For protection against and getting free from sickness and disease
Reference the three occasions when Venerable Mogallana, Venerable Kassapa, and Lord Buddha felt sick but were cured after listening to and contemplating on the “Seven factors of Enlightenment”
This is one of the Suttas that is not only for chanting but also for practice
Bojjhanga Suttas (in Pali Prose) in the Scriptures
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)
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”.
In 1961, the Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University moved to Gyogone and had a new name Burma Institute of Technology (BIT). U Yone Mo was named Dean.
Under the new Education System, BIT became an autonomous Institute with a new name Rangoon Institute of Technology (RIT). Sayagyi became the Rector.
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) remembers how his friends were having fun with the “Ye Punn”. Saya U Yone Mo saw them, but did not scold them. He said with a smile, “Young men, you can go to the University Swimming Pool or to the Inya Kan (Lake)”.
Per Saya Allen Htay (C58), Sayagyi established the weekly “Yoke Shin” at the Assembly Hall.
Saya Dr. Aung Gyi (then Professor of Civil Engineering) remembered seeing a letter from U Yone Mo (Rector) sent to U Yone Mo (Parent of a son who happened to visit his gambling friends at the hostel). Saya told the Admin to stow away the letter.
Ko Zaw Min Nawaday knows Sayagyi and his spouse (Daw Elizabeth Yone Mo, High Ranking Nurse at RGH and a close friend of Daw Khin May Than) very well. Sayagyi and Dr. Aung Gyi were in May Myo during one summer. Sayagyi asked Dr. Aung Gyi and Ko Zaw Min to accompany him. They ate Khauk Swe. Sayagyi reminded them gently not to tell about his “Khauk Swe” appetite to Sayagadaw.
Classmate Priests High school and university classmates who became priests Some quite early A few after retirement
1965 – 1969 Spent most of that period at Rangoon Institute of Technology Was active in extra-curricular activities
1920 – 1929 The first decade of Rangoon University Established in December 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as constituent Colleges
Myanmar Medical and Dental Professionals Had world wide gatherings (e.g. California, New York)
BMRI / DMR Dr. Mya Tu founded Burma Medical Research Institute He also co-authored “Who’s who in Medicine in Burma?”
Classmate Priests
Edwin David (7th from left in Fourth Row) Bernard Taylor (2nd from right in Second row) Aung Chaw (7th in Third row)
Catholic Priests
Father Edwin David (SPHS, GBNF) served as Priest of the St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Father Bernard Taylor (SPHS) served as a Missionary in some Asian countries. He resettled in Upper Burma.
Sayadaws
Ashin Okkantha
After retirement, U Aung Chaw (Victor, SPHS63, C69) became Ashin Okkantha. Sayadaw’s monastery is in Sagaing.
Uzin Bobby Myo Tun
After retirement, U Myo Tun (Bobby, A69) became Ashin Pannagavesaka. Sayadaw serves as Dhamma Librarian, Editor and Interpreter at Mawlamyaing Pa Auk Monastery.
1965 – 1969
Lu Ye Chun Camp (Summer 1965)
Inlay Lu Ye Chun Camp
The Lu Ye Chun Program was extended to Universities and Institutes. Inlay Khaung Daing Camp was established. The Camp hosted the Lu Ye Chuns from the High Schools, Universities and Institutes.
I was chosen as Lu Ye Chun for 2nd BE in 1965.
Ko Thein Swe was chosen as Lu Ye Chun for 3rd BE in 1966.
Ko Tin Myint was chosen as Lu Ye Chun for 4th BE in 1967.
The RIT Lu Ye Chun list that appeared in HMEE-2012 is not complete. It did not contain Ko Sein Shwe, Ko Hla Min, Ma Khin Than Myint Tin and Ko Zaw Min (Lu Ye Chuns for 1965 Inlay Camp).
Classes at RIT
Except for Architecture students, students from other majors took the same courses (albeit taught in different sections) for 2nd BE. There were 300+ students.
They had to select their major for 3rd BE. There were 80+ EE students.
Some left before graduation. Some decided to take sabbatical.
At the end, there were 40+ EE students left.
The EP students outnumbered the EC students 3 by 1.
We studied EC (Electrical Communications).
Eleven of us graduated in 1969.
Three (Kyaw Soe, Aung Thu Yein, Chit Tin) are now GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten) at this time.
RIT (General)
With every turmoil (effecting “National Security”), the Classes were suspended.
U Win Thein (M67, GBNF) was a Prime Mover. He co-founded Set Hmu Thadinzin and Mechanical Magazine. He co-organized activities.
Several RIT students excelled at Sports. There were Burma Selected (e.g. Sai Kham Pan, Htay Aung) and All Universities Selected.
Activities
I served as
Treasurer and Vice Captain of Rangoon University Boat Club
Class Representative, Joint Secretary and Secretary of RIT Electrical Engineering Association
Committee Member for “Hlyat Sit Sar Saung”
Editor of the Bulletin published by RIT English Association
Member of UTC, Scrabble, and Chess teams
Free lance writer (articles, poems, translations)
Nationalization
The schools were nationalized.
St. Paul’s High School became No. (6) Botathaung State High School.
Some Brothers left Burma for Malaysia, UK and Germany.
A few indigenous Brothers (e.g. Brother Anthony) remained in Ady Road.
Brother Joseph was ordained as Father Joseph.
U Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ, EC76) wrote :
AFAIK, EC was the hardest and strictest discipline at the RIT in those days as we’ve been told. Some even asked us why we had to go there. Of course, I am not going to mention the easiest discipline there but we joked like, “they had 109 students and 110 passed the exam”. I do not mean any disrespect to Sayas and friends from other majors!! At times, it made us wonder why were we there for god’s sake.
CRAZY TIMES!!! Indeed.
1920 – 1929
1920
Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College and Judson College as constituent colleges.
First Rangoon University Students’ Strike protesting the limited scope of the Rangoon University Act. The event is celebrated as National Day (Ah Myotha Aung Pwe Nay). The movement led to the founding of National Schools.
Saya U Ba Toke is a Phwa Bet Taw of the above events. All took place in December 1920.
1921 and 1922
Rangoon University conducted its own examinations for Arts and Science.
Amendments to the Rangoon University Act were suggested. Some were implemented.
1923
Preparation to add Engineering classes at Rangoon University
Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) was founded by Sir Arthur Eggar (Law Professor and member of Cambridge University Rowing Club)
1924
Admitted students with B.Sc. to attend a “condensed” three-year degree course in Engineering
Admitted students with I.Sc. to attend a four-year degree course in Engineering
First year Engineering classes were given for the first time
1925
Second year Engineering classes were given for the first time
1926
Third year Engineering classes were given for the first time
1927
Fourth (Final) year Engineering were given for the first time
The first batch of Engineering graduates (those who already had B.Sc.)
1928
The second batch of Engineering graduates (those who joined after passing I.Sc.)
U Hla Maung wrote in the RU Golden Jubilee Magazine.
U Hla Maung’s article was referred in HMEE-2012 book.
1929
The third batch of Engineering graduates
Suggested Reading
Magazine published in 1970 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Rangoon University
Literature on “Ah Myo Thar Aung Pwe Nay”
HMEE-2012 by Saya U Aung Hla Tun and team
HMEE-2012 Section One (Translated by U Ohn Khine and revised by Saya U Soe Paing)
Book published by Dr Khin Maung Swe (Maung Thin Char) for the 80th Birthday of Saya U Ba Toke
[1963] 40th Anniversary of RUBC (compiled by Sithu U Tin, U Po Zon and U Tin Htoon)
[2013] 90th Anniversary of RUBC : U Tin Htoon (Chair), U Myo Myint (Vice Chair), U “Henry” Htaik San (Secretary) and several members. I volunteered as a Contributing Editor and wrote Prelude for all sections and three articles.
Myanmar Medical and Dental Professionals
There have been five Global Reunions for Myanmar Medical & Dental Professionals.
Los Angeles, California, USA in 2009
Sydney, Australia in 2012
Yangon, Myanmar in 2014
London, United Kingdom in 2016
New York, USA in 2018
BMRI / DMR
During the early days of UCC, I was invited to give guest lectures at BMRI (Burma Medical Research Institute).
Dr. Mya Tu founded BMRI. He passed away at the age of 91 in Australia.
His successors include Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu, Dr. Khin Maung Tin, Dr. May May Yi, Dr. Than Swe and Dr. Paing Soe.
BMRI later became DMR (Directorate of Medical Research).
Dr. Nyunt Wai added :
The founder Dr. Mya Tu was a physiologist. One of his successors was a physiologist (Dr. May May Yee), another was a microbiologist (Than Swe), and the rest were physicians. Dr. Khin Maung Tin, who specialized in liver diseases passed away the earliest (heard it was a heart attack); survived by Dr. Daw Htay Kyi, a TB specialist. Dr. Aung Than Ba Tu, around 90 years of age, is still active, giving talks and participating in the editorial team of a certain journal.
There are many unsung volunteers for the RIT-related projects
Bagyee MyatMyo Myint
U Myo Myint (M73) is a retired Deputy Director General of Burma Railways.
He donated in cash and kind to RIT-related activities, Saya Pu Zaw Pwes, Swel Daw Yeik Foundation (SDYF)and YTU Library Modernization Project. His contributions include
Pon Tus of sayas and sayamas
Pon Tus of selected alumni (e.g. WHO)
Paintings for exhibition and sale
Design of covers for RIT Annual Magazines
Cover and cartoons for Swel Daw Yeik Magazines
U Saw Linn (C71, GBNF)
Core Organizer for SPZP-2012 Headed the Planning, Publications, Logistics and Security committees
Reprinted limited copies for the 23+ RIT Annual Magazines
Served as the Chief Editor and Publisher of the commemorative Swel Daw Yeik Magazine for SPZP-2012
His daughter graciously complied his father’s request to carry as much as possible out of the 90 remaining magazines. 45 were air lifted to Singapore.
Swel Daw
Several sayas wondered what happened to the Swel Daw Bins, which provided Swel Daw Yeik to the engineering students. How did they perish?
During the Adhamma Era, the Swel Daw Bins were decimated.
However virtual Swel Daw Yeik lie sdeep in the heart of the engineering sayas and students and will live on forever.
RIT-related artifacts include
Swel Daw Yeik Troupe & Ah Nyeint
Swel Daw Yeik Magazine
Swel Daw Yeik Sar Saung
Swel Daw Yeik Foundation
50 Swel Daw Bins were planted for the Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee) celebrations in 2014.
Living Proof
U Saw Linn (C71, GBNF) had a kidney transplant, and had been to ICU at least thrice.
U Wynn Htain Oo (M72) has a hip replacement surgery several years ago.
U Myint Pe (M72) had a Stage-3 cancer.
I met them on RIT Alumni Facebook Pages before I met them face to face at the SPZP-2012 Main Organizing Committee meetings.
Their health problems did not prevent them from working feverishly to repay their metta and cetana to their mentors, and to ensure that their former classmates and school mates will have wonderful reunions and flash backs to the good old days.
The three alumni are living proof that Swel Daw Yeik (RIT) Spirit is alive and well.
Volunteers for SPZP-2012
U Ohn Khine (M 70)
U Saw Linn (C 71, GBNF)
Daw Hla Thi (Tex 72)
U Aung Myo Khin (M 71)
Daw Pyone Pyone Oo (C 79)
U Myo Myint (M 72)
U Myint Soe (Pet 72)
U Ko Ko Gyi (C 73)
U Aung Moung (M 73, GBNF)
U Nyunt Htay (Met 73)
U Toe Maung (C 74)
Daw San San (C 79)
U Win Khaing (M 75)
U Than Win (Pet 75)
U Htay Maung (M 75)
U Tin Tun Aung (M 75)
U Than Po (M 75)
Daw Khin Saw Mu (EP 74)
U Zaw Min (M 75)
U Hla Win (M 75)
U Myint Aung ( 78)
U Win Htay (M 78)
U Myint Wai (A 79)
Daw Hla Htay Aung (A 79)
U Soe Myint (Min 83)
U Aung Win (C 84)
U Win Khaing Moe (EE 84)
U Aung Kyi Soe (M 85)
Daw Kyi Kyi Pyone (M 86)
U Kyaw Hlaing (M 86)
U Tin Maung Naing (M 87)
U Tin Oo (M 87)
U Myint Naing (EE 91)
U Zaw Naing (EE 96)
EC78
Ko Zarni Tun (EC78) is an Executive Committee member of RITAA. He was also Vice President of Old Johnian Association.
Ko Sit Nyein (EC78) is the boss of Sigma Cable.
Ko Zarni arranged a meeting with Ko Sit Nyein, Ko Wynn Htain Oo, Ko San Kyu, Ko Aung Khine, and Ko Zeya Moe Lay about YTU Library project.
Ko Sit Nyein pledged to help in everyone possible (e.g. donate some items, provide some items at base cost).
The discussion noted that most “temporary” solutions (due to lack of funds) remain “temporary” for a long time (may be permanently). Young alumni will work with the Ah Ko Gyis to make YTU Library a success.
HlaMin 