Upon his return from USA, he was assigned to the Department of Mining Engineering at BOC College to teach part-time and to act as Head of the Department.
He was succeeded by Saya U Soon Sein as full-time saya and Head.
U Soe Khaw worked at the Ministry of Mines.
After retirement, he worked for UN assignments overseas.
He then migrated to the USA.
He was a Patron of selected monasteries in the San Francisco Bay Area.
He was healthy even in his early 90s.
Last Journey
Saya U Tin Maung Nyunt (M60) wrote :
U Soe Khaw, (RIT Part-time Lecturer – Mining), passed away peacefully on February 14, 2018 at 4:45 pm per Michael Khaw, his son.
Ph 408-737-0238. 1082 Noriega Ave, Sunnyvale, Ca 94086
Memorial Service
Date : February 24, 2018 (Sunday) Time : 10:30 AM Place : Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC) 1215 Lucretia Avenue San Jose, CA 95122 Contact : 1 (408) 977 0300 or 1(408) 294 4536
Soon offering : 11:15 AM Lunch for guests : 11:30 AM Dhamma talk : 12:30 PM
Wanted her daughters — Hazel, Olive & May — to have experience like her at the Inya Hall.
Hazel & May spent a year at Inya Hall as room mates. Olive had to stay at the Hall for medical students.
Fund raiser
Danced three roles in the fund raiser for the Tekkatho Dhammayone. Her cousin Saya U Lu Pe Win (Pali and Kyauksar Scholar) directed the play. The rehearsal was assisted by U Nyi Pu (First male actor in a Burmese movie).
Play
Was honored at the Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe (Paying homage to the elders) held at the Tekkatho Dhammayone.
Her account was published in the Golden Jubilee Sar Saung of Inya Hall.
A1 Film
Myanmar Ah Swe Film evolved into A1 Film.
A1 U Tin Nwe & his family are known as Producers, Directors & Actors.
U Nyi Pu founded Maha Weikzardo Film.
U Tin Pe (Maung Maung Soe) founded Maung Maung Soe Film.
A1 U Tin Maung acted alongside May Shin and other lead female actors before becoming a Director/Actor.
Daw Khin Myint’s son U Tin Yu & son-in-law U Mya Maung are Director & Producer.
Feedback
Thit Yine (alumnus of Yegyaw Methodist) wrote : Dr. Hla Shwe (Boon Chiong) stood First in the Matriculation examination of 1953 from Yegyaw Methodist, and that his class mate Ohn Khin stood Second. Yegyaw Methodist was well known before the Nationalization of schools.
Thit Yine and Ko Ko shared the names of sayas (e.g. U Aung Myint, U Khin Zaw, U Ko Lay) who taught in the late 50s and early 60s.
Po Shwe Kyu wrote : Credit to Saya Hla Min as being the most prolific writer in this group, and his archives and chronicles will be of greatest help to coming generations. Drs. Hla Shwe & Tin Maung returned to Burma around 1962-63. I don’t know Dr Hla Shwe but Dr. Tin Maung also resided at the Chummery during my short stay there. Chummery is a “Saya Lu Pyo Saung”.
Myo Thaik wrote : Sayama Daw Khin Aye passed away last year. His cousin uncle Dr. Myint Thein won a Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in Chemistry in the I.Sc. examination, and later became the first Myanmar to received Ph.D in Nuclear Chemistry in the USA. He is currently staying with his son in Texas. He also wrote about “A Che A Nay Kaung” and “Ma Khan Chin Seik” that led him and his uncle cousin Dr. Win Naing to pursue their dreams to have doctorates.
Myo Thaik wrote : Dr. Hla Shwe is Emeritus Professor, East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylvannia, and then moved to California.
First in Burma
I knew that several SPHS students stood First in Burma in the Matric exam. They include
U Ba Khin (Vipassana teacher, first native Auditor General)
George Chapman (SPHS51)
Dr. Nyunt Tin (SPHS52)
Koon Yin Chu (Phillip, SPHS54)
Dr. Soe Win (SPHS58)
Dr. Frankie Ohn (SPHS59
Dr. Khin Maung U (SPHS63)
Bernard Khaw (SPHS65)
I was aware that students from other schools also scored Top in the some years.
St. Peter’s High School, Mandalay
Methodist English High School (MEHS)
St. John’s Convent
Yegyaw Mthodist
Sacred Heart
Thanks to those who provided additional info and/or corrections
GBNF & Tone Kyaw
I have to be very careful in specifying persons as GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten).
There are at least three Tone Kyaw (person believed to have died) including me.
When my name sake CO U Hla Min (Chief Operator at UCC, who appeared healthier than me) passed away in his mid-30s, two Training Departments (from Co-op and Trade) inquired UCC where they could send a “Lwan Thu Pann Kway” (wreath) for me. My former class mate Moe Hein (Ajala with an extremely loud voice) was surprised when he saw me at the Kyandaw Cemetery. He said, “I have taken a day off to come here. I wondered why your brother did not tell that you had passed away.” I became a Tone Kyaw.
U Han Sein (C69, Ah Pho Gyi) was sentenced to 20 years for his alleged involvement in 8-8-88. His classmates, who were organizing the 30th Reunion of Graduation, inadvertently listed him as GBNF. He became a Tone Kyaw. He was released after 16 years (with the Amnesty Proclamation), but sadly, his family had been broken. He recently celebrated his 10 years of regained freedom.
When Dr. Tin Hlaing (Marine Technology) passed away in Singapore, some RIT inadvertently sent condolences to Saya Dr. Tin Hlaing (M63), who became a Tone Kyaw.
Mya Kyun Nyo Nyo Kun Yeik Kho
The song was first recorded as a “Dat Pya” at Myanmar Ah Than (Burma Broadcasting Service). It was first sung by U Mya Thein and group. U Thet Lwin received 100 Kyats for his composition, and he treated his fellow Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins.
In a TV interview, Saya played the song.
The song has been sung in many events including the SPZPs (Saya Pu Zaw Pwe) of RIT Alumni.
The Singapore “Pon Chan Chan Group” led by Don Min U Yu Swan recorded the song.
The song was also sung at the Ceremony on December 1, 2019 to kick off the RU Centennial.
The various versions can be listened from the Facebook Posts and You Tube.
Land marks
Thit Pope Pinn is recognized by the Yangon Heritage Society.
The tree was there even before the founding of the University of Rangoon, and it survived Cyclone Nargis.
A few readers expressed displeasure to see the wired fences and the inexplicable disappearance of landmarks.
The Convocation Hall is another land mark.
Eons ago, the Prime Minister of the Union of Burma served as Chancellor of the University of Rangoon, and also delivered “Commencement Speech” at the graduation.
I posted the program of the 1958 Convocation which listed about 30 prize winners (Gold Medals, Silver Medals and Books).
U Soe Paing, my mentor at RIT and UCC, received two Gold medals (after paying 150 Kyats for each Gold Medal, because the original endowments no longer covered the “rising cost” of Gold for the Medals). He had the highest score for I.Sc. (A) and (B) combined. He had the joint highest Maths score for I.Sc. exams — with two other students.
In 1962, Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun) won the Gold Medal for the highest score for I.Sc.(A) and (B) combined. U Myat Thwin (ChE66) beat him by one point for the highest score in Mathematics for I.Sc.(A) and (B) combined.
Autograph
Ma Chit Swe (Hazel Kyaw Zaw’s mother) was a Junior I.A. (Intermediate of Arts) student in 1936. Hazel has posted her mother’s autograph.
Daw Hla Myint, a close friend of Hazel’s mom, wrote a lovely poem. Many were unaware of her talent. She had to leave the University before graduation to get married to U Tu Maung. Saya U Tu Myint (Winston Tu Maung) was our saya at RIT and later taught at Singapore Polytechnic until retirement. Dr. Hla Maung (Ronald Tu Maung, MEHS65) moved to the UK. Her siblings include Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon, who led the operation of conjoined twins Ma Nan Soe and Ma Nan San), Dr. Pe Thein (Professor and Retired Minister), Daw Ivy San Pe and Daw Flora San Pe.
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.
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.
Shwe YaDu Lann (Poem and Translation) Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) wrote a poem for the RIT Shwe YaDu (Golden Jubilee). I translated the poem into English.
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife (Article) Nine of my articles were published in Volume One of the Encyclopedia. 23 Asian American Groups were featured in the three-volume Encyclopedia.
The (Hidden) Power of Kabyar (Poem and Translation) Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) wrote a poem for “Kabyar Nay” (Poem Day). I translated the poem into English.
To the Shwe Duo (Poem and Translation) Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung) wrote a poem in memory of Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66) and Saya U Hla Shwe (T69), who passed away within a few months of each other. I translated the poem into English.
To ease Nostalgia / “Lwann Pyay Aung (Poem and Translation) Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) composed an excellent poem for SPZP-2012. I translated the poem into English.
Names (Article) I have presented several speeches on Names at “Toastmasters International”. I have also written articles on naming conventions, common names, pen names and meaning of names.
Shwe YaDu Lann
Shwe YaDu Lann
Translation by U Hla Min
Shwe YaDu Lann Let it be rough [but it’s tough]. Flowers are blossoming again. Fear not the summer Care not the rain [drops] or the thick fogs & darkness or if winter’s not true to its form
Shwe YaDu Lann Let it be rough. No gentle stream flowing Fear not high winds Care not dense clouds Topsy turvy [come what may] Can paddle upstream With strong mind & conviction Place where heroes [Thu Ye Kaungs] are produced.
Swel Daw Myaing Dann Shwe YaDu Lann is a start [of a journey] To raise the Banner loftily to the skies, to the Zenith displaying our thitsar (vow of truth and integrity)
HLA MIN (Editor, Newsletter Updates, USA)
Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife
Nine of my articles appear in the Encyclopedia ofAsian American Folklore and Folklife (AAFF).
The three-volume book was published by ABC-CLIO in 2011. At the beginning, the book was sold for $275.
I received a book (for completing eight articles according to the agreement) and $10 (for the additional article).
Burmese Americans are covered in Pages 127 to 178 of Volume One.
The Editors decided to merge two of my articles with other authors.
Unfortunately, an error introduced by my co-author. On page 150, he mentioned July 22 (instead of July 19) as Martyrs’ Day. The merged article unfortunately was not sent to me for review. The Editors promise to correct the error in subsequent editions.
Folk tales (as told by Saya Dr. Htin Aung and Ludu U Hla) are part of the Folklore.
To read my articles on-line, you should go to “Google Books” and then search “Hla Min“.
The (Hidden) Power of Kabyar
Translation by U Hla Min
Kabyar is animate But [it’s life is] not just a [fleeting] morn
Kabyar is a weapon But not for destroying the world
Kabyar is key For liberation and independence But not devoid of principles [and morals]
Kabyar has power Hidden but efficient & effective Like sharp-pointed spear-head Can thrust into [the heart of] a power-maniac Cause trembling, shivering, throbbing & anguished pain
Poem in Burmese by Tekkatho Moe War (Saya U Moe Aung)
To the Shwe Duo
Translation by U Hla Min
in memory of “Shwe Duo” : Saya U Tin Shwe (EP66) and Saya U Hla Shwe (T69)
“TO THE SHWE DUO” by Tekkatho Moe War
SHWE duo Blossom in unison Disappear together Free from complaint Even with thin breath Showed mark [of courage and wisdom] Never wavered … Pressed by burden At the awaited turn [of journey’s end] Body — inheritance [from previous lives] Succumbs [to failing health] Yet, “Wei-nyin” is fresh, alive and hovering.
To ease Nostalgia
Poem by U Nyunt Htay
Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) is a distinguished poet. He is Chief Editor and/or Publisher of Myanmar Mudita. He composed an excellent poem for SPZP-2012.
Translation by U Hla Min
One cannot forget the history and sweet memories of one’s alma mater, and one feels that most alumni — near and far — still yearn for the good old days.
In front of A Hall, B Hall [C, D, E, F, Halls] friends would tease and prank, yet do no harm. They do not care to find weaknesses in others, and will remain loyal friends. In front of Uttra (North or G) Hall — usually in the evenings — aspiring Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins serenade with love songs aided by guitars, harmonicas and violins.
Hear the bells in Building One, Two [Three] ringing once more. Many rush to the classrooms [some spend time on the corridors to enjoy the belles go by]. At night, some “count the numbers” (perhaps playing cards, or actually studying and doing home work).
RIT students do not feel outnumbered by RASU [with Burma selected] or Eco at any kind of sports [soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, water polo …]. RIT has staunch loud-voiced fans [like “Ajala” Moe Hein].
Assembly Hall hosted not just presentations and debates. It also is the home of Geeta See Sar [Musical Evening Extravaganza] with outstanding musicians, composers, vocalists and dancers. Swel Daw Yeik Troupe and Ah Nyeint, Pyazat, … melt our hearts.
Cartoon Box [former telephone kiosk] nurtured many cartoonists to share their humor, satire and ideas with the readers searching for Sacca (Truth).
Aw Bar Lann (precious memories to the graduates attending the graduation ceremony) is known not also for applause but also for the tongue-in-cheek comments and unruly claps and shouts to the unwary treading the Lann.
As the examinations near, most try their best [by borrowing books and notes from their friends, by attending crash sessions] to pass the hurdle. On the desks are notes [not neat and tidy] scattered all over. Times and systems change, but most RITians are able to decide the essentials (“Ah Hnit”) from the inessentials (“Ah Kar”).
Swel Daw Yeik
One can never forget the history and [priceless] memories.
Names
Overview
Before the advent of MRI and Ultra Sound, some people prepare a set of 14 names for the forthcoming : 7 names for a boy (one for each day of the week) and 7 names for a girl (ditto).
Some prefer to have a formal naming ceremony a specified number of days after the birth of a child.
Names may have meaning and/or a historical background.
For example, “Pyke Tin” means “left on a net”. The mother of Saya Dr. Pyke Tin presumably had problems (e.g. miscarriage), so she performed a “Yadana” to catch Saya with a net.
I have a cousin aunt named “Pyke Mi” meaning “caught on a net”.
Ko Ko, Nyi Nyi, Maung Maung, Maung Gyi, Maung Lay, Ma Gyi, Ma Nge are some names based on the order of birth.
There may be name changes. For example, Bogyoke Aung San was named “Htain Lin”, but he changed him name to “Aung San” to rhyme with “Aung Than” (his elder brother).
A new name is given in some social (e.g. Coronation of a King or Queen) and religious (e.g. Higher Ordination) events.
Burma/Myanmar has a sizable number of race and ethnicity.
The following are some prefixes of my sayas, sayamas and friends.
Sao (e.g. Saya Sao Kan Gyi, descendant of Keng Tung Sawbwa)
Sai (e.g. Sai Kyaw Aye, broadcaster for the BBS Shan Language Program)
Saw (e.g. Saw Edison, Karen, RIT Volleyball)
Sa (e.g. Sa Maung Maung, Joint Treasurer, EE69er HCF)
Duwa (e.g. Duwa Zau Lai, Myitkyina)
Nan (e.g. Nan Khin Nwe, young and energetic fund raiser)
Nang (e.g. Nang Khaming, RIT Track and Field)
Naw (e.g. Naw Mu Mu Aye, Professor, Textile)
Salai (e.g. Saya Salai Tun Than, Professor, Yezin)
In most countries, the Father’s lineage is used for the Family Name. Long ago, in some Matriarchal society, the Mother’s lineage is used for the Family Name.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (or John F. Kennedy) is the US President who proposed the Space Program to send Men to the Moon and bring them back safely to earth. His first name (or personal name) is John. His last name (or family name) is Kennedy. The middle name is Fitzgerald. The middle initial is F. Fitz means “son of”.
President Harry Truman has no middle name. His middle initial is S.
I have no middle name. So at one company, I was registered as Hla X Min (where X is a filler).
My name has only six letters, but it has been misspelled and mispronounced in six (or more) ways.
Prefix
A name may have a prefix.
Prefixes for
a male Burmese name include Maung, Ko, U, and Pho.
a female Burmese name include Ma, Daw, and Phwa.
a Burmese monk name include Ashin, Sayadaw, Venerable and U.
Shan names include Sao, Sai, and Nan.
Mon names include Mehm, Min, Nai, and Mi.
Karen (Kayin) names include Saw, Sa, Pado, and Naw.
Kachin names include Duwa.
Chin names include Salai.
Old Burmese passports were issued with the prefix included. This created confusion when matching names from other documents (e.g. birth certificate).
Dr. U Win was called “Hey, U (pronounced as You)” by his friends, who did not realize that “U” (pronounced as Oo) is a prefix for a Burmese name.
Suffix
A name may have a suffix.
Suffixes include
Sr. (Senior for the father)
Jr. (Junior for one of the sons)
Generation number, e.g. Bill Gates is named William Gates IV
Esq. (Esquire, used earlier in Britain)
Degree, e.g. Freddie Ba Hli, Sc.D.
Fellowship or Membership
Monk names
Some monks names may have “abhivamsa” or “alankara” as suffixes.
Sayadaw U Silananda the prestigious monk examination (conducted in Mandalay) before the age of 27. So, he is often referred to as U Silanandabhivamsa.
There are several distinguished Sayadaws named Ashin Janakabhivamsa.
U Neimeinda and U Siri (Thiri) passed the “Lankara” religious examinations as novices. They may suffix their names with “alankara”.
Prefix for Monk Names
Bhikkhu
Ashin
Baddhanta
Sayadaw
Upazin or Uzin
U
Thera
Maha Thera
Venerable (in English)
Tipitaka Dara (one who completed “Vinaya”, “Sutta”, and “Abhidhamma” exams)
Dwee Pitaka Dara (one who completed “Vinaya” and “Sutta” examinations)
Suffix for Monk Names
Monk names may be suffixed with one or more of the following:
Lankara (one who had passed that dhamma exam as a novice)
[A]bhivamsa (one who had passed the “Set kyar thi ha Dhammacariya” exam before the age of 26)
Wun tha ka (one who stood first in the special examination)
Pa hta ma gyaw (one who stood first in the Pa hta ma pyan exam)
Thi ro ma ni (one who finished 9 “kyans” in a single year)
Saya U Tin Htut donated K10 lakhs to Swel Daw Yeik Foundation on January 3rd, 2017.
Saya U Moe Aung accepted the donation.
Present at the ceremony were several Executive Committee members of SDYF. Photo (L to R) : Sayama Daw Khin Sandar Tun, U Hla Min, U Wynn Htain Oo, Saya U Tin Htut, Saya U Moe Aung (Patron, SDYF), U Myint Pe and U Tin Latt
September and October 2017
Sayagyi U Ba Than
M75U Ba Than
M75
M75 paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than on September 25, 2017.
H.E. U Win Khaing, U Tin Soe, U Than Po, U Hla Win, U Ye Lin Oo, U Zaw Min … attended the birthday celebration ceremony and received blessing from sayagyi.
The group handed over garawa birthday gifts of K750000, USD$350 and SGD$300 to sayagyi.
69ers
69ers
The Class of 69 (mostly M69) paid respect to Sayagyi U Ba Than on October 1, 2017.
U Aung Min, U Tin Shein (Chinlon), … attended the birthday celebration ceremony and received blessing from sayagyi.
The group handed over garawa birthday gifts that they had collected before and on the monthly breakfast gathering held earlier that day.
Sayagyi usually performs dana with the “garawa” money he received for his birthday and for attending the SPZPs and mini-SPZPs.
Sayagyi has supported various charitable associations (for the needy, the sick, the blind, the deaf and dumb, old people, “Nar Ye” …).
On or around October 2 every year, Sayagyi offered “soon kwyay” at a monastery.
Soon kwyay was held on October 2, 2017 at YAW SAYADAW’s monastery . It was attended by sayas, alumni, relatives and friends.
HlaMin 