The Burmese Calendar is a luni-solar-socio-religious calendar.
The Burmese New Year falls on or around April 16. The three (or sometimes four) days preceding the New Year is celebrated as Thingyan (similar to Songkran festival in Thailand).
It is a lunar calendar with 12 lunar months in most years. An intercalary month called “Second Waso” is added every three years. There are 12 religious and/or social festivals (one for each Burmese month).
Most religious festivals are celebrated on the Full Moon Day.
The following is a brief description of the 12 Burmese months and the associated festivals.
1. Month of Tagu
Name of the auspicious event: Ushering in the Burmese New Year by the Buddhists
Associated festival: A Ta Thingyan Water Festival (generally held from April 13 – 15 or 16)
Details for the celebration: (a) Invite guests for special treat. (b) Take eight precepts and practice Sila (morality). (c) Listen attentively to the “38 Blessings” by the sangha. (d) Chant Paritta (protective verses) and Pathana (“relations”) (e) Pay homage to the elderly people as if they were one’s own parents (f) All the above are performed (by the Burmese Buddhist) to accumulate kusala (wholesome deeds) (g) Most younger people usher in the Burmese New Year by throwing water (h) Thingyan festival is the most prominent among the 12 (monthly) festivals.
Objectives: To cleanse akusala (unwholesome deeds) from the past year (a) symbolically by throwing water (b) practically by performing meritorious deeds such as dana (charity), sila (mrality), and bhavana (meditation)
2. Full Moon Day of Kason
Name of the auspicious event: Buddha’s Day. It is the most prominent day for the (Theravada) Buddhists celebrating four milestones (a) the proclamation that the Bodhisatta Sumeda would become Buddha in four incalculables and 100,000 worlds (b) birth of the Boddhisatta Sidartha (c) enlightenment of Gautama Buddha (d) Mahaparinibbna (final passing away of Buddha)
Associated festival: Kason Nyaung Ye Thun Pwe (pouring water on the Bodhi tree)
Details for the celebration: (a) Invite guests for special treat. (b) Invite sangha and offer requisites (c) Take (five or eight) precepts and practice Sila (morality) (d) Listen to the dhamma talks (e) Practice metta (loving kindness meditation) (f) Share merits (g) Pour water on the Bodhi tree
Objectives: (a) To acknowledge the practice of parami (perfection) for four incalculables in order to become a Buddha (b) To realize that Buddha’s teachings are for our own good (c) To make a determination that we should practice Buddha’s teachings to the fullest extent
3. Full Moon Day of Nayone
Name of the auspicious event: Mahasamaya (“Great Occasion”) A Kha Daw Nay (a) Commemorating truce between Kapilavutta and Koliya countries (b) Assembly of devas, brahmas, galons, nagas, and sanghas expressing their metta (unbounded love) (c) Ordination of 500 princes from the Sakya clan (d) In sum, distinguished and outstanding day of love and peace
Associated festival: Recitation of Mahasamaya Sutta
Details for the celebration: (a) Invite guests for special treat. (b) Invite sangha and offer requisites (c) Take (five or eight) precepts and practice Sila (morality) (d) Listen to the dhamma talks (e) Recite Mahasamaya Sutta (f) Practice metta (loving kindness meditation) (g) Share merits
Objectives: (a) To advocate love and peace among nations with diverse cultures and beliefs (b) To practice metta (unbounded love) not only for humans but for all beings
4. Month of Waso
Name of the auspicious event: (a) Offering of Waso robes (b) Recitation of Dhammacakkapavutna Sutta (“Turning the Wheel of Dhamma”)
Associated festival: There is no specific date for the offering of Waso robes to the sangha. Full Moon Day of Waso is a prominent day for (Theravada) Buddhists celebrating three milestones (a) the day when Boddhisatta was conceived in the womb of Queen Mahamaya (b) the day when Prince Sidharta renounced his worldly pleasures (c) the day when the First Sermon Dhammacakkapavutna Sutta was delivered to his five disciples
Details for the celebration: (a) Invite guests for special treat. (b) Invite sangha and offer requisites (c) Take (five or eight) precepts and practice Sila (morality) (d) Listen to the dhamma talks about Magga (Noble Eight-fold Path) (e) Collectively recite Dhammacakkapavutna Sutta (f) Practice metta (loving kindness meditation) (g) Share merits
Objectives: (a) To avoid the two extremes of sensual pleasure and self-mortification (b) To practice the Noble Eight-fold Path
5. Full Moon Day of Wa Khaung
Name of the auspicious event: Metta (“Unbounded Love”) A Kha Daw Nay 500 monks who were practicing meditation in the forest were intimidated by nats (guardian spirits) and returned to Buddha’s monastery. Buddha preached them Metta Sutta and exhorted them to practice loving kindness meditation to the nats before meditating. The monks returned to the forest and practiced per Buddha’s exhortation. The nats no longer obstructed the practice of the monks, thereby allowing them to progress and get enlightened. Thus, Metta A Kha Daw Nay came into being.
Associated festival: Recitation of Metta Sutta & Sar Ye Tan Mei (deciding the donation to a monk based on a “raffle” [letter written on a stick, in ancient times]
Details for the celebration: (a) Invite guests for special treat. (b) Invite sangha and offer requisites (c) Take (five or eight) precepts and practice Sila (morality) (d) Collectively recite Metta Sutta (e) Offer requisites to the monks based on the Sar Ye Tan Mei “raffle” (f) Dhamma talk on metta and the virtues of practicing metta (g) Share merits
Objectives: To practice metta (unbounded love), karuna (compassion), mudita (altruistic joy), & uppekha (equinamity)
6. Full Moon Day of Tawthalin
Name of the auspicious event: Garudhamma (“Five precepts”) A Kha Daw Nay A brief history is as follows. Bodhisatta was (once) born in Kuru Taing (province), where the king and his people practiced Garudhamma. They refrain from (a) killing (b) stealing (c) sexual misconduct (d) lying (e) taking intoxicants. So, the weather was fine and wealth was amassed. Kawlinga Taing (province) suffered from (a) war (b) famine (c) disease. Many perished. The king and people of Kawlinga Taing decided to emulate the king and people of Kuru Taing. Soon, the weather became fine and wealth was amassed. The three sufferings disappeared. The Full Moon Day of Tawthalin, which is part of the rainy season, was named Garudhamma (“Five precepts”) A Kha Daw Nay.
Associated festival: Competition for reciting poems about the merits of taking five precepts.
Details for the celebration: Host competitions for reciting poems about the merits of taking five precepts.
Objectives: (a) To make people aware of the merits of taking five precepts (b) To have a peaceful community (c) To promote world peace
7. Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut
Phaungdaw-u Festival
Name of the auspicious event: Abhidhamma (“Ultimate Reality”) A Kha Daw Nay & Mahapavayana Nay Buddha taught Abhidhamma to the devas in Savateinsa (during the Buddhist Lent) and returned to earth on the Full Moon Day of Thadinkyut
Associated festival (1): Festival of Light
Details for the celebration: (a) Light candles (b) Light incandescent bulbs Objectives: Emulate the scene where the devas and the people paid homage with candles and lights to the Buddha upon his return from Savateinsa
Associated festival (2): Pavayana Pwe
Details for the celebration: (a) Monks assemble in a sima hall (b) Each monk invites other monks to give advice. He says, “If you have seen me commit a misdeed, you may reprimand me. If you hear that I have committed a misdeed, you may reprimand me. If you doubt me, you may reprimand me. I will try not to commit that misdeed in the future.” (c) Lay people might also invite their fellow people to give advice.
Objectives: (a) To practice Nivata Mangala — blessing where one displays humility (b) For monks to practice Sovacasatta Mangala — blessing where one takes constructive critism (c) For lay people to become good & wise people
8. Full Moon Day of Tazaungdaing
Name of the auspicious event: Samyannaphala (“Virtues of monkhood”) A Kha Daw Nay Buddha gave the sermon to King Ajjasathat on the Full Moon Day of Tazaungdaing
Associated festival: Tazaungdaing Festival
Details for the celebration: (a) Light candles (b) Take (eight) precepts and practice Sila (morality) (c) Dhamma talks based on Samyannaphala Sutta (d) Practice metta (loving kindness meditation) (e) Share merits
Objectives: (a) Make people aware of the virtues of monkhood and the qualities of sangha (b) If one has conducted misdeeds like King Ajjasathat, one should acknowledge the fact, but be determined to be good by doing meritorious deeds.
9. Full Moon Day of Nadaw
Name of the auspicious event: Dhamma Sarsodaw Myar Nay In Burmese History, Full Moon Day of Nadaw honors the literary giants (writers, poets). In modern days, the Department of Religious Affairs designated the day to honor writers for the dissemination of dhamma
Associated festival: Sar Pyan Pwe (Oral and written examination for the monks)
Details for the celebration: (a) Hold religious examinations (b) Written examination about Tipitaka (“Three Baskets”) : Vinaya (Monastic rules of conduct), Sutta (Discourses), Abhidhamma (Ultimate Reality) (c) Oral examination about Tipitaka (d) Lay people may visit libraries and borrow religious books (e) Lay people may hold discussions about dhamma
Objectives: (a) Preservation and propagation of Tipitaka (b) Encourage youths to be highly literate and have good moral character
10. Month of Pyatho
Name of the auspicious event: Shin Ta Htaung (1000 ascetics) A Kha Daw Nay During Buddha’s time, 1000 ascetics in Uruvela forest led by the Kassappa brothers renounced their wrong beliefs and become arahants.
Associated festival: Ordination of monks and novices
Details for the celebration: (a) Hold ceremonies for higher ordination of monks (b) Allow youths to become novices
Objectives: (a) To reinforce the importance of practicing morality (b) To familiarize people with religious ceremonies & the performing of meritorious deeds
11. Full Moon Day of Tabodwe
Name of the auspicious event: Ovada Patimauk (Buddha’s exhortation to avoid akusala, to perform kusala, and to purify one’s mind) A Kha Daw Nay
The Full Moon Day of Tabodwe is significant for several reasons. (a) Venerable Sariputta became an arahant (b) Both Venerable Sariputta and Venerable Mogallana were proclaimed by Buddha as the Best in their specialties (c) Without any explicit notice, Ehi Bhikkhu Calabinna Patisambidapatta arahants (elite monks who do not need explicit ordination, who possess six divine powers, and who easily became enlightened) convened for the Ovada Patimauk ceremony.
Associated festival: Ovadaha Partimauk & Htamane Pwe (Sticky rice) festival
Details for the celebration: (a) Collectively prepare Htamane (b) Offer htamane to monks and devotees (c) Listen to dhamma talks
Objectives: (a) Emphasize the strength of unity (b) Perform meritorious deeds collectively (c) Understand Buddha’s exhortation to avoid akusala, to perform kusala, and to purify one’s mind & practice accordingly
12. Full Moon Day of Tabaung
Name of the auspicious event: Myat Buddha Pyi Daw Win A Kha Daw Nay At the request of his father’s emissary Kaludayi, Buddha accompanied by 20000 arahants returned to Kapilavutta from Rajagaha. The return trip commenced on the 1st waning day of Tabaung in year 103 of Mahatheikarit (calendar used in Buddha’s time)
Associated festival: Buddha Pujaniya Tabaung Festival (paying homage to Buddha)
Details for the celebration: (a) Invite as many sangha as possible (b) Offer requisites to the sangha
Objectives: To remember the Triple Gems: Buddha , Dhamma, and Sangha
Shwe YaDu Lann (Poem and Translation) Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) wrote a poem for the RIT Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee). I translated the poem into English.
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife (Article) Nine of my articles were published in Volume One of the Encyclopedia. 23 Asian American Groups were featured in the three-volume Encyclopedia.
The (Hidden) Power of Kabyar (Poem and Translation) Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) wrote a poem for “Kabyar Nay” (Poem Day). I translated the poem into English.
To the Shwe Duo (Poem and Translation) Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) wrote a poem in memory of Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66) and Saya U Hla Shwe (T69), who passed away within a few months of each other. I translated the poem into English.
To ease Nostalgia / “Lwann Pyay Aung (Poem and Translation) Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) composed an excellent poem for SPZP-2012. I translated the poem into English.
Names (Article) I have presented several speeches on Names at “Toastmasters International”. I have also written articles on naming conventions, common names, pen names and meaning of names.
Shwe YaDu Lann
Shwe YaDu Lann
Translation by U Hla Min
Shwe YaDu Lann Let it be rough [but it’s tough]. Flowers are blossoming again. Fear not the summer Care not the rain [drops] or the thick fogs & darkness or if winter’s not true to its form
Shwe YaDu Lann Let it be rough. No gentle stream flowing Fear not high winds Care not dense clouds Topsy turvy [come what may] Can paddle upstream With strong mind & conviction Place where heroes [Thu Ye Kaungs] are produced.
Swel Daw Myaing Dann Shwe YaDu Lann is a start [of a journey] To raise the Banner loftily to the skies, to the Zenith displaying our thitsar (vow of truth and integrity)
HLA MIN (Editor, Newsletter Updates, USA)
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
Nine of my articles appear in the Encyclopedia ofAsian American Folklore and Folklife (AAFF).
The three-volume book was published by ABC-CLIO in 2011. At the beginning, the book was sold for $275.
I received a book (for completing eight articles according to the agreement) and $10 (for the additional article).
Burmese Americans are covered in Pages 127 to 178 of Volume One.
The Editors decided to merge two of my articles with other authors.
Unfortunately, an error introduced by my co-author. On page 150, he mentioned July 22 (instead of July 19) as Martyrs’ Day. The merged article unfortunately was not sent to me for review. The Editors promise to correct the error in subsequent editions.
Folk tales (as told by Saya Dr. Htin Aung and Ludu U Hla) are part of the Folklore.
To read my articles on-line, you should go to “Google Books” and then search “Hla Min“.
The (Hidden) Power of Kabyar
Translation by U Hla Min
Kabyar is animate But [it’s life is] not just a [fleeting] morn
Kabyar is a weapon But not for destroying the world
Kabyar is key For liberation and independence But not devoid of principles [and morals]
Kabyar has power Hidden but efficient & effective Like sharp-pointed spear-head Can thrust into [the heart of] a power-maniac Cause trembling, shivering, throbbing & anguished pain
Poem in Burmese by Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung)
To the Shwe Duo
Translation by U Hla Min
in memory of “Shwe Duo” : Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66) and Saya U Hla Shwe (T69)
“TO THE SHWE DUO” by Tekkatho Moe War
SHWE duo Blossom in unison Disappear together Free from complaint Even with thin breath Showed mark [of courage and wisdom] Never wavered … Pressed by burden At the awaited turn [of journey’s end] Body — inheritance [from previous lives] Succumbs [to failing health] Yet, “Wei-nyin” is fresh, alive and hovering.
To ease Nostalgia
Poem by U Nyunt Htay
Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) is a distinguished poet. He is Chief Editor and/or Publisher of Myanmar Mudita. He composed an excellent poem for SPZP-2012.
Translation by U Hla Min
One cannot forget the history and sweet memories of one’s alma mater, and one feels that most alumni — near and far — still yearn for the good old days.
In front of A Hall, B Hall [C, D, E, F, Halls] friends would tease and prank, yet do no harm. They do not care to find weaknesses in others, and will remain loyal friends. In front of Uttra (North or G) Hall — usually in the evenings — aspiring Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins serenade with love songs aided by guitars, harmonicas and violins.
Hear the bells in Building One, Two [Three] ringing once more. Many rush to the classrooms [some spend time on the corridors to enjoy the belles go by]. At night, some “count the numbers” (perhaps playing cards, or actually studying and doing home work).
RIT students do not feel outnumbered by RASU [with Burma selected] or Eco at any kind of sports [soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, water polo …]. RIT has staunch loud-voiced fans [like “Ajala” Moe Hein].
Assembly Hall hosted not just presentations and debates. It also is the home of Geeta See Sar [Musical Evening Extravaganza] with outstanding musicians, composers, vocalists and dancers. Swel Daw Yeik Troupe and Ah Nyeint, Pyazat, … melt our hearts.
Cartoon Box [former telephone kiosk] nurtured many cartoonists to share their humor, satire and ideas with the readers searching for Sacca (Truth).
Aw Bar Lann (precious memories to the graduates attending the graduation ceremony) is known not also for applause but also for the tongue-in-cheek comments and unruly claps and shouts to the unwary treading the Lann.
As the examinations near, most try their best [by borrowing books and notes from their friends, by attending crash sessions] to pass the hurdle. On the desks are notes [not neat and tidy] scattered all over. Times and systems change, but most RITians are able to decide the essentials (“Ah Hnit”) from the inessentials (“Ah Kar”).
Swel Daw Yeik
One can never forget the history and [priceless] memories.
Names
Overview
Before the advent of MRI and Ultra Sound, some people prepare a set of 14 names for the forthcoming : 7 names for a boy (one for each day of the week) and 7 names for a girl (ditto).
Some prefer to have a formal naming ceremony a specified number of days after the birth of a child.
Names may have meaning and/or a historical background.
For example, “Pyke Tin” means “left on a net”. The mother of Saya Dr. Pyke Tin presumably had problems (e.g. miscarriage), so she performed a “Yadana” to catch Saya with a net.
I have a cousin aunt named “Pyke Mi” meaning “caught on a net”.
Ko Ko, Nyi Nyi, Maung Maung, Maung Gyi, Maung Lay, Ma Gyi, Ma Nge are some names based on the order of birth.
There may be name changes. For example, Bogyoke Aung San was named “Htain Lin”, but he changed him name to “Aung San” to rhyme with “Aung Than” (his elder brother).
A new name is given in some social (e.g. Coronation of a King or Queen) and religious (e.g. Higher Ordination) events.
Burma/Myanmar has a sizable number of race and ethnicity.
The following are some prefixes of my sayas, sayamas and friends.
Sao (e.g. Saya Sao Kan Gyi, descendant of Keng Tung Sawbwa)
Sai (e.g. Sai Kyaw Aye, broadcaster for the BBS Shan Language Program)
Saw (e.g. Saw Edison, Karen, RIT Volleyball)
Sa (e.g. Sa Maung Maung, Joint Treasurer, EE69er HCF)
Duwa (e.g. Duwa Zau Lai, Myitkyina)
Nan (e.g. Nan Khin Nwe, young and energetic fund raiser)
Nang (e.g. Nang Khaming, RIT Track and Field)
Naw (e.g. Naw Mu Mu Aye, Professor, Textile)
Salai (e.g. Saya Salai Tun Than, Professor, Yezin)
In most countries, the Father’s lineage is used for the Family Name. Long ago, in some Matriarchal society, the Mother’s lineage is used for the Family Name.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (or John F. Kennedy) is the US President who proposed the Space Program to send Men to the Moon and bring them back safely to earth. His first name (or personal name) is John. His last name (or family name) is Kennedy. The middle name is Fitzgerald. The middle initial is F. Fitz means “son of”.
President Harry Truman has no middle name. His middle initial is S.
I have no middle name. So at one company, I was registered as Hla X Min (where X is a filler).
My name has only six letters, but it has been misspelled and mispronounced in six (or more) ways.
Prefix
A name may have a prefix.
Prefixes for
a male Burmese name include Maung, Ko, U, and Pho.
a female Burmese name include Ma, Daw, and Phwa.
a Burmese monk name include Ashin, Sayadaw, Venerable and U.
Shan names include Sao, Sai, and Nan.
Mon names include Mehm, Min, Nai, and Mi.
Karen (Kayin) names include Saw, Sa, Pado, and Naw.
Kachin names include Duwa.
Chin names include Salai.
Old Burmese passports were issued with the prefix included. This created confusion when matching names from other documents (e.g. birth certificate).
Dr. U Win was called “Hey, U (pronounced as You)” by his friends, who did not realize that “U” (pronounced as Oo) is a prefix for a Burmese name.
Suffix
A name may have a suffix.
Suffixes include
Sr. (Senior for the father)
Jr. (Junior for one of the sons)
Generation number, e.g. Bill Gates is named William Gates IV
Esq. (Esquire, used earlier in Britain)
Degree, e.g. Freddie Ba Hli, Sc.D.
Fellowship or Membership
Monk names
Some monks names may have “abhivamsa” or “alankara” as suffixes.
Sayadaw U Silananda the prestigious monk examination (conducted in Mandalay) before the age of 27. So, he is often referred to as U Silanandabhivamsa.
There are several distinguished Sayadaws named Ashin Janakabhivamsa.
U Neimeinda and U Siri (Thiri) passed the “Lankara” religious examinations as novices. They may suffix their names with “alankara”.
Prefix for Monk Names
Bhikkhu
Ashin
Baddhanta
Sayadaw
Upazin or Uzin
U
Thera
Maha Thera
Venerable (in English)
Tipitaka Dara (one who completed “Vinaya”, “Sutta”, and “Abhidhamma” exams)
Dwee Pitaka Dara (one who completed “Vinaya” and “Sutta” examinations)
Suffix for Monk Names
Monk names may be suffixed with one or more of the following:
Lankara (one who had passed that dhamma exam as a novice)
[A]bhivamsa (one who had passed the “Set kyar thi ha Dhammacariya” exam before the age of 26)
Wun tha ka (one who stood first in the special examination)
Pa hta ma gyaw (one who stood first in the Pa hta ma pyan exam)
Thi ro ma ni (one who finished 9 “kyans” in a single year)
Some inventions are attributed to Serendipity. Three notable examples are
Discovery of X-rays X stands for “Unknown”. German scientist Wilhelm Rontgen discovered X-radiation (unknown type of radiation) on November 8, 1895. Other names include X-ray, Xray and Röntgen radiation.
Discovery of Penicillin Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin in 1928.
3M’s Post-it notes Dr. Spencer Silver, a scientist at 3M, accidentally discovered a weak glue in 1968. Arthur Fry obtained permission from 3M to develop “sticky notes” in 1974.
Kekule’s Dream
Friedrich August Kekulé, a German chemist, was searching for the structure of Benzene, which has six Carbon atoms and six Hydrogen atoms.
In 1865, he had a day-dream where a snake’s head tried to bite its tail. Was an “Aha” moment for him. Figured out the ring shape of the Benzene molecule.
Some use this example as the power of the subconscious mind in solving problems.
Saya Dr. Soe Win wrote :
The structure of benzene is indeed a significant discovery in the history of science.
When the Korean War erupted in 1950 with the USA and China as the main protagonists, I was a child [probably too young to comprehend the details], but the interest in the war and its impact intensified as I grew older. Imperial Japan ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945. At the end of the Second World War, USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) declared war on Japan [supposedly] with the aim of dividing Korea. With the approval of the US, the Soviet Union claimed North of the 38th Parallel. The USA took control of South Korea. Japan conceded defeat and left Korea.
The conflict between the Governments of North Korea and South Korea escalated into a full-scale war. With the backing of the Soviet Union and China, the North Korea army invaded South Korea in June, 1950. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the invasion and passed a resolution to defend South Korea. Twenty one nations (including US) sent forces to defend South Korea.
About two months – in the early phase of the war – South Korean forces suffered losses and had to retreat. Then, the counter attacks of the UN forces were able to “severe” the connections of the North Korean fighting units. In the middle of 1951, China sent forces to aid the North Korean army. UN forces retreated.
I am not trying to describe the Korean War in detail. I want to emphasize the intensive use of man power to engage in traditional combat. Note that there were occasional uses of bombers. During the three years (June 25th 1950 to July 27th 1953), there was a huge number of dead, wounded, POW (prisoners of war), and MIA (missing in action). The following statistics show the ghastly nature of the war. Note that only South Koreans are accounted for “South Korea & the 21 nations sent by UN”.
South Korea 178,426 Dead 566,434 Wounded & POW
North Korea 300,000 (estimate) Dead 303,000 Wounded; 120,000 POW
China 400,000+ (estimate) Dead 486,000 Wounded; 21,000 POW
Civilian Casualty 2.5 million South Koreans 1.5 million North Koreans
(2)
From the list of casualties, we can clearly see the striking amount of dead and wounded for both soldiers and civilians. In particular, China – the most populated nation in the world – is estimated to have 900 thousand dead and wounded. Imagine, how many soldiers China must have sent to help North Korea. The News Media of that time coined the phrase “Sea of men” to describe the Chinese army battling the Korean War. One can envision the mass of fighters as an vast open sea.
We have witnessed two “Sea of men” in our mother land. We saw the first Sea in 1988. We are seeing the second Sea now [in 2015]. The poem “Sea of men” was written in September 1988, but it was censored. One does not need to think twice to guess why I wrote the poem.
SEA OF MEN
Water – drop by drop
countless drops assemble
as a water flow
Water flows – collectively
rushing, hustling, bustling –
transforming into a stream
From streams
to twisting, turning and winding rivers
to the whorl of the sea
Very long and broad – vast expanse
waves – agitated by winds – rise high
with grudge and anger
to put down [intruders]
It’s SACCA (“Thitsar” – Truth of nature)
[Rower] holding an oar
thrusting into the water
hoping to harness the wave, but …
[Helmsman] on board a ship
with engine roaring
hoping to split the wave, but …
Only for a short while
the waves seem to loosen –
with sprinkles and sprouts
turn into vortex with immense power –
stronger than ever
One can never break up determined men
It’s SACCA (“Thitsar” – Truth of nature).
September 23rd, 1988
The current “Sea of men” is not for sending people to fight as in the Korean War. It is SACCA [“Thitsar” – Truth of nature] that people, who had to breathe for a long, long time polluted air and strive in an environment with degradation in economics, health, civics, ethics, and education, WOULD assemble VOLUNTARILY in the hope of breathing pure, clean air once again. Does not one like gentle breeze? Does not one want to enjoy fragrances that are carried by the breeze? Sad to note that some of the drains that are left uncleaned are making the air unfit to breathe. Worse still, the defamatory attacks by some have further degraded the air quality.
As the November, 2015 elections draw close, we see “Sea of men”. People truly want to understand and differentiate the ones who really care to upgrade the quality life of lay people, from those, who tend to ignore the people and care only for their own.
Updates
Saya Moe
Saya had medical problems, but he did not stop writing articles & kabyars.
Kabyar
Thanks Saya for your presents — books, magazines, sar saungs & pasoe
Do not darken without pouring, oh! overcast skies. You loom and lour to constrict the home-dweller. Even as though about to pour, you should not thunder from above Myedu Town in the north.
Rapid, incessant heartbeat racing towards the Bagan area Deeply rooted in the bottom of my heart the cultural, religious, historical and architectural heritage of Bagan.
Fascinating, full of wonder and memories, heart-rendering sublime Bagan finally, rightfully inscribed as World Heritage Site O… ancient Temple City where I left my heart.
Every time one looks yonder touched by the whirling, swirling, vibrant Ayeyarwaddy (Lord of the rivers) Misty, dreamy panoramic view O…. my dear Ayeyarwaddy.
Finest culture Treasure of sculpture Architecture galore Countless shrines and pagodas of Bagan Will last for eternity as World Heritage Site to be revered, cherished and appreciated O…. glorious Bagan. ရေးသူ– တက္ကသိုလ် မိုးဝါ
U Thein Aung (M72) presents the differentiation with U Thein Aung (Met72).
I am Set Hmu — Maung Thein Aung စက်မှု — မောင်သိန်းအောင် (I am Maung Thein Aung — Mechanical Engineer.)
He is Set Hmu Maung — Thein Aung စက်မှုမောင် — သိန်းအောင် (He is Thein Aung, who won Mr. RIT award and Sa Lwei Thaing in 1968).
Transformation
During his RIT days, U Thein Aung (Met72) was “Ba La Gyi ဗလကြီး “ full of strength and prowess).
Lately, he has become “Ba Lar Gyi ဗလာကြီး” nothing notable left).
Sargalay
At a 69er gathering, Daw Saw Yu Tint (T69) greeted U Khin Maung Win (EP69, GBNF) as Sargalay (စာကလေး “sparrow”).
He replied, “I am no longer Sargalay. I have become a La Da (လဒ “vulture”).
Cartoon
Saya U Aung Myint (Pet69, Kyant Ba Hone, GBNF) drew a cartoon:
“Ah Ba, Kar Ku La Thin Char (ကာကုလသင်္ချာ Calculus) is fascinating. If you differentiate a La Da, you get a Sargalay. If you integrate a Sargalay, you get back a La Da.”
Palindrome
It reads the same when read forward or backward.
There are palindromes in languages, music and art.
The Pulitzer Prize winning book on Escher (Painter), Godel (Mathematician) and Bach (Composer) discusses threads that are common to Mathematics and Computer Science, Arts and Music. One such thread is a palindrome. For example, a musical composition (which is a palindrome) can be played from the front to back, and vice versa.
Palindrome #1
The earliest palindrome supposedly occurred in the Garden of Eden. MADAM I’M ADAM and the reply EVE
Palindrome #2
Napoleon Bonaparte is the first Corsican to attend the French Military Academy. He rose to be a young General, and then an Emperor. He supposedly lamented as follows: ABLE WAS I ERE I SAW ELBA .
Palindrome #3
There were two early Canals (Suez and Panama) to shorten the sea routes. The degree of difficulty was not the same. It took meticulous planning to build the Panama Canal. It gave rise to the palindrome : A MAN, A PLAN, PANAMA
Parent #1: My son’s only four and he can already spell his name backwards. Parent #2: Oh? And what’s his name? Parent #1: Otto.
Jokes
In our younger days, there were Newton jokes. Later, there were Einstein jokes. It is possible that someone created a joke about an absent minded professor and then attributed to a famous person.
Joke #1
It was raining. Einstein took off his hat and hid it in his coat. A student asked “Why?” The reply : “My hat is new and can be damaged. But my head cannot be damaged by the rain.”
Joke #2
A ticket inspector boarded a train. Einstein searched for his pockets. The inspector said, “You need not show me the ticket. You are Einstein.” The reply : “I do not know which stop I should get down.”
Joke #3
Einstein was carrying a stack of books. He collided with a lovely student. The books fell down. The student collected the books and returned them to Einstein. Einstein asked, “Which way was I going?” The student replied, “You were going towards the school.” Einstein felt relieved and said, “Then, I must had my lunch at home.
around the world in 80 days (a remarkable feat for his time)
He inspired people to transform most of his wishes into reality.
He sent three men from a Cape in Florida to orbit the moon, and returned them safely to earth.
A century later — around Christmas of 1968 — Apollo 8 with Frank Borman, James Lovell and Bill Anders made Verne’s dream a reality. The space ship was launched from Cape Canaveral (later renamed Cape Kennedy), which is within striking distance of the spot chosen by Vernes.
In July 1969, Apollo 11 with Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin landed in Tranquility Bay on the Moon.
When President John F. Kennedy proclaimed, “Before this decade is out, we will send men to the moon and then bring them back safely to earth”, there was no substantial plan to support his dream.
Wernher von Braun, a German rocket scientist, and his team were given a “level of trust” to work on the NASA project.
It would need baby steps : Mercury, Gemini & Apollo projects to have one, two and three astronauts to man the space ships.
It was not clear how to implement the important phase. e.g. How can a direct hit to the moon cause a safe return to earth? Folklore said that an engineer scribbled on his lunch bag a “spider” landing on the moon and returning. His dream resulted in the design of the Lunar Module. The rest is history.
The take away is that “If you can dream, others can fulfill [your dream].”
My Early Dream
My dream — more than two decades ago — was to get the sayas and alumni get reconnected electronically (virtually) and physically (face-to-face).
In 1999, we founded the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” and ex-rit.org website.
With the help of countless sponsors and volunteers, the First RIT Grand Reuion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe (SPZP) was held in San Francisco, California, USA in October 2000.
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Seven SPZPs have been held USA in 2000, Singapore in 2002, 2007 and 2010, Yangon in 2004,2012, 2016.
SPZP-2020 was cancelled due to the pandemic.
My Recent Dream
It was to compile and publish a story of our beloved land, our ancestors, mentors prime movers; those who helped build the “Rice Bowl of Asia”; those who dragged it to LDC (Least Developing Country) status; unsung heroes who tried to overcome the “Adhamma Era” and rebuild the nation into former glory.
I have written numerous articles / posts.
2500+ posts can now be read from my web site — hlamin.com
I have broadcast 220+ educational videos.
We request Volunteers (paid or unpaid), Subject Matter Experts, Editors, Proofreaders, Presentation Gurus, Sponsors, Contributors & Supporters to help implement my Dream.
@hmin3664
YouTube Channel for my videos
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
Dreaming and creating inspiration for others to be able to fulfill your dreams are two different animals, if you will, by themselves. I, like many others, have dreams but we do not have your dedication, perseverance and drive to inspire others,
As I have said many times here, my hats off to you, I am very proud to be considered your friend, and informal pupil. And to your significant other (Ma Sein Yie) to take care of you/look after you and your sons while you would be deep into these projects. Please convey my regards to your family members
In the beginning, the talks were mainly about (a) Technology (b) Entertainment (c) Design
The talks now cover a much broader scope.
Each talk cover lasts around 18 minutes.
The videos can be found on TEDTalks.org and YouTube.
TEDx Talks
They are similar to TED talks, but they are organized by regional and local organizations.
Daw Thin Thiri Mon is the daughter of Dat Pone Sann Aung (RUBC Gold, M74) and Dr. Anna Myint. She is the niece of Sayama Daw Tin Tin Myint (Emma Myint, ChE70). She is a co-organizer of several TEDx Talks in Yangon.
TEDx Inya Lake
In TEDx Inya Lake, U Nay Oke (St. Paul’s) talked about two Burmese Poets from the “Khit San Sar Pay” era. One was his beloved mother Daw Khin Saw Mu. The other was Minthuwun (Saya U Wun). They were students of Saya U Pe Maung Tin (Pali Scholar who proposed to establish a separate Burmese Department at the University of Rangoon). U Nay Oke gave the background of the short story “Bagyi Aung Nyar De ဘကြီးအောင် ညာတယ်” by U Wun (Minthuwun). He remarked that the true story should be visited since it led to the emergence of Myanmar Kabyar, and all the main characters alluded in the story — ICS U Tin Tut, ICS U Ba Tint, Minthuwun and Daw Khin Saw Mu — have passed away.
HlaMin 