Blog

Hla Min — Writings (2)
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025
- 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 of Asian 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.

“Nwe Aye”, “Aung Theik Pan”, “Kan Thar Ya”, “U Chit” …

Memories from those who spend six years or more.

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)
- Pali Paragu (one who completed the exam in Pali)
August 7, 2025
Burmese American Professionals Society
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Brief History

BAPS

BAPS is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was founded as a merger of BEA (comprising of senior engineers) and BASTS (comprising of young engineers, scientists and technologists).

Saya U Htin Paw (EE58, GBNF), Saya U San Tun (M59) and Saya Dr. K C Chiu (ChE63) served as President of Bay Area Burmese Engineers Association (BEA).

Burmese American Science and Technology Society (BASTS) was founded by young engineers and scientists (mostly graduates from USA). Some are children of RIT alumni. They include
- Daniel Maung/Mao — son of Saya Mao Toon Siong (M62)
- Eugene and Jonathan Shu — sons of U Aung Khin (James Shu, M70, GBNF)
With the approval of Sayagyi U Aung Khin, BEA and BASTS merged to become Burmese American Professionals Society (BAPS).

BAPS
- I am a Life Member of BAPS.
- I served as Contributing Editor for BAPS Newsletter.
BAPS Presidents
- Saya U Nyo Win (M65)
- Benny Tan (M70)
- Maurice Chee (M75)
- Edison Paw
- Roger Sha
- Daniel Mao
  
  Edison, Roger and Daniel are founding members of BASTS.
BAPS Newsletter
- Chief Editor : Henry Lim
- Editors : U Thein Aung, Jane Wang
- Contributing Editors : Linda Khaw, U Hla Min, Edison Paw, Mike Yin
Table of Contents (Sample)

Article on Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo

I wrote an article for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo (EP74, ex-UCC).

I had the honor to start the incinerator, and later to throw the ashes in the Santa Cruz waters.

The End of a Sad Saga

The weather was exceptionally beautiful this morning — not only in the Silicon Valley where we live and work, but also over the hills along Highway 17, and even in the coastal area around Santa Cruz. There were no fogs, mists, or clouds.

I am not an early bird, but I woke up really early this morning to prepare for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo’s final journey — the scattering of his ashes from a 35 foot trawler motor yacht, DESTINY.

On Saturday, 10th June, 2000, Dr. Khin Nyo Thet and Dr. Lyn Swe Aye had retrieved the cremated remains of HLN from Oak Hill Funeral Home (OHFH). OHFH had packed and sealed HLN’s ashes in a sturdy, shining metal box (in compliance with postal regulations). With the approval of HLN’s family members in Yangon, Myanmar, we decided to give HLN a sea burial.

RIT Alumni International had earlier sent an advance check of $75 to Captain Pete Petersen, skipper of DESTINY. In his brochure, Captain Petersen clearly stated that “inclement weather will result in a rescheduling”. We do not want high winds to prolong the sad saga. The unusually fine weather, according to Dr. Lyn Swe Aye, must be Htay Lwin Nyo’s kusala (kutho or meritorious deeds) and the well wishing of numerous friends and colleagues. We all agree.

Dr. Khin Nyo Thet had asked me to be at her house not later than 7:30 a.m. She was surprised but delighted when I showed up barely a few minutes after 7 AM. “It’s better to be early than late”, she said and gave me a cup of coffee and some biscuits [that looked and tasted like those way back in Burma]. Dr. Lyn Swe Aye had come back from his early biking round.

There was virtually no traffic on the way to Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor. To cut the story short, DESTINY took off at 5 mph. There were no swells. More than a mile into the ocean waters, the Captain set the gears to neutral. Dr. Khin Nyo Thet scattered Htay Lwin Nyo’s ashes into the ocean waters. There were tears in her eyes. There was also relief knowing that she had done her best to give the last rites to Htay Lwin Nyo. We shared our merits once more to Htay Lwin Nyo.

The round trip took about 50 minutes or so. It was the finale of a sad saga.

Thanks to all those who endured with us. May Htay Lwin Nyo rest in peace.

Honoring U Nyo Win, Ko Benny and Ko Henry

On November 9, 2000, there was a special dinner at Ming’s seafood restaurant in Sunset, San Francisco to honor Saya U Nyo Win (M65), out-going president of BAPS and to welcome Ko Benny Tan (M70), the in-coming president. There were 30+ attendees. Saya U Nyo Win was presented a plaque in recognition of his leadership and services to BAPS.

A plaque was also awarded to Henry Lim (RIT Alumni) for his services as Editor of the BAPS newsletter. It grew from a 4 pager to a 20 pager.

BEA to BAPS

The first ever RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP did not happen out of the blue. One of the first seeds was sown with the founding of Burmese Engineers Association (BEA). The presidents Saya U Htin Paw (EE58), Saya U San Tun (M59) and Saya U KC Chiu (ChE63) — with the able support of Daw Khin Hta Yee (Lily Win, T72) — organized mini-reunions and reunions in the Bay Area. At the welcome party for Saya U Aung Khin, the idea of merging BEA with a younger association BASTS to become BAPS (Burmese American Professional Society) was proposed and overwhelmingly approved.

BAPS Picnic to RIT Alumni International

At one of the BAPS picnics, several EC members — Saya Allen Htay, Saya U Nyo Win, Saya KC Chiu, Saya U Maung Maung, Ko Benny Tan, Ko Maurice Chee, — held an impromptu meeting with me and asked how they could support Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) and me regarding the ex-rit web site in general and other activities [such as Grand Reunion] in general.

Later, at Ko Benny’s house, the Bay Area Alumni Group was formed. The rest is history.

U Nyo Win

According to the bye-laws of BAPS, a President can serve for at most two terms. Saya U Nyo Win served two terms. Saya also chaired the meetings by the Organizing Committee of the RIT Reunion and SPZP. His colorful meeting minutes are enjoyable to read.

He is an outstanding writer and an excellent speech giver. Saya wears two hats: BAPS for the Bay Area activities and RIT Alumni International for activities related to his alma mater world-wide. Our kudos to you, Saya.

After Dinner

We went to Ko Aye Tun (Anthony Ng, M76)’s house, which is within walking distance from the restaurant. A preview of the raw / semi-edited copy of the video taken at the RIT Reunion dinner and SPZP took place. The 2+ hour footage caught several viewers by surprise. The “Waing gyi putt putt du way way” dance — started by Diana (Myint Myint Sein, M70) and Richard Chao (Htin Aung, M70) — was joined by Saya U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Min Wun, and several alums.

It was close to two o’clock in the morning when I got back home.

Henry Lim (Aung Myint)
- Attended Rangoon Institute of Technology, but left for USA before graduation.
- Writer and Publisher
- Served as Chief Editor of the BAPS Newsletter.
- Associate Editor of the commemorative issue of the “RIT Alumni International Newsletter” for SPZP-2000.
- Published “Shwe (Golden) Padauk” Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  It was a bi-lingual (Burmese and English) magazine.
- For a short while, he published “Du Yin Thee (Durian)” Magazine in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  It was a ti-lingual (Burmese, English and Chinese) a magazine.
- Had a medical problem that needed a kidney transplant.
  Doctors advised him to slow down and take care of his health.
- Stopped the publications.
- Fast forward.
  Had a successful transplant, and is now happily retired.
August 7, 2025
Talk — Audio Book
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 27, 2021

Books
- Regular Print
- Large Print
- Braille
- e-Book
- Audio Book
- Special hardware and software to “scan and read” books
Audio Books
- Some may be available from Public Libraries
  Early : CDs
- Some may require “Subscription”
  For downloading
- Some may be offered at Discount in a Bundle
  Podcasts
  Book summaries
  Books
  e.g. Premium Subscription to Blinkist
Listeners’ Heaven

https://www.facebook.com/listenersheaven
- Established in November 2020
- Facebook Group
- Provides “Subscription”
- Offerings
  Win Pe
  Minthuwun
  Zat Kyee Hse Bwe
  Selected Novels
  Overview of selected “hot” topics
Talks
August 7, 2025
Dinner — by Wai Lwin
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025
- He hosted two gatherings for Saya Dr. Aung Gyi and Daw Emma. Saya attended SPZP-2012 & SPZP-2016 in Yangon.
- The first was in 2013 (a few days after SPZP-2012).
- The second was in 2016.
Jan 2013
- He hosted a Birthday Gathering for Daw Emma Gyi.
Daw Emma Gyi’s birthday in Jan 2013

Dec 2016

In 2016, Ko Wai Lwin hosted a dinner for the Sayagyi Dr. Aung Gyi and several other sayas at Ko Nyan Tun U’s residence.

Ko Nyan Tun U, Ko Khin Maung Kyaw, Ko Ye Chit Pe, Ko Ohn Khine and Ko Tun Aung are retired. Ko Kyaw Lwin and Ko Win Myint were in charge of the Ministry of Construction.

Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke) was a 10th standard Luyechun at the Inlay Khaung Daing Camp in 1965. Ko Win Myint said that Ko Sein Shwe (M67, 4th year Luyechun from RIT, group leader and musician) inspired him to join RIT. Ko Win Myint has published some books.

Ma Pwint Than, spouse of Ko Htun Aung (“Aung Daung”), was also a 10th standard Luyechun. Later, at SPZP-2016, I met Ko Htun Aung, his close friend Ko Hmaing (author, GBNF) and Ma Pwint Than at the gallery of the famous Bagyee Saya Ko Myo Myint.
August 7, 2025
Talk — New Year
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Hla Min

Video Broadcast on December 17, 2020

Traditional
- New Year’s Eve on December 31
  Bringing in the New Year (with celebration)
  Dropping the Ball in Times Square in New York
- New Year on January 1
  Holiday in some countries
- January is named as after Janus (Two faced God)
  Symbolically, one face looks back at the outgoing year and another face looks at the incoming year
- In the early days, Burma celebrated January 1 as “Peasants’ Day“
- Later, Peasants’ Day was moved to March 2
Others
- Old Roman Calendar starts with March.
- Persian New Year falls on or around March 21
  “First Day of Spring” celebrations
- Myanmar celebrates “Thingyan” on or around April 13 for three (or sometimes four) days.
  The Myanmar New Year falls Thingyan.
- Thailand celebrated “Songkram” (equivalent of Thingyan)
- Both words derive from Pali and Sanskrit words meaning “Change”.
- Cula Thingyan (Small Change) occurs every month when the Sun in the Geocentric model moves to another Zodiac Sign.
- Maha Thingyan (Big Change) occurs every year when the Sun has moved through all twelve signs.
- The Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year (or Lunar New Year) around the end of January or the start of February.
- The Vietnamese celebrate Tet (equivalent of Chinese New Year)
- The festivities may last a week (or more)
- Karen New Year (Kayin Hnit Ku)
- Special events
  New Year in 2000 (to usher the New Millennium)
Talks
August 7, 2025
GBNF — 2016
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025
- Aung Law Ha (Min) : 30th Jan 2016
- John Krasu : Mar 2016
- Aye Than (E) : 25th Apr 2016
- Khin Maung Pun (Pet) : Oct 2016
Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu
- Dr. Daw Khin Than Nu, mother of U Win Htut
August 7, 2025
Peter Tun — Life cut short by misguided Policies

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

P-E-T-E-R

P Peter (NHS Hero) paid a high price for misguided policies and guidelines
E Envisioned retirement to spend quality time with his extended family
T Talented Doctor, Gourmet Chef, Sketch and Oil Painter — to name a few
E Educated and/or entertained aspiring medical specialists far and near
R Real irreparable loss to patients, friends, family and community

P Pote Pote Kyee (see “Cho Cho Hlaing”)
E Enthusiastic learner and practitioner (see “Aung Jee”)
T Took care of parents of relatives, patients and friends (see “Min Ko”)
E Ever smiling and helpful (see “Ye Myint”)
R Rural doctor with a huge heart (see “Vicky Bowman)

85th Birthday of Ma Cherry (Peter’s mom)

Zoom gathering for offering Dana in memory of Peter

Sad Loss that might have been prevented

Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) served as Associate Graduate Dean at Oxford University from 2012 – 2016. He worked at Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading for 20+ years.

Sadly, he passed away on April 13, 2020 due to COVID-19 infection. He was the first doctor from RBH Trust to pass away in the line of duty. Due to misguided Policies and Guidelines, Peter lost his life at the tender age of 62. Thanks in part to interviews by Minko and Ye Myint, RBH Trust initiated an inquiry into the loss of Peter.

Peter was looking forward to retiring in a couple of years and spend quality time with his extended family.

His paternal grand mother lived up to 94.

His father celebrated his 90th birthday in 2019. He used to sit in the garden every evening talking with someone and taking his daily dose of medicine. After learning about Peter’s untimely demise, he was devastated for three days. He no longer had the desire to sit in the garden. He lamented that he had no one to talk to. Ye Myint told his father that he will call from UK daily.

His mother passed away a few months short of her 89th birthday. She and Peter are both January born. Peter would fly back to Yangon almost every year (for the past decade) in time for his mother’s birthday. They would perform dana together mostly at Chan Myei Yeiktha.

Three uncles and two aunts are in their 80s.

Relatives and friends mourn the loss of Peter and miss his compassion, help and smiles.

Hope

We cannot get Peter back, but we hope other medical staff in the front line fighting the invisible enemy would not have to suffer the same fate as Peter.

August 7, 2025
MahaGandayone Sayadaw & U Ba Kyi
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 5, 2010

U Hla Min

Illustrated History of Buddhism

YMBA
- The Burmese version of the Book was published by YMBA (Young Men’s Buddhist Association) in 1951.
- YMBA requested Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa မဟာဂန္ဓာရုံဆရာတော်အရှင်ဇနကာဘိဝံသto write a brief “History of Buddhism” and Artist Saya U Ba Kyi to provide illustrations.
- Saya U Ba Kyi observed eight precepts for 45 days before undertaking the project.
- In 1953, Saya U Ba Kyi gained international reputation.
- In 1954, YMBA later published an addendum (English translation of Sayadaw’s text in Burmese) for readers who are not conversant in Burmese.
TBSA
- Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa ဦးသီလာနန္ဒာဘိဝံသ sought permission from YMBA to reprint the book with descriptions in both Burmese/Myanmar and English.
- In 1994, the book was printed and published in the US and was distributed by TBSA (Theravada Buddhist Society of America).
- Several books were left.
  Some were handed as prizes for the successful participants of the “Summer Dhamma Class / Camp”.
Missed Opportunity
- An Arts professor from Stanford University expressed desire to use “The Illustrated History of Buddhism” as a text for his course provided the book can be “ordered” from the University Book Shop.
- Since the book was meant for dhamma dana, the book had no ISBN (International Standard Book Number) that is used by book shops.
Miscellaneous
- There have been some requests to reprint the book.
- There are probably newer reprints of the book and/or PDF version of Saya U Ba Kyi’s drawings.
U Ba Kyi
- Saya translated a verse of the song “Hna yauk hte nay gin de” while invigilating an examination at the Institute of Education.
- Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha used to accompany Saya U Ba Kyi’s vocals with his violin at the functions (mostly at Rangoon University Ah Nu Pyinnya Ah Thin).
Darling
Only two we will live dear
On the high crest
Of the Mount Everest
And the Sahara Desert
Driest without water
To the North Pole
May be freezing cold
Where the sun will never never grow
With all my heart and soul
Only two darling We will go
August 5, 2025
Talk — SEAP Games
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Video Broadcast on January 26, 2021

SEAP (South East Asia Peninsular) Games

1st SEAP Games
- Thailand hosted the inaugural event at Bangkok in 1959
- Burmese athletes include
  Tin Maung Ni & team (Swimming), Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra, Soe Mra and Tun Naung (Track and Field), Tun Aung & Victor Pe Win (Tennis), Boxing,
  Weightlifting …
2nd SEAP Games
- Burma hosted the event at Rangoon in December 1961.
- Aung San Stadium was the main venue for Track & Field and Soccer. Volleyball, Basketball and Gymnastics were competed indoors.
- Swimming, Diving and Water Polo contests were held at the National Swimming Pool on U Wisara Road.
- Dean U Yu Khin was Chairman of the Sports Promotion Committee.
- U Tin Maung Swe was Secretary of the Sports Promotion Committee.
- Dr. Ko Ko Lay was Chairman of the University Sports Council.
University Students who represented Burma in the Games
- Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra, Soe Mra and Tun Naung (Athletics)
- Maung Hla and Thida (Badminton)
- Nyan Min (Basketball)
- Derek Lynsdale and Aye Kyaw (Swimming)
- Mao Toon Siong and C. Say Eng (Table Tennis)
- Joe Ba Maung, Than Lwin and Mu Mu Khin (Tennis)
- Kyaw Han (Volleyball)
- Myo Nyunt (Weightlifting)
- Richard Yu Khin (Yachting)
Athletics

In Track and Field, Burma placed first in the medal standings. Tun Mra won a Gold in the 4×100 m relay with Soe Aung (Burma Champion) as anchor. Kyaw Mra won Silver in the Hurdles. Soe Mra won Gold in the Pole Vault. Tun Mra, Kyaw Mra and Soe Mra are the sons of U Shwe Mra. Kyaw Mra would later serve as National Coach.

Swimming

In Swimming, Burma placed first in the medal standings. Tin Maung Ni won 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 4x100m freestyle relay, and 4×100 medley relay. His team mates won the other events. Aye Kyaw (cousin of Dr. Hla Yee Yee) and Derek Lynsdale represented Burma in swimming.

Tennis

Joe Ba Maung was the National Singles Champion in Tennis. He and Than Lwin were the National Doubles Champion. Than Lwin would succeed Joe Ba Maung as the Singles Champion. Mu Mu Khin (Daphne Tha Dok) was the Ladies Champion, She later married Than Lwin.

Table Tennis

Mao Toon Siong was Burma Champion for Singles and Doubles in Table Tennis. He later served as National Coach.

Volleyball

Kyaw Han won the Gold as a member of the Burma Selected Team

Yachting

Richard Yu Khin won Gold in Yachting.

Miscellaneous
- The member nations include Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
- Burma hosted the 2nd Games (in 1961) and the 5th Games (in 1969)
- In the later period, SEAP Games gave way to SEA Games
August 5, 2025
K – O
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Kha Lay

In Burmese, it means child.

Kha Lay Ba Wa means childhood. The days of the innocent childhood became a theme of the song composed by Sai Kham Leik and sung by Sai Htee Saing.

We had a Kha Lay Ah Thinn (Children’s Club).

Kindness

Random acts of kindness may be reciprocated even by seemingly bad people.
My father volunteered at a “Bain Phut Ah Thin” for rehabilitating opium addicts. He gave a rehabilitated addict some money to pay for the fare back home. It was an act of random kindness.
During the Second World War, my parents and his siblings decided to take refuge at Neikbeinda Hills in Prome. My father sent his assistant ahead of him. Unfortunately, the assistant encountered a group of bandits. He pleaded the bandits not to take away his saya’s possessions. When the bandit leader learned that the saya was my father, he decided to guard the assistant on the way to the Neikbeinda Hills.
The leader also offered a surprise gift — a box of condensed milk — for my father.
Language
- Burmese language
  Spoken language : Myanmar Sagar
  Written language : Myanmar Sar
  Burmese language processing
- Chomsky hierarchy of languages
- Classification
- Computer language
- Dictionary
- Font — Zawgyi (not Unicode compliant); Pyidaungsu & others (which are Unicode compliant)
- Grammar — Myanmar Thadda by U Pe Maung Tin
- Idiom
- Keyboard
- Language processing
- Natural language
- Natural language processing
- Programming language
- Proverb
- Syntax
  Abstract syntax
  Concrete syntax
- Semantics
  Axiomatic semantics
  Denotational semantics
  Operational semantics
- Pragmatics
- Spelling
  Spelling checker
- Thesaurus
- Typewriter
- Word processor
Leader
- Do not repeat the same mistake
- Ego-less leader
- Lead by example
- Make as many mistakes as possible (to gain experience)
- Pull (instead of Push)
- Servant leader
Learning
- Fun with Learning
- Life Long Learning
- Tips
Level
- Advanced : High
- A-level (GCE) : Advanced Level
- AP : Advanced Placement
- Basic : Beginner : Introduction : Low : Primary
- General Honors
- Intermediate : Medium : Middle
- O-Level (GCE) : Ordinary Level
- Special Honors
Library
- Private
- Public
- University
- National
Like
- Before Facebook introduced emojis, some users overused the “Like” button.
- I was puzzled to see Likes in an Obituary posting.
  Shouldn’t one be sad?
- Are some users clicking “Like” without reading if the posting is current or old, and if the contents are really likeable.
Literary Talks
- Myanmar
- Irrawaddy Literary Festival
Logic
- 2VL : Two Valued Logic
- 3VL : Three Valued Logic
- ALU : Arithmetic Logical Unit
- Fuzzy Logic
- Logic Theorist
- Logical constant
- Logical expression
- Logical variable
- Predicate : Predicate Calculus
- Proposition : Propositional Calculus
Lokathana, Venerable

U Lokanatha
- U Lokanatha (1897 – 1966) was an Italian Chemist in USA.
- He received a book (containing Dhammapada) from his supervisor for Christmas present.
- After reading the Dhammapada, he decided to quit his job and become a Buddhist monk in Asia.
- He spent his life practicing and preaching in Burma & going on Dhamma Duta missions to neighboring countries.
- My grandmother donated a monastery in Bawdigone, Rangoon.
Loss
- Loss of manuscripts
  Daw Khin Mya Mu
- Lossless compression
- Lossy comprehension
- Win-Lose
- Win-Tie-Lose
- Agony of some second place finishers
  Buzz Aldrin
  Post-doc in Physics at the University of Iowa
Malware
- Malicious software industry is responsible for losses (in down time, data corruption, identity theft) in the billions.
- According to one report, the industry is more profitable and safer than the drug dealing.
- The penalty of offenders for malicious software is “peanuts” (e.g. little or no jail time) compared to drug dealers (e.g. life imprisonment and death penalty) in most countries.
Mathematics
- Discipline
- Curriculum
- Development (Concrete Mathematics, Computational Mathematics)
Mechanical Engineering
- Discipline
- U Aung Khin
- U Ba Than
- U Kyin Soe
- U San Tun
- U Tin Hlaing
Medical Pioneers
- U Ko Gyi
- U Maung Maung Gyi
- U Ba Than
Memory
- Short term memory
- Long term memory
- Associative memory
- Memory Feats (Tipitaka Sayadaw)
Metallurgy
- Discipline
- U Thit
- Dr. Saw Pru
- Dr. Khin Maung Win
Mining Engineering
- Discipline
- U Soe Khaw
- U Soon Sein
- U Win Kyaing
Models
- Physical model
- Mathematical model
- Computational model
Movies
- Myanmar
- Foreign
- Myanmar Movies Centennial in 2020
Music
- Discipline
- Musical Instruments
- Computer applications
My Dreams
- Dream big; Others can fulfill
- RIT Alumni International
- Saya Pu Zaw Pwe / SPZP
- Oral and Written History
Myanmar
- Myanmar Sagar : Spoken Burmese
- Myanmar Sar : Written Burmese
- Word Processing
- Unicode compliance
National Foreign Language Center
- Projects
- Burmese Language Project (Reading, Listening)
News
- Breaking news — Stop Press in early newspapers
- Censorship
- Current news
- Does not stand for “North, East. West, South” or “Notable Events, Weather, Sports”
- Facts
  Fact checking
- Fake news
  Biased report
  Rumor
- Internet
- News Agency
  AFP
  Reuters
  UPI
- News Agency Burma (NAB)
  Burmese section
  English section
- News Media
- Newspapers
  Burmese Newspapers
  English Newspapers
- Noun (not plural of “New”, which is an adjective)
- Online
- Radio
- Reliability
- Television
Number
- Binary number
- Complex number
- Decimal number
- Exponent
- Fermat
- Hexadecimal number
- Hindu-Arabic numeral
- Imaginary number
- Index
- Integer
- Irrational number
- Logarithm
- Mantissa
- Negative number
- Non-negative number
- Notation
- Number Systems
- Number Theory
- Numbered lists
- Octal number
- Positive number
- Power
- Prime number
- Quotient
- Ramanujan
- Rational number
- Real number
- Remainder
- Roman numeral
- Signed
- Symbol
- Ternary number
- Unsigned
- Value
- Zero
NorCal RITAA
- The EC and BOD of Northern California RIT Alumni Association met (at least) quarterly for face-to-face meetings.
- The photo is taken together with spouses and supporters.
- The background vinyl displays our alma mater.
November
- Background
- Events
Obsolescence
- Technical Obsolescence
October
- Calendars
- World Teachers’ Day
- Saya U Ba Than’s birthday
- Halloween and Pumpkin Festival
- Ockoberfest
- Occasional (Thadinkyut and Deepavali)
Option
- One should be aware of “opt-in” versus “opt-out” options.
- Many do not read “fine print”.
August 5, 2025