Category: Broadcast

by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on January 13, 2021

Mogok Sayadaw U Vimala (1899 – 1962)

• 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

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)

by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on January 28, 2021

Meanings

• Awareness
• Factor for gaining Enlightenment
• (Formal) Tha Di Pa Than : Mindfulness
• (Casual) Memory

Types of Meditation

The Scriptures describe 40 kinds of Meditation.

The methods generally fall into

• Samatha (Concentration Meditation)
• Vipassana (Insight Meditation)

Samatha

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”

by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on January 12, 2021

• 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.

by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on January 7, 2020

PSA Tour 2020

January 5 – 11, 2020

• 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
• (Optional) Left for Inlay

by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on February 1, 2021

• 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)
  

by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on January 27, 2021

• Myanmar
  Ah May, Mi Gin, Mway Mi Gin, Ah Mi, Mae Daw
  Usage :
  Mae Daw Maya
  Ah Mi Myay
  Ah Mi Tekkatho
• English
  Mother, Mom, Mum, Mummy, Mama
  Usage :
  Mother Tongue
  Mother Earth
  Motherland
• Pali
  Mata
  Usage :
  Mata Pitu Gu Naaw Anandaaw
• Latin
  Mater
  Usage :
  Alma mater

Mother

• Biological Mother
  Gives birth
• Caring Mother
  Takes care
• Adoptive Mother
  Adopt a child from a relative or others (e.g. via an Adoption Agency)
• Surrogate Mother
  Conceives a child for someone who cannot give birth naturally (e.g. due to medical conditions)
• Classification schemes vary with place, culture and time …

Mother’s Day

• Myanmar
  Full Moon Day of Pyatho
• USA and several countries
  Second Sunday of May
• Others
  Dates vary with countries

Media

• Songs
  e.g. M-O-T-H-E-R
• Books
• Movies
  

Thanks to three Mothers

• My Mother
  who raised seven children

• My beloved wife
  who raised two sons
• My daughter-in-law
  who takes care of my two Myees

by Hla Min

Updated: Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on January 3, 2021

Introduction

• 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)

• 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.

Further Reading

• The Teaching of All Buddhas
  by Dr. Khin Maung U

by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on January 19, 2021

• I am indebted to Thin Saya သင်ဆရာ, Myin Saya မြင်ဆရာ and Kyar Saya ကြားဆရာ
• They taught me all I knew.
• I would like to thank my mentors who directly or indirectly taught me Communication (Oral and Written) and Languages (English, Burmese, …)
• Last but not the least, a zillion thanks to my “Let Oo Sayas” (လက်ဦးဆရာ my beloved parents).

Studying Languages

Studying English

I had to read / study

• Tom Thumb’s Essays
• A Student’s Companion
• Oxford English Dictionary (OED — various sizes and editions)
• Chamber’s Dictionary (used in Scrabble tournaments)
• Rhyming Dictionary
• Word Power / Vocabulary in [six weeks, 21 days, …]
• Idioms (book present from my cousin uncle U “Eric” Than Lwin)
• They helped me improve my writing and communication skills.
• Thanks to all the authors, who are my implicit teachers.
• Still learning (especially during the “Shelter at Home” due to the COVID-19 Pandemic)
• Listen to the daily offering by Blinkist.com
• Listen and/or read Merriam Webster’s wotd (word of the day) pod cast

Miscellaneous

• See posts on “Myanmar Sar“
• See posts on “Pali“
• See posts on “Languages“

Studying Computers

Dr. Chit Swe (GBNF)

• Sayagyi was my mentor at UCC.
• He invited over renowned computer scientists [led by Professor Harry D. Huskey, Pioneer in Computer Hardware, Software and Teaching] and mathematicians [e.g. Professor Frank Harary, Expert in Graph Theory] to Rangoon to hold seminars and to design courses in computer science and applications.
  Michael Stonebraker (then at UC Berkeley) gave a short course on Ingres (an early Relational Data Base Management System) at UCC. A few years back, he won the prestigious “ACM Turing Award” (which is considered as the equivalent of Nobel Prize in Computing).
• He taught us to use CPM/PERT (Critical Path Method/Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) for the various projects.
• Saya asked me to assist in several of his projects.
  To name a few,
  I was a translator/ reviewer for CTK (Children’s Treasury of Knowledge)
  I served as an editor for “High School Mathematics”
  I was a member of TOSS (Team Of System Specialists)

• Saya passed away in November 2019, but his Legacy as Pioneer for Computer Systems, Application and Education in Burma will last forever.

U Soe Paing (EE, UCC)

• Saya was my mentor at RIT and UCC.
• Together with Saya U Myo Min and Saya U Ko Ko Lay (GBNF), they taught degree and diploma courses in computer science, and also conducted courses in computer programming, computer orientation, to name a few.
• The sayas asked me to be their assistant.
• Saya U Soe Paing also allowed Saya U Aung Zaw and me to co-author texts, guides and manuals used at UCC.

Publications

• Guardian
  Thanks to U Soe Myint (Chief Editor)
• Working People’s Daily (WPD)
  Thanks to U Ko Lay (Chief Editor) and Daw Khin Swe Hla (Editor)
• Forward magazine
  Thanks to Bohmu Ba Thaw (Maung Thaw Ka, Chief Editor) and U Sein Hla (Editor)
• Pan magazine
  Burmese publication
• Veda magazine
  Published by BARB
• Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung
  Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2002, SPZP-2007 and SPZP-2010 in Singapore
  Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
• Swel Daw Yeik Magazine
  Commemorative Issues for SPZP-2012 and Shwe YaDu (2014)
  Thanks to Saya U Moe Aung (Tekkatho Moe War)
• RUBC magazine
  Commemorate issue for 90th Anniversary of the founding of RUBC
• BAPS Newsletter
  Contributing Editor
• Dhammananda Newsletter
  Contributing Editor
• Paying Homage to Sayadaw U Silananda
  Contributing Editor
• Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
  Contributor to the Burmese American section
• National Foreign Languages Center
  Language Expert for the Burmese Language Project (Reading and Listening Comprehension)
• RIT Alumni International Newsletter
  Contributing Editor for 21 years
• hlamin.com
  3000+ articles
• Facebook
  Owner, Admin or Moderator of selected Facebook Groups
• Video Broadcasts
  Archived in Facebook and my You Tube Channel

Volunteering

I gained experience by volunteering as

• Several organizations in Myanmar and USA
• EC, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT EE Association
• Contributing Editor of RIT English Newsletter
• Treasurer and Vice Captain of RUBC
• Translator / Interpreter at Meditation Retreats
• Organizer, SPZP-2000
• Coordinator, World wide SPZPs in Singapore and Myanmar
• Docent at the Computer History Museum (at Mountain View, California
• Contributing Editor of the materials taught at the Summer Dhamma Camp at Dhammananda Vihara (at Half Moon Bay
• Area Governor, Club Coach, Contest Chair, Test Speaker, Club Ambassador at Toastmasters International
• Editor of several publications by Sayadaws (e.g. U Jotalankara) and friends (e.g. U Aung Zaw)
• Language expert at National Language Center
• Administrator and/or Moderator of selected Facebook Pages
• Owner and content creator of selected web sites (e.g. hlamin.com)

Parents and Ancestors

Last but not the least, my heartfelt thanks to my beloved parents and their philanthropic forebears for instilling me the passion to help humanity in general and to my alma mater. They believed that “Any thing that’s worth doing is worth doing well.”

Pay Back

• My beloved spouse told me that I should pay back to my alma mater, mentors and my beloved land.
• She reminded me that I should take care of my health to enjoy quality time with our Life Savers : Chit Sa Noe ချစ်စနိုး and Po Lone ဖိုးလုံး
• I had paid back to my alma mater RIT where I studied from 1964 – 1969 by volunteering as Messenger and Organizer for 21 years. e.g. For SPZP-2000, I wrote 64 “Countdown to the Reunion” and 36 “Post_Reunion”.
• In 2018, I wrote “Memories of UCC” . I wrote a Summary for the magazine to commemorate the 30th anniversary of ICST.
• To commemorate the 19th anniversary (in April 2018) for “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and the 45th wedding anniversary (in June 2018), I wrote several hundred posts covering a variety of topics.
• Since then, I have completed 3000+ posts. I have revised most of them with the feedback provided by my readers (including Dr. Khin Maung U, Dr. Nyunt Wai (Victor), Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, U Khin Maung Zaw).
• In April/May 2019, I celebrated 20th Anniversary as Founder-Editor of RIT Alumni International Newsletter
• In November 2019, I was invited as a Panelist to the 5th ILF (Irrawaddy Literary Festival) held in Mandalay.
• In December 2019, I attended the SPZP and Reunion Dinner of RIT 69er’s Golden Jubilee of graduation.
• I was invited to attend the 6th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST / UCSY and the Annual mini-gathering of UCC Alumni.
• In January 2020, I was invited as a Special Guest for the 2020 PSA (Public Speakers’ Association) Tour to six cities in Upper Myanmar.
• I am adding / revising posts for hlamin.com and share some of them via Facebook pages (e.g. Life Long Learning, RIT Updates, RU Centennial) and my You Tube Channel.
• I am a Dreamer.
  I believe, “If one can dream, others will fulfill.”

Posts

• Garawa
• Parents
• Publications
• RIT
• SPZP
• UCC

by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on December 21, 2020

Game

• Players
  Singles
  Doubles
  
• Styles
  Hand shake
  Pen Grip
• Points
  21 points (early period) : Best of 5 games (typical)
  11 points (later period) : Best of 7 games
  
• Tournaments
  World Championship
  Olympics
  Asian Games
  SEAP / SEA Games
  National
  Inter-Institute
  RIT
  
• Miscellaneous
  Also known as “Ping Pong”
  Ping Pong Diplomacy (credited to Henry Kissinger)
  Pong (Early Computer Game)
  Ping Pong Tables (available at Recreation Center and many homes)
  Other RIT selection : Tin Myint (M69, GBNF, 4th Year Luyechun), Nyunt Tin (M70)

RIT Table Tennis team

which won the Inter-Institute Championship

Team Coach

Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62)

• Represented Burma in International Competitions
  (SEAP, Asian Games and World Championship)
• Retired Burma National Coach

Players

• U Maung Maung – C67
  (aka Chin Kaung Hook – extremely good in Chess)
  

• U Win Myint – E67 (aka Hin Lok Kung)
  Retired engineer, San Francisco Bay Area
  
• Stan Liou – M67
  Former Chair, Board of Directors, NorCal RITAA
  
• U Myat Lwin – Ch67 (GBNF)