Continued as Researcher, Scholar and Administrator in UK.
There is an Economic Theory with Saya’s name.
Dr. Tha Hla
Dr. Tha Hla
Studied for Doctorate in Geology in the UK
Became Professor and Head of Geology Department
Retired as Rector of the University of Rangoon
Served as UN Advisor in several countries (e.g. France) and settled in Thailand.
There are several anecdotes about Saya.
When an AFPFL minister protested the States Scholarship for his mentee Dr. Nyi Nyi, Saya did not back out. He pushed the nomination through during a period when the minister was away.
Saya is highly regarded for “Leader by Example“ Saya calmly convinced the students and crowd (following the agitator Ajala) to disperse
Director Thar Du was unhappy when Saya (as Member of the Movie Censor Board) recommended some parts of the movie to be revised. Thar Du was surprised and delighted when Saya voted the same movie for an Academy Award. Saya explained that the two roles required different consideration.
During his stay in Thailand (while waiting for a US visa), Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) was recommended by Dr. Tha Hla to be a proof reader for the Nation newspaper.
He hosted people with different backgrounds and beliefs and helped them if needed. Saya offered guests (including U Tin Maung Nyunt) his collection of Whiskey and drinks. He had two recommendations : “Do not spoil Whiskey by adding water or soda.” “You can drink Ah Yet (liquor), but never let Ah Yet drink you.”
Dr. Maung Maung Kha
Dr. Mg Mg Kha
I have written several posts about Saya Dr. Maung Maung Kha. Dr. Oke Soe Kha provided photos and information about his parents Saya Kha and Sayama Daw Ruby.
Studied for Doctorate in Metereological Physics in the UK
In the early days, the Physics Department was run with the experts from Meteorology Department.
Became Professor and Head of Physics Department
Served as Rector of the University of Rangoon, Rangoon Arts and Science University (RASU) and University Distance Learning
He is the longest tenured Rector in RU and its descendant Universities
Shwe Ku May Hnin remembered Saya Kha’s smile when a student (from the Social and Reading Club) asked him, “Saya, will you continue the tradition of Di Tha Par Mauk Kha Saya giving away his beautiful daughters to brilliant students?”.
A member of the RU Centennial group remembered Saya Kha’s smile and forgiveness when he was inadvertently hit by a student (who had to take classes at Workers’ College and come to the Main Campus for practical sessions). The young Physics sayas U Thein Aung (Micky) and U Thein Htut scolded the offender and his companions for not knowing Sayagyi.
Per Dr. Alvin Oak Soe Kha, his father is the Rector with the longest tenure and is known for his kindness and compassion. He also enjoyed seeing his father played the violin and sang songs together with the renowned artist Saya U Ba Kyi. “Only Two” (English translation of “Hna Yauk Hte Nay Chin Hte” by Saya U Ba Kyi) was a hit at the RU Annupyinnya Ah Thinn.
Other Scholars
Dr. Po Aye studied Meteorology Retired as Director General of Meteorology and Hydrology
U Pe Maung Tin Pali and Myanmar Scholar
ICS U Sein Tin (Theikpan Maung Wa) Khit San Sar Pay co-founder
In September 2017, we visited the United Kingdom. My previous visit was in 1972.
Hosts
My cousin nephew Dr. Khin Tun (Peter) and his spouse Daw Win Mar hosted us with sumptuous dinner almost every day. They both loved cooking.
Peter and Win Mar
Southern Wales
Ogmore 1Ogmore 2Ogmore 3Ogmore 4Ogmore 5Ogmore 6
They also drove us to Southern Wales to visit Maung Maung Kyi (SPHS63) and his spouse Khin May Than (ChE72) at their new house at Ogmore by the sea.
Maung Maung Kyi was a Best Man at my wedding.
We were classmates for Stds VIII(A), IX(A) & X(A)at SPHS (St. Paul’s High School) and I.Sc.(A).
We rowed together at RUBC (Rangoon University Boat Club). He was Bow. I was No.(2). Kyaw Wynn was No. (3). Myint Soe (Willie Soe Maung) was Timing Stroke. All are SPHS63. Myint Thein (SPHS62) was Cox.
When the Universities were closed following the first Anniversary celebration of 7th July, Maung Maung Kyi & Kyaw Wynn accepted Scholarship to study at Dresden University in Germany.
Wales 4
After his return, Maung Maung Kyi worked for Sittang Paper Mill and PCIC. He found his soul mate. They later moved to Wales.
They lost their beloved son Rimon (Medical doctor, Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force, Leader of the Rescue Team) in an avalanche. They heard the sad news a short time after they had landed in Yangon, and had to hurry back to the UK for their son’s last journey.
After that, Maung Maung Kyi rarely spoke and smiled. Khin May Than walked twice a day along the beach, and painted to ease her aches and pains.
That changed when we visited them.
There’s another reason. They gave their old house to their second son Dr. Khemar Than who had spent time in Japan and came back to see his parents. They meet on most weekends.
Worked for Hewlett Packard, Agilent and several US companies before moving to Taiwan to work there.
Saya is retired. He is back in the USA
Activities
Past President, BAPS
Editor, BAPS Newsletter
Founding Member, RIT Alumni International
Co-chair, Steering Committee for SPZP-2000
Proposed “U Nyo Win Act — If there are less than the guaranteed number of attendees at SPZP-2000, the core organizers must chip in the costs.” Thanks in part to the five Golden Sponsors of SPZP-2000, the Act did not need to be enforced.
Wrote about SPZP-2000 in the Post Reunion series.
Founding Member, NorCal RITAA
Served as BOD (Board of Director).
BAPS
Past President, BAPS
Editor, BAPS Newsletter
BAPS Newsletter
Honoring U Nyo Win, Ko Benny and Ko Henry
by Hla Min
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.
RIT Alumni International
SF Bay Area RIT Alumni Advisory Group
Founding Member
Core Organizer, SPZP-2000
Wrote “Appreciation of SPZP-2000” for Post Reunion
SPZP-2000 Organizers
Article for Post Reunion (SPZP-2000)
After the Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pu (SPZP), I feel like most of us still excited but completely deflated. I just have enough energy left to think about it and talk about it, but not enough to write about it. But with Ko Hla Min’s call for the end of the post reunion article at number 36, I want to catch this last chance to write a few words before the close of the book, so to say.
First, as the one of the co-chairmen of the Steering Committee, I’d like to add a few words to U Myat Htoo’s article on the apology and thanks to the all the sayagyis, sayas, and fellow alumni. We’d planned and tried to make the Reunion and SPZP a success. I agree with U Myat Htoo that there were areas of deficiencies that we overlooked and were unable to cover. Let me mention a few that we could have done better to run the program more smoothly. It may also be helpful hindsight to pass on to 2002 reunion team.
The reception area was too crowded. We expected 300 plus people would be converging on to the narrow aisle at about 5 O’clock. We tried to arrange two tables in parallel to allow more people to check-in, sign the book, receive the gifts and be directed to the appropriate tables. The crowd was larger than expected. Our seating plan didn’t help. It was designed to group people according to their requests of having close friends together. Unfortunately, the attendees’ names were not listed in alphabetical order with table number assigned. It was very time consuming to locate the table number for the guest. This resulted in people congregating in the check-in area in spite of the ushers’ effort to help.
We under estimated the time for picture taking. It turned out it was the most exciting event. We had group photos of every combination one could imagine. Getting everyone to follow the program for the number of pictures taken was not possible. It ended up a half hour photo session was three times longer. The good thing was, everyone liked it and everyone wanted it. In order to keep the program moving in a reasonable time, our MC U Myat Htoo had to exercise some crowd control. I hope everyone share U Myat Htoo’s difficulty for so doing.
The program was overloaded. Our program called for speeches from sayagyis, sayas, and the alums; opportunity for the audience to contribute to fun, entertainments, singing and jokes. Everyone appeared to be so happy and excited. All of us had so much to talk about, so much fun to have and so much joy to share that hardly anyone could concentrate and follow the program allocated time. But, isn’t that the expectation everyone had of the reunion and SPZP?
We did not allocate sufficient time to meet and thank everybody. Of course, it was not easy to walk around and talk to everybody throughout the event. Again, in hindsight, one possibility would have been to have Organizing Committee representatives go around the tables during dinner time to meet and thank everybody.
I want to reiterate, like everyone else, that this great event was a resounding success in spite of a few glitches. The success was due to the support given to the event from all those who attended and from those who were unable to attend but whole-heartedly supporting and encouraging us. The success was due to those who generously donated to the SPZP Fund so that we could make the best use of it for the event. The success was due to those who helped out with the event, and most of all, due to the hard working Executive Committee members under the leadership of Co-chairmen Benny Tan and Maurice Chee.
I would like to give a couple of examples of how dedicated the two co-chairs, Benny and Maurice, were. In the morning on the day of the Reunion, I was at Benny’s house. Benny showed me the 25-foot RIT Reunion and SPZP banner undergoing the final touch. I learned from Benny that the contractor was unable to deliver the banner on time as promised. But we must have it for the great event! Benny, with the help of his nephew, decided to make one themselves just the night before the Grand Reunion. They bought the canvas, the paint, and the brush; they designed the RIT logo and the characters; they rolled up their sleeves and succeeded in finishing the banner in time for the great event.
In the afternoon when I was at the Embassy Suite making the final arrangement for the arrival of the guests, I got a call from Maurice. He told me that he would be a little late coming to the hotel. I learned from him that, not being able to get a print shop to do the job on time and as desired, he was printing the name tags for the guests with his own computer.
This very special event brought us excitement and great emotion. We shared the joy and the happy moment. But I would think that the feelings of each of us must be different and unique. For me, at time I felt that I was back in the good old days of teaching at RIT. I saw Rector Dr. Aung Gyi, Mechanical Engineering Department Head Saya U Aung Khin, Chemical Engineering Department Head [and Rector] U Khin Aung Kyi, Saya U Nam Kock, other sayas, colleagues and students. At time I felt that I was still one of the students attending the classes.
My most memorable year at RIT was actually the first and the only BIT year, 1962. We had very few students in First Year. In fact, there weren’t that many engineering students altogether at BIT that year. Among my contemporaries were U Kyaw Aye (Shakoor), who is still in Burma and U Hla Myint (Charlie), who is now in Australia. We were the lucky ones who survived First Year Heat Engine taught by Saya U Aung Khin. I can assure you for those who’d never taken Heat Engine from Saya U Aung Khin how low the yield was from that class. Decades later, in the mid of this great reunion, seeing all the sayagyis, former colleagues, former students and new RIT graduates whom I had never met, I felt like I was in a dream.
Now that the great event is over, we are looking forward to meeting again in Singapore, Year 2002. I agree with Saya U Aung Khin, and let me quote from his article, that “we keep up with the changing situation in our home country regarding secondary technical education and decide on how inclusive we should be so that continuity can be maintained by embracing an expanding fraternity of engineers.” We all witnessed the group with exceptional talent gathering at the night of the reunion. Benny Tan in his article suggested the idea of harnessing the brainpower and energy of the group. I would think that the Year 2000 reunion was reminiscing of the past and sharing of the present, the Year 2002 reunion should in large part be the bridging of the present and the future. As to how, let’s start tapping on our talent pool now.
The President of the Union of Burma presented a Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Eights.
RUBC Eights
The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma presented a Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Fours.
Prime Minister U Nu at RUBC
1965
In 1965, Ko Htain Linn (VP) resigned.
Ko Zaw Lin (Secretary) became Captain.
Ko Hla Min (Treasurer) became Vice Captain.
No EC members were elected for the vacant positions of Secretary and Treasurer.
It signaled the beginning of the end of the system for democratically electing EC by the voting members.
Changes
The Inter-Hall and Inter-Faculty events now belong to the past.
On a bright note, female members were admitted. RUBC became a co-ed club. Several will later become RUBC Gold.
Inter-Institute competitions for men and women were contested keenly.
Anniversaries
40th Anniversary
We attended the 40th Anniversary Dinner held at a Kandawgyi Hotel in 1963.
90th Anniversary Magazine Committee
In 2013, I served as a Contributing Editor for the 90th Anniversary Issue. I wrote a Prelude for each section. I also wrote three articles.
96th Anniversary
In 2019, I attended the 96th Anniversary Regatta of RUBC.
I met Old and Not so old Members. I talked with several Patrons of the YUBC OMA.
I learned that the restaurant owner (which had “possessed” the Club House) finally agreed to move out.
We no longer use the Regatta Island. Probably RUBC no longer has access to the Regatta Island.
We see lots of current and old members competing, but we do not see many fans, families and friends rooting for the crews.
We see lots of trophies (may be 28 sets), but there was an unintentional mix up in one event.
We see new boats and flags, but we wonder how students from the many universities and institutes (some far away) have passion, time and energy to take up competitive rowing without sacrificing their academic achievements.
Some old members are looking forward to the Centennial Celebrations in 2023.
Process of Consciousness and Matter Subtitle : The Philosophical Psychology of Buddhism By Sayadaw Rewata Dhamma Completed : 2004 Last book by Sayadaw Publisher: Triple Gems Publication
The book is intended for all serious students of the Abhidhamma.
It serves as supplement to Bhikkhu Bodhi’s book “A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma”, and treats various important aspect in more detail – in articular the process of consciousness and matter.
Preface by Sayadaw U Silanandabhivama, Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, Yangon
Acknowledgement by Sayadaw Dr. Ottaranyana, Birmingham Buddhist Vihara, UK
Introduction
Chapter I : CONSCIOUSNESS AND ITS FACTORS
CHAPTER II : PROCESS CONSCIOUSNESS (CITTA VITHI)
CHAPTER III : MIND-DOOR COGNITIVE PROCESS (MANODVARA VITHI)
CHAPTER IV : ABSORPTION JAVANA IN THE MIND-DOOR PROCESS (APPANA JAVANAVARA MANODVARA VITHI)
CHAPTER V : PROCESS OF MATTER
The Buddha’s Prescription
A Selection of Dhamma Talks by Dr. Rewata Dhamma
Editor : Yann Lovelock
Dhamma dana : Triple Gem Publications
Three sections
Section 1 : Historical Perspectives
Emperor Asoka
Arahanat Upagutta
The Contribution of Buddhism to the World of Art & Architecture
Buddhism in Myanmar Today
Sangha & State
Section 2 : Active Buddhism
Monastic and Lay Buddhism
Teaching for the Many
Transferring Merit for the Dead
The Buddhist Concept of Loving Kindness
The Fundamental Forces of the Mind
The Human & Environmental Crisis
Bliss through Buddhism
Social Change and Individual Change
The Buddha’s Prescription
Buddhism and Social Justice
Section 3 : Interfaith Dialogue
Traditional Wisdom and Modern Knowledge
What I Expect of Friendship with Christians
Sunyata and Kenosis
Bibliography
Myanmar Monasteries
Emptying the Rose-apple Seat
Subtitle : A day-to-day guide to Buddhist meditation methods as taught by a renowned meditation master
Author : Aggamahapandita Bhaddanta Dr. Rewata Dhamma
Foreword by Joseph Goldstein
Dhamma Dana by Triple Gems Publication
Aspiring to the Practice
Aspiration
The First Step
The Refuges
Eradicating the Defilements
Offerings
The Time of your Life
Meditation Practices
1. An Overview
The Forty Meditation Objects
2. Basic Factors
Signs
Temperament
Hindrances
Three Stages of Development
Absorption
Five kinds of Ability
Higher Knowledge
3. Concentration Practices
Getting Started
Sitting Position
Walking
4. Concentration Subjects
The Kasinas
The Recollections
a) Awareness of Respiration
b) Recollection of the Virtues of the Buddha
c) Mindfulness of Death
e) Meditation on the Impurities
f) Meditation on the Four Elements
g) Developing the Four Illimitables
A Ten Day Course in Insight Meditation
First 9 days
Instruction
Dhamma Talk
Day Ten
Instruction
Meditation : Developing Loving Kindness
Pali Glossary
Bibliography
Abbreviations
Nyaung Kan Aye
The Message of Satipatthana
Author : Nyaung Kan Aye Sayadaw Ashin Eindaka Distributor : Nyaung Kan Aye Sasana Yeiktha, 2000
Contents
PART I
The First Discourse on the Life of the Late Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw
The Historic Life of Mahasi Sayadaw and Vipassana Method Expounded in Satipatthana Sutta Part (2)
Meditate the Satipatthana as in Kuru Country
The Message of Sattipattana
PART II
Satipatthana Sermon for Overcoming Defilements (1)
Satipatthana Sermon for Overcoming Defilements (2)
Satipatthana Sermon for Overcoming Grief (1)
Satipatthana Sermon for Overcoming Grief (2)
PART III
Okasa Supplication Which is the A, B, C of Buddhism And Keeping the Precepts
Satipatthana to Free from Lamentation (1)
Satipatthana to Free from Lamentation (2)
Satipatthana to Free from Lamentation (3)
PART IV
Discourse on Satipatthana for the Extinction of Suffering (1)
Satipatthana for the Extinction of Suffering (2)
Satipatthana for the Extinction of Mental Suffering (1)
Satipatthana for the Extinction of Mental Suffering (2)
PART V
How to win Magga Nana Citta by Satipatthana (1)
How to win Magga Nana Citta by Satipatthana (2)
How to attain Nibbana by Satipatthana (1)
How to attain Nibbana by Satipatthana (2)
Settling Back Into The Moment
A meditator’s inspirational guide
Selected text from THE EXPERIENCE OF INSIGHT, Joseph Goldstein
Most people are circling around, driven by ignorance and desire, unaware of the possibility of getting off this wheel of samasaras, the wheel of greed and hatred.
When we learn to let go, the lighter the mind becomes.
The whole development of awareness comes from experiencing things with a silent mind, not with our thoughts and concepts about them.
What the Buddha Taught
By Dr. Walpole Rahula
First published in 1959
by [Rev. Dr.] Walpola Rahula
Foreword by [Professor] Paul Demieville
Eight Chapters 1. The Buddhist Attitude of Mind 2. The First Noble Truth : Dukkha 3. The Second Noble Truth : Samudiya : ‘The Arising of Dukkha” 4. The Third Noble Truth : Nirodha : ‘The Cessation of Dukkha” 5. The Fourth Noble Truth : Magga : ‘The Path” 6. The Doctrine of No-Soul : Anatta 7. ‘Meditation’ or Mental Culture : Bhavana 8. What the Buddha taught and the World Today
Selected Texts
Abbreviations
Selected Bibliography
Glossary
The book has been translated into several languages including Myanmar.
The Buddha And His Teachings
Author : NARADA MAHA THERA
VAIJIRARAMA, COLOMBO
First Edition : 1964
4th Enlarged Edition : 1980
Introduction
Part I : THE BUDDHA
14 Chapters
1. The Buddha — From Birth to Reunciation
2. His Struggle for Enlightenment
3. The Buddhahood
4. After the Enlightenment
5. The Invitation to Expound the Dhamma
…
12. The Buddha’s Ministry
13. The Buddha’s Daily Routine
14. The Buddha’s Parinibbana (Death)
Part II : THE DHAMMA
THE TEACHINGS OF THE DHAMMA
Chapters 15 – 44
15. What is Buddhism?
16. Some Salient Characteristics of Buddhism
17. The Four Noble Truths
18. Kamma
…
35. The Way to Nibbana (I) — Morality
36. The Way to Nibbana (II) — Concentration
37. Nivarana or Hindrances
38. The Way to Nibbana (III) — Insight
39. The State of an Arahant
40. The Boddhistta Ideal
41. Parami — Perfections
42. Brahmavihara — The Sublime States
43. The Eight Worldly Conditions (Atthalokadhamma)
44. The Problems of Life
Buddhism in a Nutshell
Narada Thera (Vaijarma, Colombo, Sri Lanka) published the book in 1933.
In 1970, Sayadaw published a revised edition.
Sayadaw full permission to Sayagyi U Hla Maung of the Buddhist Sasana Council to reprint ALL his publications reserving the copyright.
There are 11 (short) chapters and an appendix.
The Triple Gem
by Venerable U Pyinnathiha
wrote the book in London, UK, 1988
revised the book in New Jersey, US, 2002
Contents
Foreword by Ven. Dr. Hammalaa Saddhatissa
The Three Main Views
What is Buddhism?
Who is the Buddha?
The Attributes of the Buddha
Dhamma (The Teachings of the Buddha)
The Attributes of the Dhamma
The Sangha (The Community of Noble Disciples)
The Attributes of the Sangha
Note
The Dhamma dana distribution by Triple Gems Publication includes “The Triple Gem” and “The Way to Social Harmony”.
A Pali-Myanmar English Dictionary of the Noble Words of the Lord Buddha
Compilers:
Burmese entries: U Myat Kyaw
English entries: translated from Burmese by U San Lwin
Publisher : Myanmar Sar Ah Phwe
Excerpts
katayuga – n. first of the four ages into which a world era is divided; age of filial piety and justice. See also yuga.
Ovadacariya to Sanagha Maya Nayaka, trustees of renowned pagodas
Outstanding teacher and writer
Played an important role in reviving Buddhism in India and propagating the study of Abhidhamma
Very modest; rarely talked about his many achievements
Patamagyaw scholar of all Burma (1918) : selected from among 5000 candidates
Panyattisasanahita (1923) : among the 4 out of 150 entrants who passed the toughest monastic examination
Studied Sanskrit in India; English in India and England
Lectured in US, UK, France, … (25+ countries)
Translated Vibhanga (second of the seven Adbhidhamma texts) from Pali to English : published by the Pali Text Society in 1969 under the title of The Book of Analysis
Essential Themes of Buddhist Lectures
Collection of unconnected individual talks given between 1938 – 1983
Part 1 : Introductory articles or Talks of Buddhism (10 lectures)
Part 2 : Talks involving Sila in particular (5 lectures)
Part 3 : Talks involving Samadhi in particular (12 lectures)
Part 4 : Talks involving Panna in particular (4 lectures)
Part 5 : Talks dealing with Buddhism in general (12 lectures)
The following post contains excerpts from my long article (posted on April 15, 2020 and updated daily through April 30, 2020). It also contains some additional material.
U Tin U & FamilyPeter, Win Mar & Min KoPeter & Ye MyintPeter & Win MarU Tin U, Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt & relativesRoyal Berkshire HospitalMin Ko’s weddingPeter, Win Mar & Min KoYoung PeterPeter, Aye Aye, Ye MyintU Tin U & family
The Beginning
January 1958
Peter (Dr. Khin Tun) became the first born child of U Tin U and Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry Tin Gyi).
Like his grandfather and father, Peter became the Eldest Son in his family.
Like his grand parents who won Prizes for the Horticulture Show, Peter would also enjoy gardening.
Peter would later have a younger sister Aye Aye Khin and a younger brother Dr. Ye Myint.
Snapshot of Peter’s Life
1973
After finishing 10th standard examination, Peter entered a meditation retreat at Chan Myei monastery.
Matriculated from St. Augustine’s High School with four distinctions. Stood 23rd in the whole of Burma. Received Collegiate Scholarship.
Admitted to the Institute of Medicine (1).
1980s
Received MBBS in 1981.
Worked for Rangoon Children Hospital and Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint (Pediatrician).
Collected and analyzed data for UNICEF projects including Perinatal Survey with his colleagues (e.g. Dr. Pe Thet Khin)
Found Win Mar, a beautiful school teacher, as his love life.
Moved to Mezaligone and did private practice (often receiving little or no money from cash-strapped patients).
1990s
Some friends suggested Peter to study for MRCP in the UK.
Peter hosted nine friends for group study at his parent’s house.
With Ye Myint’s sponsorship, Peter moved to UK in 1994. (See Ye Myint’s speech for details).
2000s
Worked for Royal Berkeley Hospital
Promoted to Associate Specialist for Neuro and Rehabilitation
Served as Associate Dean of Oxford University
September 2017
In September 2017, he and Win Mar hosted us. Both cooked delicious meals every day. They showed us around. They drove us to Wales to see my high school friend Maung Maung Kyi.
2019
U Tin U (Peter’s father) celebrated his 90th Birthday.
Details of Peter’s life is recorded in the Photo Album for his father’s 90th Birthday Celebrations. The URL is provided by his uncle U Tin Htoon
Dr. Daw Khin Nyunt (Peter’s mother) passed away a few months before her 89th Birthday.
February 2020
Peter and family went to New Zealand to celebrate Min Ko’s birthday and wedding.
Ye Myint and family stopped over in Sydney, Australia to have gatherings with the relatives.
Peter skipped the visit to Australia, because he wanted to be back at the hospital and enable his junior staff members to take leave.
March 2020
On March 25, 2020, he said there were COVID-19 cases in London and Birmingham but not much in Reading. He showered twice daily as a precaution.
He said he was elated with his trip to NZ in February 2020. He enjoyed entertaining his aunt (Dr. Ruby) and his uncle (U Tin Htoon). He mentioned that his father (U Tin U) might finally have a Great Grandchild.
April 2020
Peter got infected with COVID-19 from one of his patients.
Five of his patients tested positive.
He was hospitalized.
His health deteriorated.
He passed away on April 13, 2020 (Easter Monday).
His Last Journey took place on April 30, 2020.
Peter’s Parents
U Tin U and Siblings
U Tin U
U Ba Than
Dr. Daw Win Hlaing (Ruby)
Daw Myint Thwe (Betty)
Dr. Myo Tint
U Tin Htoon
U Myo Min
U Thaung Lwin
Daw Cho Cho Hlaing
U Tin U
U Tin U is the eldest of nine siblings. He matriculated from St. John’s Diocesan in 1946 and attended Rangoon University. He joined Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC) and became Captain and Gold in 1948.
He studied BSCE at Oregon State University and MSCE at Yale University. Upon his return he worked for Clark and Grieg (eventually becoming a Director) and also taught part-time at the Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Rangoon University. He later worked as Consultant for InterKiln and “Bogyi Kyu Kyaw’s Group of Architects and Engineers.” He served as Secretary of Burma Civil Engineers Society, and as Captain of Rangoon Golf Club (RGc). He stayed active by playing golf, doing gardening and have a daily dose of whiskey as medicine.
He celebrated his 90th birthday in August 2019. U Tin Htoon compiled U Tin U’s accomplishments and photos into a book as a birthday present. The book also contains photos and information about U Tin U’s children.
U Tin U also gave interviews
about his days as Captain of the Rangoon Golf Club
to Saya U Soe Paing for the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) project
to Min Ko (Peter’s elder son) about his early days in Burma and in the US.
Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt (Cherry Tin Gyi) and Siblings
U Sway Tin
Laura
Sarah
Lynn
Icy
Margaret
U Myo Kyaw
Olga
Cherry
Min Ko also interviewed his grandmother, who recounted her early school days in India and the sad loss of her father U Tin Gyi. After the war, she returned to Burma and continued schooling until she graduated from the Medical School.
She worked as Demonstrator at the School, and later joined the Nutrition Research Division of BMRI. She did her postgraduate Diploma in the UK.
Peter inherited the joy of cooking and entertaining relatives and friends with gourmet food. Peter compiled the recipes of my father and several aunts.
She and Peter had birthdays in January. They would jointly offer dana / requisites usually at Chan Myei Monastery (where Peter learned meditation after he finished his 10th standard examination).
She passed away late last year (2019) a few months before she turned 89.
Peter would join her a few months later at the tender age of 62.
Peter and Siblings
Peter Spouse : Win Mar Sons : Min Ko (Michael Tun) and Ye Lay (Will Tun)
Aye Aye Khin Spouse : Tin Tun Daughters : Thin Thiri Tun (Honey) and Khin Sandy Tun
Ye Myint Spouse : San San Aye Daughter : Aye Sanda (Jess Myint)
Win Mar
Our host
During our visit to UK, Win Mar recounted the story of how she and Peter met, their life in Mezaligone, the brief period when Peter moved to study in the UK, and the days when the family reunited in UK.
Mezaligone
Win Mar hails from Mezaligone. She knows Htein Linn (Artist, Prisoner of Conscience) and family. She hosted Htein Linn’s sister Hla Hla Htay at her house in Reading.
Post by Vicky Bowman, former UK Ambassador to Myanmar
Another foreign born NHS worker died of CoViD yesterday, in Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, where he worked as a rehab specialist, adding to the toll.
But more importantly, Dr Peter Khin Tun was once the much loved doctor of the cooperative medical clinic in Mezaligon, Htein Lin’s village. He was particularly known for deworming any patient who crossed the threshold of the clinic for whatever reason.
Worms in Myanmar are ‘than’, သန်. Peter became known locally in Mezaligon as the than-amat သန်အမတ် (amat means high official, and than-amat is an Ambassador).
He married local school teacher-cum-nurse Ma Win Mar. We feel so sad for her and their two sons.
In the post I have shared you can see him and Win Mar showing my sister in law Hla Hla Htay, around Windsor. She was doubtless de-wormed at some point by him, before she followed in Win Mar’s footsteps and became a teacher in the village.
Win Mar got infected by COVID-19. She was hospitalized. She recovered and was discharged on April 29, 2020. She attended Peter’s Last Journey on April 30, 2020.
We managed to phone Win Mar before she was hospitalized. She and Peter hosted us during our visit to the UK a few years back. They cooked sumptuous meals daily. Peter drove us to Ogmore-by-the-sea in Wales to see my high school friend Maung Maung Kyi (who also was a Best Man at my wedding).
Min Ko (Michael Tun)
Contributions by Min Ko
Interview of U Tin U
Interview of Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt
Phone conversation with Peter (about the days at Mezaligone)
Several posts about Peter
Providing Peter’s emails to the Media
Interviews with BBC and Newspapers
Caused Royal Berkshire Hospital to launch a formal inquiry about Peter’s demise
Handled legal and financial matters related to Peter
Video conferences for Peter’s final day and the Last Journey
Emotional farewell to Peter
Pru posted a message for Peter
Memories of Min Ko
Min Ko shared Dr. Peter’s wonderful, precious life in Meizaligone, a village in Henzada District, Irrawaddy Division.
Since the clinic was at the house, the family members were woken up early by villagers lining up to get water from the tube well.
Peter’s clinic opened from 6AM to late at night seven days a week.
Peter treated sick villagers with CETANA, some free of charge, and some were given cash assistance to go to Hospital in Big Towns.
Once a month Peter invited neighbors to have meals in the house.
Peter had an old car and learned how to do repairs.
Min Ko then read a letter written to his father and had to pause occasionally to wipe the tears. He promised to take care of the family.
Michael Tun’s sad thoughts (following Peter’s demise)
My dad Dr Peter Tun died from COVID19 because of the lack of PPE.
My hope in writing this is that it will save more doctors and nurses lives and avoid pain for their families. My dad would have wanted to speak up if he thought it would save lives.
I spoke to my dad the day that he found out there was someone who was positive for COVID19 in his ward. My dad told me that he had earlier complained to a manager because they took PPE away from his ward to take somewhere else. He was told that if there was a case, they would bring it back. He had replied that it would be TOO LATE. The last he told me, there were 4 more positive patients with no symptoms. 2 weeks later, my dad passed away and I couldn’t do anything.
Please do everything to protect the doctors and nurses. They go in scared for themselves and their families. They did not get into the profession to die a hero in battle. This is why he was a superhero to us. He was scared and still went in to help strangers completely knowing the risk. The pain for the families is unbearable. He was afraid that he would give this to my mum and now she is in hospital also waiting for her test results. The thought that if only he had had a proper protective mask, he might still have been able to enjoy his hard earned retirement after a lifetime of service just kills me.
I hope this won’t cause distress or take attention away from the need to help people but we need to also protect the people trying to protect us. We couldn’t protect my dad so I want to help protect everyone else who is in the same position that he was. Thank you for everything to all the heroes.
There will never be the right words but thank you for your kindness, good humour and your selfless acts of service. I will remember your great story telling, you telling me the recipes of your favourite dishes, planting flowers in your garden together In Reading and how beloved and respected you were by so many different people. Your spirit is already in both of your sons and it will continue to live on through them.
Here we are 8.5 weeks ago in NZ during our Buddhist wedding ceremony where you stood by our side and celebrated with us and now we will celebrate you and will ensure that your legacy lives on.
Note :
Min Ko and Prudence held their engagement party at Winner Inn in Yangon. Peter invited us to the party.
Their wedding was held in New Zealand.
Memories by Ye Lay (Will Tun)
“Pe Pe Ko Chit Tae“. [ I love you, Dad]
Ye Lay thanked his father Peter for the wonderful things that he had learned. In particular, the chanting “I take refuge in the Triple Gems”. He recited to Peter at the hospital.
He sang an old Scottish ballad “Loch Lomond“. He remembered Peter taking Chan Myei Sayadaw to Loch Lomond.
By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomond Where we two have passed so many blithesome days On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
[Refrain] O ye’ll take the high road and I’ll take the low road And I’ll be in Scotland afore ye But me and my true love will never meet again On the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond
I mind where we parted on yon shady glen On the steep, steep side o’ Ben Lomond Where in purple hue, the Heiland hills we view And the moon shinin’ out from the gloamin’
Ye Lay studied at St Andrew’s in Scotland for his second Masters. His parents attended his graduation.
He ended by reciting
“Buddham saranam gaccha mi. [I take refuge in the Buddha]. Dhammam saranan gaccha mi. [I take refuge in the Dhamma]. Sangham saranam gaccha mi. [I take refuge in the Sangha].
Contributions by Ye Lay
Posts and Farewell speech
Sang songs / ballads to Dr. Khin Kyi Nyunt
Sang “Loch Lomond” at Peter’s Last Journey
Was my guide to Oxford University
Dana by Aye Aye Khin (sister) and Dr. Ye Myint (brother)
On behalf of Peter’s family, Aye Aye Khin (sister) offered requisites to Sayadaw U Thawbita (Chan Myei) in Yangon.
Offerings were also made by U Ba Than (uncle) and Daw Mya Mya (GBNF), Ye Than (cousin) and family, U Myo Myint and Daw Tin Tin Win, Dr. Khin Win Myint, Aung Thu and Khin Myat Naing, Myo Tin and Dr. Khine Zin Oo.
Aye Aye Khin (Peter’s sister) wrote :
Listen to sayardaw u thaw bi ta’s Tayar. You can hear $ donation of Tina / Dr. Win Marla (Aunty Olga’s daughter); Kyi Kyi Han (Aunty Icy’s daughter) & Maung Maung Tin (Aunty Olga’s son).
and also Thingan and Nawkama by Cho Cho Hlaing (aunt) AyeAye Khin (sister), Ko Tin Tun and daughters
5 Thingun donate from (Ko Tin Tun’s cousin) Susi Sein; Ohnmar Sein & Sayarlay Nwe Ni Sein
Contributions by Aye Aye Khin and family
Took care of U Tin U and Dr. Daw Khin Kyi Nyunt
Organized dana for Peter Donations by relatives
Thin Thiri posted a video of Peter’s Last Journey
Memories by Dr. Ye Myint (Recording played at Peter’s Last Journey)
Firstly I would like to thank you all for being here.
Thanks to all those who shared their good memories of my beloved brother. The family appreciates your kind thoughts and prayers.
It is a great honour to be able to share my memories, and talk about my big brother Peter, who will forever remain in our hearts.
My kindhearted brother spent his life caring not only for patients, but relatives, friends and acquaintances. He gave up his life in the line of duty. He will be missed by all.
Peter, my sister and I were very privileged to grow up together in one large family estate. We were very close sharing the same room and being together daily.
He set a high bar for us intellectually and socially. Due to his high intellect, he got double promotion twice and skipped 2 years.
He matriculated with four distinctions. He stood 23rd in the whole of Burma and was awarded a University Scholarship. He was admitted to the Rangoon University of Medicine, which I also attended. He supported me to become a good compassionate doctor like himself.
He stayed fit by taking part in many sports : football, badminton, cycling and rowing. He was the university selected athlete for Shot put and Discus throwing.
He started cooking as a teenager and learnt many recipes from our mother and continued this lifelong hobby. He was a very good artist and created large paintings as well as water coloured Christmas cards. He was also a very keen gardener and read various books. He had great general knowledge and many called him a walking encyclopaedia.
After he qualified as a doctor, he worked as a UNICEF research officer for mother and child health in Hlegu where he met his future wife Ma Win Mar. After they fell in love he decided to move to Mezligone. I accompanied him on this trip there and helped to set up a new medical clinic. He worked there daily for 11 years where he was relied upon by his patients even out of hours.
I sponsored him to move to UK in 1994 to help progress his medical career. He lived with us until he got his first job in Burton-on-Trent. He got his second job in Pontefract and arranged for his family to relocate to the UK to join him. We were lucky to live only 20 minutes drive away so had nice weekly reunions which made our families even closer.
He then moved to London for rehabilitation medicine training after he passed his MRCP examinations and then moved to Reading 21 years ago working as an associate specialist. Peter has helped many Doctors coming to the UK for further studies where he gave valuable advice and treated them to his home cooking. He always enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family and friends.
We had regular family reunions and memorable family holidays together in Devon, Italy, Burma and most recently in New Zealand. We will cherish these lovely memories together. He had such a great sense of humour and always made those around him happy with his personality and big smiles. He was remarkable in many different ways. He lived an enjoyable successful life and treated all family members, relatives and friends with loving kindness. He touched so many people as evident by the countless tributes, messages, cards and donations.
I am sure you are in a much better place, Ko Ko, after doing so many good deeds throughout your life. We will miss you greatly and always remember you with love. Thank you so much for being a loving big brother, a great Uncle to Aye Sanda, a best friend, mentor and teacher.
Donations for Peter
We donated £100 to SHEFFIELD Monastery and £50 to Manchester Monastery (fund will be sent to Myanmar to fight against COVID).
Contributions by Ye Myint and family
Liaison with ICU Doctors (during Peter’s hospitalization)
Liasion with Medical Staff (during Win Mar’s hospitalization)
Interview with BBC (Burmese Program)
Interview with BBC (English Program)
Message for Peter’s Funeral
Per suggestion from San San Aye, appealed to relatives to help alleviate the financial burden of Peter’s family members
Jess wrote two posts : one during Peter’s hospitalization and another after Peter’s demise The FB page also has reference to “Remembering Peter Tun” by the Royal Berkshire Hospital (which had 80+ entries)
From Oxford Sayadaw U Dhammasami
Dakagyi Dr Peter Khin Tun,
From now on, it will not be my priority to remember that you lived 62 years, but rather how many thousands of life you have touched and nurtured. People are remembered for what they did for others, not how long they live. Ultimately, it is your exemplary selfless service to the many that will be inscribed in many hearts. Since we came to know each other in London in 1996, you have watched proudly your two boys grow up and achieve some standing of their own. As you always wished, I will take care of them spiritually so they can serve many souls as you have. Have a good rebirth.
With metta,
Oxford Sayadaw
Jess Myint’s post after Peter’s health deteriorated
My Uncle Peter has been on a ventilator for four days after testing positive for COVID-19 2 weeks ago. He seemed to be coping well in the first week and he kept sending me pictures as reassurance. But things rapidly progressed and he was unreachable not replying back or answering calls which was very unlike him for 2 days. He was admitted to ICU and was initially stable on the ventilator but his condition has unfortunately deteriorated last night. There are many pleas but it is scary what this virus has done to people and families worldwide so please everyone take things seriously and do whatever you can to help minimize the spread of this virus any further.
Think of the doctors, nurses and NHS workers, like my Uncle that have put their lives at risk to help others and do their duty of care, even when they have not had the appropriate PPE.
Healthcare workers and anyone showing any symptoms, even mild symptoms, please isolate and do not put others at risk as they may not recover from this.
Feel so sorry and helpless for my Uncle, Aunty and cousins, who are constantly in our thoughts. I’m hoping with everyone’s prayers, Uncle’s kindness, good deeds, and Uncle’s fighting spirit he will pull through. Please come back to us Uncle Peter.
Some early religions talked about reincarnation (transmigration of atta, atman, soul). In contrast, Buddhism discusses rebirth and no-soul (anatta).
Sutta သုတ္တန်
The Buddha delivered “Anattalakkhana Sutta” as a follow-up sermon to the “Taya Oo” to his five disciples led by Ashin Kondanna. The Sutta’s title literally means “No-self characteristic discourse”.
Buddha taught that “each of the five khandas ခန္ဓာ (aggregates) are subject to impermanence (အနိစ္စ anicca), and suffering, unsatisfactoriness, or misery (ဒုက္ခ dukkha) and thus unfit for identification with a self”.
The five disciples became enlightened after listening to the Sutta. They became members of the (Paramatta ပရမတ္ထ) Sangha သံဃာ, the third of the Triple Gems.
Books
Book
There are many books on the Sutta including the one by Mahasi Sayadaw explaining the relevance of the Sutta to Vipassana meditation.
There is also an English translation of the Sutta by Saya U Pe Maung Tin.
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
U Silandabhivamsa
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
