    • Business organizations may be known as companies or corporations. The companies may be privately or publicly held. Some (e,g LLC) have Limited Liability.
    • NGO is a Non-government organization.
    • HMO is a Health Maintenance Organization.
    • There are Religious, Social, Educational, Political and Sports organizations.

    Structure

    • The structure for organizations may vary.
      For example, an organization might have
      (a) Immediate Past President : to help the incoming team
      (b) President : for the current term
      (c) President-Elect (to be President in the next term) : to allow for continuity in the operations.

    NorCal RITAA

    NorCal RITAA
    • It is a non-profit organization with 501 (c) (3).
    • Donations are tax-deductible.