Private Boundary Road School Daw Ku Paw, Daw Kywe, Daw Yi Yi, Daw Khin Khin Aye
St. Paul’s High School Ms. A Benjamin, Mrs. V Boudville, Ms. Amelia Kyi (Miss Hong Kong), Brother Xavier, Brother Austin
I.Sc. (A) Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing, Daw Khin Khin Kyi
2nd BE Mr. Des Rodgers (Primary), Sao Kan Gyi, U Khin, U Win Mra
Saya Des
Saya Des
Our main English Teacher in our 2nd BE Class in 1964 – 65.
Chief Editor of the RIT English Association Newsletter.
Core organizer of debates (in English) between 1st BE and 2nd BE students. e.g. “Money is the Root of All Evils” “Are we happier than our forefathers?”
Played on the RIT Saya soccer team.
Accomplished musician : guitarist and vocalist, a regular on the BBS Variety Show. Would often play with Saya U Win Mra (Burma’s Elvis Presley in his younger days).
Won Singles and Doubles tournaments in Scrabble. Held at Guardian, YMCA and RIT.
Did post-graduate studies in the UK.
Moved to Canada.
Taught “English as a Specialty Language” and other English courses.
Set up a consultancy firm
Published a book on English words that have been “selected” from contemporary news media and magazines. I helped catch some typos (which would go into an amendment).
Conducted on-line courses to students (mostly outside Canada).
Published two books.
The first book selected words from the contemporary publications (news media and magazines), provided definitions and usage. Synonyms and antonyms are given.
Sent his book by air mail. Sadly, I received only the envelope. So he sent a second time using registered/insured option. The mailing costs are prohibitive. Cost more than the sales price of the book.
E-mailed back typos in the book to Saya. They will be corrected in a future edition.
One of the four Bhamaso Taya or Bhama Vihara (along with Karuna, Mudita, and Uppekha)
Practiced as a form of meditation
U Silananda‘s book on Protective Verses has a section on how to practice Loving Kindness Meditation.
Tipitaka Mingun Sayadawgyi recited the Two Methods of sending Metta. As mentioned in Metta Sutta Alternative: 528 “Metta” (13 x 4 x 12) They can be found on YouTube and CDs.
“Metta Sutta” is one of the eleven Suttas in “Paritta Pali” (Protective Verses). Also known as Karaniya Metta Sutta Chanted at most Buddhist ceremonies.
Myitta is covered along with Thitsar (Truth) in Dr. Min Tin Mon‘s book “Myitta and Thitsar“
U Thu Kha wrote a book on Metta Sutta.
U Jotalankara‘s book explains the 528 Metta.
A Physics teacher said, “Myitta So Dar Ah Hlyar Ah Nan Ma Shee Bay Mei Ah Thwar Ah Pyan Shee Bar Thay Dae.”
Metta is also used as a name or part of a name.
Metta is a Myanmar comedian.
Mettananda Vihara is a monastery in Northern California. Moved from Central Avenue, Fremont to Castro Valley.
Metta Vihari is an association that performs Chanting, and also offers food dana at selected gatherings.
Practicing Metta
By Way of LOCATION:
May I be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this house be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this area be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this city be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this country be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this world be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings in this universe be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.
By Way of PERSONS:
May I be well, happy and peaceful.
May my teachers be well, happy and peaceful.
May my parents be well, happy and peaceful.
May my relatives be well, happy and peaceful.
May my friends be well, happy and peaceful.
May the indifferent persons be well, happy and peaceful.
May the unfriendly persons be well, happy and peaceful.
May all meditators be well, happy and peaceful.
May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.
Metta Sutta
Third sutta in “Paritta Pali”
also referred to as Karaniya Metta Sutta
Desirable qualities of a Practitioner
Loving Kindness Meditation
Formal Translation from Pali into Burmese/Myanmar and English
Informal Books by Saya U Thu Kha and Saya Dr. Mehm Tin Mon
MBBS (Rangoon) offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Rangoon University
“Fast track” MBBS for LMP
Medical Branch (of RU) in Mandalay
MBBS (Mandalay)
New Education System Institute of Medicine (1) Institute of Medicine (2) Mandalay Institute of Medicine
MD
Ph.D
Membership MRCP, MRCOG …
Fellowship FRCP, FRCS …
Physicians / Medicine Col Min Sein (Dean) Major Shwe Zan Dr. Maung Gale (Dean) Dr. Maung Maung Gyi (Rector) Dr. U E (Rector) Dr. Hla Myint (Aba) …
Surgeons Dr. Ba Than (Police Surgeon, MS of war-time RGH, Rector) Dr. Pe Nyun (Ped) Dr. Htut Saing (Ped) Dr. Maung Maung Taik(Forensic) Dr. Min Lwin (Ortho) …
Luyechun is an award presented by the Ministry of Education to selected “outstanding students“.
The initial program ran from 1964 to 1988.
A new program was established a few years back.
I was selected as RIT Luyechun in the summer of 1965.
I was invited as a Guest Speaker to the Ngapali Luyechun Camp in the summer of 1988.
Summer of 1964
The first Luyechun camp was opened at Ngapali in the summer of 1964.
It was for Luyechuns for 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th standards.
Some Luyechuns
Ko Win Myint (Mergui, UCC)
Ko Win Aung (TTC, Mech 70, RIT Swimming and Water Polo)
Ko Kyaw Zaw (TTC, EC72, GBNF)
Ma Pwint Than (Loikaw, EP71)
Ko Oak Soe Kha (IM1, Swimming and Water Polo)
Ko Aung Myint (Mdy)
Ko Tin Soe (Ygn, DSA, Attaché)
Summer of 1965
The second Luyechun camp was opened at Inlay in the summer of 1965.
For the first time, Luyechuns were selected for the Universities and Institutes.
Staff at Inlay Camp
U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU)
Dr. Daw May May Yi (IM2)
Daw Po (Burmese)
Dr. Naing Tint San (Med Officer)
U Khin Aung
U Khin Maung Htwe
U Than Tun Aung Hlaing
Lu Nge Yay Yar / Youth Affairs
Some Luyechuns
Ma Than Than Tin (Cherry Hlaing, First in Burma in 1964, IM1)
Ko Khin Maung U (First in Burma in 1963, IM1)
Ma Anita Aye Pe (IM1)
Ko Kyaw Sein Koe (IM1, GBNF)
Ko Thein Win (IM2)
Ko Soe Aung / Soe Min Thein (IM2)
Ko Tun Naung (BDS, Stereo)
Ko Tin Hlaing (MASU, Le Dwin Tha Saw Chit, Literary Awards)
Ma Khin Aye Myint (RASU)
Ma Mu Mu Win (RASU)
Ko Min Oo (Second in Burma in 1963, RASU, Mathematics Professor in Germany and Canada)
Ko Ye Myint (RASU)
Ma Khin Aye Than (RASU, GBNF)
Ko / Maung Aye (RASU, Diplomat)
Ko Mya Than (RASU)
Ko Zaw Min (RIT)
Ko Hla Min (RIT)
Ma Khin Than Myint Tin (RIT)
Ko Sein Shwe (RIT)
…
They attended the Inlay camp together with the 10th standard Luyechuns. Ko Than Sit (Sagaing, Liver Foundation, GBNF) Ko Uttam Singh (Myitkyina, RIT, NASA) Ko Win Myint (Letpadan, RIT, Bogyoke / Dy Minister) Ko Aung Myint (Mandalay) Ko Aung Kyaw Nyunt (Myingyan) Ko Kyaw Myint (Yamethin) Ko Kyaw Myint (Delta) Ko Nelson Kaw (Taunggyi) Ko Thein Lwin Ko Hla Kyaing (Yangon) …
There were two other camps : Rangoon Combined Camp and Ngapali Camp (for the lower classes).
The staff members from Lu Nge Yay Yar (Youth Affairs) were responsible for the logistics.
Selected sayas and sayamas took charge of the Luyechuns. They include Dr. May May Yi (then at IM(2), later DG of BMRI), Daw Po (later Professor of Burmese), and U Aung Gyi (MASU Maths).
There was a mishap when one student got injured during a “mandatory” exercise program.
For this and other reasons, the later Camp Commandants were chosen from Sayagyis (e.g. U Ba Toke).
Front : Than Sitt, Sein Shwe, Min Oo, Nelson Kaw, Kyaw Myint Back : Soe Aung, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Aung Shwe, Hla Min, U Khin Aung
Front : Than Sitt, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Min Oo Back : Soe Aung, Kyaw Myint, Sein Shwe, Ye Myint, Hla MinFront : Hla Min Back : Aung Myint, Aung Kyaw Nyunt, Tin Maung Htwe, Ye Myint, Sein Shwe
Tekkatho Tun Naung (1st year BDS, madolin) and Ko Sein Shwe (4th BE Mech, dobat, harmonica, flute) were some of the entertainers for the Luyechun concert. U Aung Gyi (Maths, MASU) wrote the “Than Gyurt”.
Ko Tin Hlaing (Le Dwin Thar Saw Chit, 1st year Burmese, MASU) was a notable contributor to the daily pamphlets.
Some high school Luyechun students later joined RIT. They include Ko Win Myint (later Bogyoke), Ko Aung Win (later Saya), Uttam Singh (later Ph.D working at NASA), Ma Pwint Than (later EPC), …
The guest lecturers include Saya U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi, and U Thu Ta (Met and Hydro DG).
Trips include Lawpita Dam and selected factories and departments.
Miscellaneous
Htut Kwan
7-time winner
6-time winner
…
2-time winner
Association
Gatherings
FB Group
Support new generation of LYC
Donation for prevention / treatment of COVID
Database of LYC
Active members
GBNF (Gone But Not Forgotten)
Guest Lecturers in 1965
Dr. Nyi Nyi (Secretary / Dy Minister)
U Thu Ta (DG, Met and Hydro)
U Thein Han (Zawgyi)
…
Guest Lecturers in 1987/88
U Kyaw Myint (DHE)
U Hla Min (UCC/DCS/ICST)
…
Luyechun Association
A few years back, Luyechun (1964-1988) Association was formed. The association meets one or more times a year.
There have been Annual Dinner Gatherings.
It has a Facebook group.
There are “Then and Now” photos of some Luyechuns.
Some are “Hturt Kwan” (Multiple) Luyechuns. Some were selected Luyechun for a consecutive number of years. A few won the award six or seven times.
Some Luyechuns have passed away.
Dr. Kyaw Sein Koe (IM 1) passed away early.
H.E. U Myint Thaung and U Myint Thin (M71, RIT) are some Luyechuns who passed away recently.
Another Trip to Inlay in October 1965
As part of the award, one received a 50% travel discount.
During the October holidays in 1965, I took on the offer from Ko Aung Kyaw (Peter Pe, SPHS, star in one movie) to join him and Ko Maung Maung Aye (IM(1), GBNF) to visit his cousin doctor in Inn Paw Khone (Inlay village).
I visited Phaung Daw-U again with a difference (as expressed in my poem).
PHAUNG DAW-U FESTIVAL
Phaung Daw-U, oh Burma’s grandeur Can truly make our hearts sublime Its mystic charm and rhymeless splendor Have firmly stood the test of time
It lies deep in the heart of people It gives them courage and inspiration No wonder this festival has no equal It promises joy and veneration
On board the Karaweik so scintillating Stood the four images of Lord Buddha For the Noble Truth are we vindicating? What lies deep under the completed tour?
But one statue was left behind Because in writings we do find That should it ever leave the shrine There will be thunder and storm Thus a happy reunion on the morn of the full moon of Thadinkyut
From floating islands the leg rowers came To take part in the race With their muscular frame, with might and main Their oars flashing at a rapid pace
Festivities last all night long Dances to the company of ozi and gong Oh, prayers that fill the cool evening air May loving kindness prevail everywhere
Last Trip to Inlay in January 2020
I was invited to join the 2020 Professional Speakers Association (PSA) Tour to selected cities in Upper Myanmar.
Several hotels sponsored part of the tour and/or provided discount rates to the Tour group.
At the end of the tour, we visited Inlay. Two PSA sayas provided a short training course for the employees of the hotel.
Mahayana Buddhists emphasize the importance of Compassion
Sayadaw U Sobhana (GBNF) had four Indonesian siblings as his students. Named one of them Karuna. She was present at Sayadaw’s Last Journey.
U Moe Myint (M76) and several alumni are members of the “Karuna Ah Thinn” in Singapore. One activitiy is to help the needy for the Last Journey of their loved one.
We saw an outpouring of Karuna in the relief efforts for Disaster Recovery (e.g. Cyclone Nargis)
Practicing Karuna
May suffering ones be suffering-free
And the fear-struck fearless be
May the grieving shed all grief
And all beings find relief
Mudita
Pali term.
Rendered as Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
One of the four Bhamaso Taya
One should feel joyful when one hears good news about others.
Myanmar Mudita Sar Saung
Saya U Nyunt Htay (Met73) is Chief Editor
Contributor : Tekkatho Moe War (U Moe Aung)
Upekkha
Pali term
Rendered as Neutral [Feeling]
Also translated as Equanimity
One of the four Bhamaso Taya
In a loose usage in Burmese, “Upekkha Shu” means “ignore”. It is not representative of the importance of Upekkha, which provides a balance of life and avoids the two extremes stated in the Dhammacakka Sutta
It is non-trivial to sense Upekkha while practicing Vipassana (Insight) Meditation.
Feelings may be be categorized as
Pleasant Feeling
Unpleasant Feeling
Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling
Upekkha is synonymous with “Non-Pleasant and Non-Unpleasant Feeling”.
Original Publisher : Dhammachakka Meditation Center, 1991
Republished with other articles : Tathagata Meditation Center
Other articles included the book
(1) “Instructions to Meditation Practice” by Mahasi Sayadaw (2) “Benefits of Walking Meditation” by Sayadaw U Silananda (3) “Guidance for Yogis at Interview” by Sayadaw U Pandita (4) “An Interview with Mahasi Sayadaw” by Thamanaykyaw, translated by U Hla Myint
Anagram Making new words and phrases from the given word e.g. North, South, East and West can be transformed into Thorn, Shout, Seat and Stew
Jumbled Words Feature of a newspaper column
Scrabble
Scrabble
Scrabble is a board game.
A game can be played by two to four players.
There are a specified number of tiles.
Each tile holds a letter worth one to ten points, or a “blank” (similar to a “joker” or a “wild card” in card games).
Rules
The word must appear in the official set of dictionaries (e.g. Chamber’s Dictionary, Jone’s Pronouncing Dictionary).
A player can challenge the validity of a word. He or she will forfeit a turn if the challenge is unsuccessful.
A bonus of 50 points is given for a word formed with all seven tiles. e.g. MAJESTY
In some contests, adding “s” to a singular to make it plural is disallowed.
Scrabble Tournaments
In our younger days, Scrabble tournaments were held by
Guardian Newspaper P. (Paul) Aung Khin (Editor, “Dawlay’s Circle”) was a host. There was a “Tiger” Scrabble team with U Tin Shwe, U Ba U and their friend. One of the Tigers joined Saya Des Rodgers to play Doubles.
RIT Scrabble Club Saya Des and Saya U Khin were hosts.
YMCA Known for the Chess Champions (e.g. Saya Dawson). Hosted Scrabble tournaments.
Saya Des Rodgers won several trophies. Most of the English sayas (e.g. U Khin) and sayamas (e.g. Daw Toni) played Scrabble along with the students such as Ko Myo Tun (Bobby) and Ko Khin Maung Win (Roland). Civil Engineering sayas (e.g. U Tin Win) also frequent the English Department for Scrabble sessions and tournaments.
Saya U Khin has Chamber’s Dictionary and Jone’s Pronouncing Dictionary on his desk for use in the challenges.
Update of RIT Scrabble Players
Saya Des moved to UK and then Canada.
Saya U Khin moved to Taiwan.
Sayama Toni joined her husband U Nyi Than (who retired as Ambassador). After his demise, Sayama moved back to Yangon. She attends and/or host gatherings (sumptuous food and Scrabble) in Yangon.
Bobby is now Ashin Pannagavesaka (Former Dhamma Librarian, Pa Auk Tawya monastery in Mawlamyine). Bobby mentioned that Paul requested him to be a judge at the Guardian Scrabble tournaments, so he could not participate.
Roland retired after working for an Embassy in Yangon.
HlaMin 