Category: Broadcast

Six Questions (Talk)
by Hla Min

Updated : Dec 2025

Video Broadcast on January 7, 2021

U Hla Min

Commonly Asked Questions

မေးခွန်း ခြောက် ခု
- Who
- To whom
- When
- Where
- Why
- How
Sixth Buddhist Council

ဆဌသံဂါယနာ
- Questions by Mahasi Sayadaw
- Reply by Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw
Miscellaneous အထွေထွေ
- How and Why I created the Site hlamin.com
- Rudyard Kipling
- Guideline for reporters
- Feasibility studies
- Plan of operation : Implementation
December 8, 2025
December 1920 (Talk)
by Hla Min

Updated : Nov 2025

Video Broadcast

Rangoon University

In December 1920, there were three significant events.
- On December 1, 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent colleges. The colleges are also known by other names (e.g. Government College, Baptist College)
- On December 5, 1920, the First RU Students’ Strike took place. They protested the 1920 Rangoon University Act as too narrow and restrictive.
- On December 26, 1920, Saya U Ba Toke was born as a Phwa Bet Taw of the above two.
Rangoon University (RU)
- Initially had three Faculties and eight departments (including Law)
- Initially had six professors
- RU gradually extended its offerings (beyond Science and Arts)
- The opening of engineering classes was planned around 1923 and executed in 1924.
- In 1927, the first batch of engineering students (who had Bachelors degree) graduated with the “accelerated courses” option.
- In 1928, the second batch of engineering students (who joined after finishing the I.Sc.) graduated.
- RU was closed from 1942 to 45.
  RU Silver Jubilee was celebrated much later (and without high key).
- RU celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) in 1970. Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor of Civil Engineering) and U Thet Lwin (Burmese saya at the Institute of Economics) were some of the GJ organizers. The RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins took part in the GJ Entertainment Program as “Swel Daw Yeik Troupe“.
  The term “Swel Daw Yeik” became synonymous with RIT [its predecessors and its successors]. Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint (စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့် with Minthamees မင်းသမီး and Lu Shwin Daws လူရွှင်တော်), Htee Yein (ထီးယိမ်း RIT Belles with colorful Parasols) and Da Bin Daing Ah Ka (တပင်တိုင်အက) were hits at the GJ celebration.
  I was a volunteer member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Hta Yay” subcommittee headed by Saya U Hla Tun Aung (Geography). Those who applied for stalls and/or stage included Actor Maung Maung Tar (promoting his make up) and the then amateur band “Playboys” requesting a high stage (for security concerns).
- RU celebrated the Diamond Jubilee in 1995.
- RU celebrated the “Yar Pyie Ah Kyo” in December 2019. The opening song was “Mya Kyun Nyo” composed by Maung Ngwe Hlinne (Saya U Thet Lwin).
- RU Centennial Celebrations were planned for November and December of 2020.
  Due to the pandemic, many events were held virtually.
  Kyemon and Myanar Ah Lin newspapers featured articles about RU. The TV stations featured interviews, songs …
First RU Students’ Strike
- Eleven “senior” students led the Boycott of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
- They were unhappy with the restrictions of the RU Act and decided to hold a boycott (strike) on December 7, 1920.
- Due to a news leak, the protests were moved to December 5, 1920.
- The strike resulted in the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National Schools) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College). The event is celebrated as Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay (National Day).
  The Burmese date (10th Waning day of Tazaungmon) is used for the Celebration.
- Arzani U Razak was an early graduate of the National College. He served as Principal of a National School in Mandalay. He became Minister of Education in Bogyoke Aung San’s cabinet.
- Prime Minister U Nu, United Nations Secretary General U Thant and Ahmyotha Pyinnya Wun / Educator / Writer U Po Kyar are notable sayas from the National Schools.
- The boycott was responsible for the amendments to the RU Act. e.g. opening of schools for engineering and medicine,
- A pillar was set up on Shwe Dagon Pagoda in memory of the Boycott.
Sayagyi U Ba Toke (Dec 26, 1920 – Dec 2, 2020)
- He is one of the oldest and senior sayas. Some senior sayas (e.g. Daw Hla May / Anne Sine) passed away in early 2020.
- Received A.M (Master of Arts in Mathematics) from Harvard University.
- Served as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer and Professor of Mathematics at RU and RASU.
- Promoted to Rector, MASU.
- With his own volition, he transferred to RIT as Professor of (Engineering) Mathematics.
- As a Saya of engineering sayas (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi), he was invited to attend SPZP-2000 and give a speech.
- Saya attended all SPZPs except SPZP-2002 (which he had to forgo due to Sayagadaw’s health).
- Played Chinlon and Soccer.
- Co-chair of RU Sports Council
  Managed the Soccer program.
- Headed the Burmese delegation to the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
- Until his 80s, Saya was active
  (e.g. walk to Shwe Dagon Pagoda with his dhamma friends).
- In his 90s, Saya had physical limitations, but his mental faculty was strong as ever.
- Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) interviewed Saya.
  Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing) transcribed the tapes. The book covering Sayagyi’s Life Journey was published by the RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
- Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy.
Two Sayagyis

U Ba Toke & U Ba Than
- Pu Zaw Pwe (PZP) — paying homage to mentors — is a noble tradition. They are also known as Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
- There have been micro-PZPs, mini-PZPs and grand PZPs.
- Saya U Ba Than (born on October 2, 1930) usually visits and pay homage to his saya Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.
Paying homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke
- During my visits to Yangon, I paid homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
- On one visit, Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy of “Life Journey of Mathematics Professor Sayagyi U Ba Toke”.
  The book was written by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) based on his interviews with Sayagyi U Ba Toke. It also covers the early Thin Char Sayagyis. The book was published by Rangoon University Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
- In January 2017, Pansy Ba Toke (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her son-in-law and daughter to pick up Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me at Winner Inn to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
  Sayagyi had some problems with mobility and vision, but his mind remains crisp and clear.
- Pansy was a member of the Swel Daw Yeik “Htee Yein” at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee in 1970.She has offered transportation to the Sayas who want to visit her father.
- Sayagyi sometimes defer celebrating his birthday so that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren — far and near — could join the celebration.
- Sayagyi is pre-deceased by
  his beloved spouse, his second son (Soe Win, 6th out of his 8 children) and his second daughter (Kitty, 3rd out of his 8 children)
U Ba Toke & family
November 2, 2025
Talk — Prize And Award
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 16, 2021

U Hla Min

Nobel Prize
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Medicine
- Literature
- Peace
Awards (considered equivalent to Nobel Prize)
- “Nobel Prize in” Economics
- ACM Turing Award (in Computing)
- Field Medal (in Mathematics)
Prizes at School
- Highest score in a test or examination
- Prize for reciting poems (e.g. Mingalar Kabyar)
- Prize for good handwriting
- Prize for good behavior
- Prize for sports events
- Collegiate Scholarship (for top students in Matriculation examination)
Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC)
- In the early days, RUBC awarded cups to the winning teams.
- The President of the Union of Burma donated the “President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Eights.”
  In the inaugural competition, RUBC beat the combined team of Calcutta Lake Club and Calcutta University Rowing Club.
- The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma donated the “Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Fours.”
- The Challenge Cups are listed in the commemorative issue for the 90th Anniversary for the founding of RUBC.
- Sir Arthur Eggar donated a Pewter Cup for the Senior Novices.
  The Senior Novice Winners receive a brooch.
- Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded in the latter days.
  For obvious reasons, the medals are plated.
  P. Orr Tun Yin was a primary supplier of the cups and medals.
  U Hla Din and sons became the secondary source.
Soccer
- For World Cup, there was Jules Rimet Trophy.
- For soccer in Burma, there was “Dunlop Shield (Daing)”
Number of Medals
- In some competitions, the two losing semi-finalists are awarded Joint Third prize.
  So, the number of bronze medals can be higher than the number of gold medals.
- Due to the introduction of tie-breakers in most sports, we rarely have joint champions.
  In a few instances (e.g. the clock cannot discriminate the two winners), two gold medals were awarded to the joint champions.
Miscellaneous
- Fellowship
- Lifetime Achievement Awards
- National Awards
- Literary Awards
August 11, 2025
Encyclopedia
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Text Update on January 2, 2021

U Hla Min

Early Encyclopedias

“Chamber’s Cyclopaedia” was one of the earliest encyclopedias. It covered 40+ subjects.

In our younger days, we had “Pear’s Soap” and “Pear’s Cyclopaedia”. The company was probably building its brand name by supporting the publication of an encyclopedia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My uncle had a set of “Encyclopedia Britannica”. It covers many topics written by SME (Subject Matter Experts). Yearly supplements were published. The final supplement came out a couple of years ago. There will no longer be printed editions. There will only be on-line subscription.

Wikipedia
- Wikipedia is a collection of encyclopedias in multiple languages.
- The English edition of the Wikipedia is the largest.
- The accuracy of the Wikipedia is comparable to that of the “Encyclopedia” thanks to the countless volunteer contributors and editors.
- I was a volunteer to correct discrepancies (mostly entries on Burmese/Myanmar). For example, a young author wrote that St. Paul’s High School was the first among the De La Salle Schools in Burma. He was unaware that St. Patrick’s High School in Mawlamyaing was the first (and was established a few months earlier than St. Paul’s).
No Absolute Perfection

There is a slight chance that there are errors in an encyclopedia (or an equivalent “book of knowledge”). One author was unaware that Rajiv Gandhi was the elder son of Indira Gandhi. He was a pilot and entered politics only when his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi (touted as Indira’s confidante and successor) died in a plane crash.

Collaboration

The advent of Internet and the rise of “Collaborative Work” have lowered the time and cost to maintain encyclopedias.

A few years back, I received a call to submit entries to “Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife”. I emailed to the editors that I was willing to help them on the Burmese section. They sent me four samples and asked me to send back one short article (not exceeding 500 words and with two or more references) on a chosen Head Word (e.g. Burmese American Festivals). They reviewed my article and accepted me. The remuneration was $10. I replied that I would like to have a copy of the 2-volume encyclopedia. A deal was struck. They would give me the encyclopedia if I submit at least 8 articles. Nine articles were accepted. Two articles were merged with the work of other authors. One author was a Burmese College Professor. Another was probably a graduate student, who inserted the wrong date for Martyr’s Day. The Editors promised to correct his error in another edition. I received a 3-volume encyclopedia (initially projected to be 2-volume) and an additional $10.

Google Books
- Some are not aware of “Google Books”.
- If one goes to “Google Books” and search for my name, one can find the nine articles.
Burmese Encyclopedia

In my younger days, my parents bought me “Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan” (Burmese Encyclopedia).

I heard that the “Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan” is under re-development with the help of SME (Subject Matter Experts).
August 11, 2025
Talk — My English Teachers
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 8, 2021

Hla Min

Introduction
- Private Boundary Road School
  Daw Ku Paw, Daw Kywe, Daw Yi Yi, Daw Khin Khin Aye
- St. Paul’s High School
  Ms. A Benjamin, Mrs. V Boudville, Ms. Amelia Kyi (Miss Hong Kong), Brother Xavier, Brother Austin
- I.Sc. (A)
  Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing, Daw Khin Khin Kyi
- 2nd BE
  Mr. Des Rodgers (Primary), Sao Kan Gyi, U Khin, U Win Mra
Saya Des

Saya Des
- Our main English Teacher in our 2nd BE Class in 1964 – 65.
- Chief Editor of the RIT English Association Newsletter.
- Core organizer of debates (in English) between 1st BE and 2nd BE students.
  e.g. “Money is the Root of All Evils”
  “Are we happier than our forefathers?”
- Played on the RIT Saya soccer team.
- Accomplished musician : guitarist and vocalist, a regular on the BBS Variety Show.
  Would often play with Saya U Win Mra (Burma’s Elvis Presley in his younger days).
- Won Singles and Doubles tournaments in Scrabble.
  Held at Guardian, YMCA and RIT.
- Did post-graduate studies in the UK.
- Moved to Canada.
- Taught “English as a Specialty Language” and other English courses.
- Set up a consultancy firm
- Published a book on English words that have been “selected” from contemporary news media and magazines. I helped catch some typos (which would go into an amendment).
- Conducted on-line courses to students (mostly outside Canada).
- Published two books.
- The first book selected words from the contemporary publications (news media and magazines), provided definitions and usage.
  Synonyms and antonyms are given.
- Sent his book by air mail.
  Sadly, I received only the envelope.
  So he sent a second time using registered/insured option.
  The mailing costs are prohibitive.
  Cost more than the sales price of the book.
- E-mailed back typos in the book to Saya.
  They will be corrected in a future edition.
Related Posts
- Memories of PBRS
- Memories of SPHS
- Articles on RIT English
  by Saya Des
- RIT English Sayas and Sayamas
  by Saya U Khin
- Scrabble
- RIT Saya Soccer Team
  by Saya U Soe Paing
August 10, 2025
Talk — Metta
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 10, 2021

Four Byamaso Taya
- Metta
  Unbounded Love / Loving Kindness
- Karuna
  Compassion
- Mudita
  Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
- Uppekkha
  Equanimity
Book by U Thu Kha

Metta
- Pali term
  Written in Burmese as Myitta
- Rendered as
  Unbounded Love
  Loving Kindness
- One of the four Bhamaso Taya or Bhama Vihara (along with Karuna, Mudita, and Uppekha)
- Practiced as a form of meditation
- U Silananda‘s book on Protective Verses has a section on how to practice Loving Kindness Meditation.
- Tipitaka Mingun Sayadawgyi recited the Two Methods of sending Metta.
  As mentioned in Metta Sutta
  Alternative: 528 “Metta” (13 x 4 x 12)
  They can be found on YouTube and CDs.
- “Metta Sutta” is one of the eleven Suttas in “Paritta Pali” (Protective Verses).
  Also known as Karaniya Metta Sutta
  Chanted at most Buddhist ceremonies.
- Myitta is covered along with Thitsar (Truth) in Dr. Min Tin Mon‘s book “Myitta and Thitsar“
- U Thu Kha wrote a book on Metta Sutta.
- U Jotalankara‘s book explains the 528 Metta.
- A Physics teacher said, “Myitta So Dar Ah Hlyar Ah Nan Ma Shee Bay Mei Ah Thwar Ah Pyan Shee Bar Thay Dae.”
- Metta is also used as a name or part of a name.
- Metta is a Myanmar comedian.
- Mettananda Vihara is a monastery in Northern California.
  Moved from Central Avenue, Fremont to Castro Valley.
- Metta Vihari is an association that performs Chanting, and also offers food dana at selected gatherings.
Practicing Metta

By Way of LOCATION:
- May I be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all beings in this house be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all beings in this area be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all beings in this city be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all beings in this country be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all beings in this world be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all beings in this universe be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.
By Way of PERSONS:
- May I be well, happy and peaceful.
- May my teachers be well, happy and peaceful.
- May my parents be well, happy and peaceful.
- May my relatives be well, happy and peaceful.
- May my friends be well, happy and peaceful.
- May the indifferent persons be well, happy and peaceful.
- May the unfriendly persons be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all meditators be well, happy and peaceful.
- May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.
Metta Sutta
- Third sutta in “Paritta Pali”
- also referred to as Karaniya Metta Sutta
- Desirable qualities of a Practitioner
- Loving Kindness Meditation
- Formal
  Translation from Pali into Burmese/Myanmar and English
- Informal
  Books by Saya U Thu Kha and Saya Dr. Mehm Tin Mon
Chanting

Two ways (as per Mingun Tipitaka Sayadawgyi)
- Referred in Metta Sutta
- 528 “Metta” (13 x 4 x 12)
Buddhist Dictionary
August 10, 2025
Talk — Medical Education
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 31, 2021

Dt. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
- LMP (Licensed Medical Practitioner)
- MBBS (Calcutta)
- MBBS (Rangoon) offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Rangoon University
- “Fast track” MBBS for LMP
- Medical Branch (of RU) in Mandalay
- MBBS (Mandalay)
- New Education System
  Institute of Medicine (1)
  Institute of Medicine (2)
  Mandalay Institute of Medicine
- MD
- Ph.D
- Membership
  MRCP, MRCOG …
- Fellowship
  FRCP, FRCS …
- Physicians / Medicine
  Col Min Sein (Dean)
  Major Shwe Zan
  Dr. Maung Gale (Dean)
  Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Rector)
  Dr. U E (Rector)
  Dr. Hla Myint (Aba)
  …
- Surgeons
  Dr. Ba Than (Police Surgeon, MS of war-time RGH, Rector)
  Dr. Pe Nyun (Ped)
  Dr. Htut Saing (Ped)
  Dr. Maung Maung Taik(Forensic)
  Dr. Min Lwin (Ortho)
  …
August 10, 2025
Talk — Luyechun
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on November 14, 2020

Inlay Luyechun in 1965

Introduction
- Luyechun is an award presented by the Ministry of Education to selected “outstanding students“.
- The initial program ran from 1964 to 1988.
- A new program was established a few years back.
- I was selected as RIT Luyechun in the summer of 1965.
- I was invited as a Guest Speaker to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in the summer of 1988.
Summer of 1964
- The first Luyechun camp was opened at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
- It was for Luyechuns for 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th standards.
Some Luyechuns
- Ko Win Myint (Mergui, UCC)
- Ko Win Aung (TTC, Mech 70, RIT Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ko Kyaw Zaw (TTC, EC72, GBNF)
- Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw, EP71)
- Ko Oak Soe Kha (IM1, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ko Aung Myint (Mdy)
- Ko Tin Soe (Ygn, DSA, Attaché)
Summer of 1965
- The second Luyechun camp was opened at Inlay in the summer of 1965.
- For the first time, Luyechuns were selected for the Universities and Institutes.
Staff at Inlay Camp
- U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU)
- Dr. Daw May May Yi (IM2)
- Daw Po (Burmese)
- Dr. Naing Tint San (Med Officer)
- U Khin Aung
- U Khin Maung Htwe
- U Than Tun Aung Hlaing
- Lu Nge Yay Yar / Youth Affairs
Some Luyechuns
- Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing, First in Burma in 1964, IM1)
- Ko Khin Maung U (First in Burma in 1963, IM1)
- Ma Anita Aye Pe (IM1)
- Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1, GBNF)
- Ko Thein Win (IM2)
- Ko Soe Aung / Soe Min Thein (IM2)
- Ko Tun Naung (BDS, Stereo)
- Ko Tin Hlaing (MASU, Le Dwin Tha Saw Chit, Literary Awards)
- Ma Khin Aye Myint (RASU)
- Ma Mu Mu Win (RASU)
- Ko Min Oo (Second in Burma in 1963, RASU, Mathematics Professor in Germany and Canada)
- Ko Ye Myint (RASU)
- Ma Khin Aye Than (RASU, GBNF)
- Ko / Maung Aye (RASU, Diplomat)
- Ko Mya Than (RASU)
- Ko Zaw Min (RIT)
- Ko Hla Min (RIT)
- Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (RIT)
- Ko Sein Shwe (RIT)
- …
- They attended the Inlay camp together with the 10th standard Luyechuns.
  Ko Than Sit (Sagaing, Liver Foundation, GBNF)
  Ko Uttam Singh (Myitkyina, RIT, NASA)
  Ko Win Myint (Letpadan, RIT, Bogyoke / Dy Minister)
  Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay)
  Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan)
  Ko Kyaw Myint (Yamethin)
  Ko Kyaw Myint (Delta)
  Ko Nelson Kaw (Taunggyi)
  Ko Thein Lwin
  Ko Hla Kyaing (Yangon)
  …
- There were two other camps : Rangoon Combined Camp and Ngapali Camp (for the lower classes).
- The staff members from Lu Nge Yay Yar (Youth Affairs) were responsible for the logistics.
- Selected sayas and sayamas took charge of the Luyechuns.
  They include Dr. May May Yi (then at IM(2), later DG of BMRI), Daw Po (later Professor of Burmese), and U Aung Gyi (MASU Maths).
- There was a mishap when one student got injured during a “mandatory” exercise program.
- For this and other reasons, the later Camp Commandants were chosen from Sayagyis (e.g. U Ba Toke).
Front : Than Sitt, Sein Shwe, Min Oo, Nelson Kaw, Kyaw Myint
Back : Soe Aung, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Shwe, Hla Min, U Khin Aung

Front : Than Sitt, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Min Oo
Back : Soe Aung, Kyaw Myint, Sein Shwe, Ye Myint, Hla Min

Front : Hla Min
Back : Aung Myint, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Maung Htwe, Ye Myint, Sein Shwe
- Tekkatho Tun Naung (1st year BDS, madolin) and Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE Mech, dobat, harmonica, flute) were some of the entertainers for the Luyechun concert. U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU) wrote the “Than Gyurt”.
- Ko Tin Hlaing (Le Dwin Thar Saw Chit, 1st year Burmese, MASU) was a notable contributor to the daily pamphlets.
- Some high school Luyechun students later joined RIT. They include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later Saya), Uttam Singh (later Ph.D working at NASA), Ma Pwint Than (later EPC), …
- The guest lecturers include Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi, and U Thu Ta (Met and Hydro DG).
- Trips include Lawpita Dam and selected factories and departments.
Miscellaneous
- Htut Kwan
- 7-time winner
- 6-time winner
- …
- 2-time winner
- Association
- Gatherings
- FB Group
- Support new generation of LYC
- Donation for prevention / treatment of COVID
- Database of LYC
- Active members
- GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Guest Lecturers in 1965
- Dr. Nyi Nyi (Secretary / Dy Minister)
- U Thu Ta (DG, Met and Hydro)
- U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
- …
Guest Lecturers in 1987/88
- U Kyaw Myint (DHE)
- U Hla Min (UCC/DCS/ICST)
- …
Luyechun Association
- A few years back, Luyechun (1964-1988) Association was formed.
  The association meets one or more times a year.
- There have been Annual Dinner Gatherings.
- It has a Facebook group.
- There are “Then and Now” photos of some Luyechuns.
- Some are “Hturt Kwan” (Multiple) Luyechuns.
  Some were selected Luyechun for a consecutive number of years.
  A few won the award six or seven times.
- Some Luyechuns have passed away.
- Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe (IM 1) passed away early.
- H.E. U Myint Thaung and U Myint Thin (M71, RIT) are some Luyechuns who passed away recently.
Another Trip to Inlay in October 1965
- As part of the award, one received a 50% travel discount.
- During the October holidays in 1965, I took on the offer from Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS, star in one movie) to join him and Ko Maung Maung Aye (IM(1), GBNF) to visit his cousin doctor in Inn Paw Khone (Inlay village).
- I visited Phaung Daw-U again with a difference (as expressed in my poem).
PHAUNG DAW-U FESTIVAL

Phaung Daw-U, oh Burma’s grandeur
Can truly make our hearts sublime
Its mystic charm and rhymeless splendor
Have firmly stood the test of time

It lies deep in the heart of people
It gives them courage and inspiration
No wonder this festival has no equal
It promises joy and veneration

On board the Karaweik so scintillating
Stood the four images of Lord Buddha
For the Noble Truth are we vindicating?
What lies deep under the completed tour?

But one statue was left behind
Because in writings we do find
That should it ever leave the shrine
There will be thunder and storm
Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut

From floating islands the leg rowers came
To take part in the race
With their muscular frame, with might and main
Their oars flashing at a rapid pace

Festivities last all night long
Dances to the company of ozi and gong
Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air
May loving kindness prevail everywhere

Last Trip to Inlay in January 2020
- I was invited to join the 2020 Professional Speakers Association (PSA) Tour to selected cities in Upper Myanmar.
- Several hotels sponsored part of the tour and/or provided discount rates to the Tour group.
- At the end of the tour, we visited Inlay.
  Two PSA sayas provided a short training course for the employees of the hotel.
August 10, 2025
Talk — Karuna, Mudita, Uppekha
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 11, 2021

Four Byamaso Taya
- Metta
  Unbounded Love / Loving Kindness
- Karuna
  Compassion
- Mudita
  Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
- Uppekkha
  Equanimity
Karuna
- Pali term
- Rendered as Compassion
- One of the four Bhamaso Taya
- Buddha is called “The Compassionate One”
- Mahayana Buddhists emphasize the importance of Compassion
- Sayadaw U Sobhana (GBNF) had four Indonesian siblings as his students.
  Named one of them Karuna.
  She was present at Sayadaw’s Last Journey.
- U Moe Myint (M76) and several alumni are members of the “Karuna Ah Thinn” in Singapore.
  One activitiy is to help the needy for the Last Journey of their loved one.
- We saw an outpouring of Karuna in the relief efforts for Disaster Recovery (e.g. Cyclone Nargis)
Practicing Karuna
- May suffering ones be suffering-free
- And the fear-struck fearless be
- May the grieving shed all grief
- And all beings find relief
Mudita
- Pali term.
- Rendered as Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
- One of the four Bhamaso Taya
- One should feel joyful when one hears good news about others.
Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung
- Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) is Chief Editor
- Contributor : Tekkatho Moe War (U Moe Aung)
Upekkha
- Pali term
- Rendered as Neutral [Feeling]
- Also translated as Equanimity
- One of the four Bhamaso Taya
In a loose usage in Burmese, “Upekkha Shu” means “ignore”. It is not representative of the importance of Upekkha, which provides a balance of life and avoids the two extremes stated in the Dhammacakka Sutta

It is non-trivial to sense Upekkha while practicing Vipassana (Insight) Meditation.

Feelings may be be categorized as
- Pleasant Feeling
- Unpleasant Feeling
- Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling
Upekkha is synonymous with “Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling”.

Buddhist Dictionary
August 10, 2025
Talk — English Study 2
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 23, 2021

U Hla Min

Courses and/or Tests
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- English as a Specialty Language (ESL)
My English Teachers
- I.Sc.(A)
  Daw Khin Kyi Kyi
  Daw Tinsa Maw Naing
- RIT
  Saya Des Rodgers
  Saya U Khin
  Saya U Win Mra
Some Reference Books
- Idioms
- Proverbs
- How to improve your diction
- Rhyming Dictionary
August 10, 2025