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  • December 1920 (Talk)

    December 1920 (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Nov 2025

    Video Broadcast

    Rangoon University

    In December 1920, there were three significant events.

    • On December 1, 1920, Rangoon University was established with Rangoon College and Judson College as the constituent colleges. The colleges are also known by other names (e.g. Government College, Baptist College)
    • On December 5, 1920, the First RU Students’ Strike took place. They protested the 1920 Rangoon University Act as too narrow and restrictive.
    • On December 26, 1920, Saya U Ba Toke was born as a Phwa Bet Taw of the above two.

    Rangoon University (RU)

    • Initially had three Faculties and eight departments (including Law)
    • Initially had six professors
    • RU gradually extended its offerings (beyond Science and Arts)
    • The opening of engineering classes was planned around 1923 and executed in 1924.
    • In 1927, the first batch of engineering students (who had Bachelors degree) graduated with the “accelerated courses” option.
    • In 1928, the second batch of engineering students (who joined after finishing the I.Sc.) graduated.
    • RU was closed from 1942 to 45.
      RU Silver Jubilee was celebrated much later (and without high key).
    • RU celebrated the Golden Jubilee (GJ) in 1970. Dr. Aung Gyi (Professor of Civil Engineering) and U Thet Lwin (Burmese saya at the Institute of Economics) were some of the GJ organizers. The RIT Ah Nu Pyinnya Shins took part in the GJ Entertainment Program as “Swel Daw Yeik Troupe“.
      The term “Swel Daw Yeik” became synonymous with RIT [its predecessors and its successors]. Swel Daw Yeik Ah Nyeint (စွယ်တော်ရိပ်အငြိမ့် with Minthamees မင်းသမီး and Lu Shwin Daws လူရွှင်တော်), Htee Yein (ထီးယိမ်း RIT Belles with colorful Parasols) and Da Bin Daing Ah Ka (တပင်တိုင်အက) were hits at the GJ celebration.
      I was a volunteer member of the “Zay Nay Yar Cha Hta Yay” subcommittee headed by Saya U Hla Tun Aung (Geography). Those who applied for stalls and/or stage included Actor Maung Maung Tar (promoting his make up) and the then amateur band “Playboys” requesting a high stage (for security concerns).
    • RU celebrated the Diamond Jubilee in 1995.
    • RU celebrated the “Yar Pyie Ah Kyo” in December 2019. The opening song was “Mya Kyun Nyo” composed by Maung Ngwe Hlinne (Saya U Thet Lwin).
    • RU Centennial Celebrations were planned for November and December of 2020.
      Due to the pandemic, many events were held virtually.
      Kyemon and Myanar Ah Lin newspapers featured articles about RU. The TV stations featured interviews, songs …

    First RU Students’ Strike

    • Eleven “senior” students led the Boycott of the Rangoon University Act of 1920.
    • They were unhappy with the restrictions of the RU Act and decided to hold a boycott (strike) on December 7, 1920.
    • Due to a news leak, the protests were moved to December 5, 1920.
    • The strike resulted in the establishment of Amyotha Kyaung (National Schools) and Amyotha Kaw Leik (National College). The event is celebrated as Ah Myo Tha Aung Pwe Nay (National Day).
      The Burmese date (10th Waning day of Tazaungmon) is used for the Celebration.
    • Arzani U Razak was an early graduate of the National College. He served as Principal of a National School in Mandalay. He became Minister of Education in Bogyoke Aung San’s cabinet.
    • Prime Minister U Nu, United Nations Secretary General U Thant and Ahmyotha Pyinnya Wun / Educator / Writer U Po Kyar are notable sayas from the National Schools.
    • The boycott was responsible for the amendments to the RU Act. e.g. opening of schools for engineering and medicine,
    • A pillar was set up on Shwe Dagon Pagoda in memory of the Boycott.

    Sayagyi U Ba Toke (Dec 26, 1920 – Dec 2, 2020)

    • He is one of the oldest and senior sayas. Some senior sayas (e.g. Daw Hla May / Anne Sine) passed away in early 2020.
    • Received A.M (Master of Arts in Mathematics) from Harvard University.
    • Served as Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer and Professor of Mathematics at RU and RASU.
    • Promoted to Rector, MASU.
    • With his own volition, he transferred to RIT as Professor of (Engineering) Mathematics.
    • As a Saya of engineering sayas (e.g. Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi), he was invited to attend SPZP-2000 and give a speech.
    • Saya attended all SPZPs except SPZP-2002 (which he had to forgo due to Sayagadaw’s health).
    • Played Chinlon and Soccer.
    • Co-chair of RU Sports Council
      Managed the Soccer program.
    • Headed the Burmese delegation to the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
    • Until his 80s, Saya was active
      (e.g. walk to Shwe Dagon Pagoda with his dhamma friends).
    • In his 90s, Saya had physical limitations, but his mental faculty was strong as ever.
    • Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) interviewed Saya.
      Sayama Daw Myint Myint Khaing (daughter of Arzani Mahn Ba Khaing) transcribed the tapes. The book covering Sayagyi’s Life Journey was published by the RU Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
    • Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy.

    Two Sayagyis

    U Ba Toke & U Ba Than
    • Pu Zaw Pwe (PZP) — paying homage to mentors — is a noble tradition. They are also known as Saya Pu Zaw Pwe and Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe.
    • There have been micro-PZPs, mini-PZPs and grand PZPs.
    • Saya U Ba Than (born on October 2, 1930) usually visits and pay homage to his saya Sayagyi U Ba Toke at least once every year.

    Paying homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke

    • During my visits to Yangon, I paid homage to Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
    • On one visit, Sayagyi gave me an autographed copy of “Life Journey of Mathematics Professor Sayagyi U Ba Toke”.
      The book was written by Saya Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char, GBNF) based on his interviews with Sayagyi U Ba Toke. It also covers the early Thin Char Sayagyis. The book was published by Rangoon University Thin Char Mi Thar Su for Sayagyi’s 80th birthday.
    • In January 2017, Pansy Ba Toke (Thynn Thynn, ChE 74) asked her son-in-law and daughter to pick up Sayagyi U Ba Than, Saya U Tin Htut and me at Winner Inn to see her father Sayagyi U Ba Toke.
      Sayagyi had some problems with mobility and vision, but his mind remains crisp and clear.
    • Pansy was a member of the Swel Daw Yeik “Htee Yein” at the Rangoon University Golden Jubilee in 1970.She has offered transportation to the Sayas who want to visit her father.
    • Sayagyi sometimes defer celebrating his birthday so that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren — far and near — could join the celebration.
    • Sayagyi is pre-deceased by
      his beloved spouse, his second son (Soe Win, 6th out of his 8 children) and his second daughter (Kitty, 3rd out of his 8 children)
    U Ba Toke & family
  • Prize And Award (Talk)

    Prize And Award (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 16, 2021

    U Hla Min

    Nobel Prize

    • Physics
    • Chemistry
    • Medicine
    • Literature
    • Peace

    Awards (considered equivalent to Nobel Prize)

    • “Nobel Prize in” Economics
    • ACM Turing Award (in Computing)
    • Field Medal (in Mathematics)

    Prizes at School

    • Highest score in a test or examination
    • Prize for reciting poems (e.g. Mingalar Kabyar)
    • Prize for good handwriting
    • Prize for good behavior
    • Prize for sports events
    • Collegiate Scholarship (for top students in Matriculation examination)

    Rangoon University Boat Club (RUBC)

    • In the early days, RUBC awarded cups to the winning teams.
    • The President of the Union of Burma donated the “President’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Eights.”
      In the inaugural competition, RUBC beat the combined team of Calcutta Lake Club and Calcutta University Rowing Club.
    • The Prime Minister of the Union of Burma donated the “Prime Minister’s Challenge Cup for Inter-Club Fours.”
    • The Challenge Cups are listed in the commemorative issue for the 90th Anniversary for the founding of RUBC.
    • Sir Arthur Eggar donated a Pewter Cup for the Senior Novices.
      The Senior Novice Winners receive a brooch.
    • Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded in the latter days.
      For obvious reasons, the medals are plated.
      P. Orr Tun Yin was a primary supplier of the cups and medals.
      U Hla Din and sons became the secondary source.

    Soccer

    • For World Cup, there was Jules Rimet Trophy.
    • For soccer in Burma, there was “Dunlop Shield (Daing)”

    Number of Medals

    • In some competitions, the two losing semi-finalists are awarded Joint Third prize.
      So, the number of bronze medals can be higher than the number of gold medals.
    • Due to the introduction of tie-breakers in most sports, we rarely have joint champions.
      In a few instances (e.g. the clock cannot discriminate the two winners), two gold medals were awarded to the joint champions.

    Miscellaneous

    • Fellowship
    • Lifetime Achievement Awards
    • National Awards
    • Literary Awards

  • Metta (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 10, 2021

    Four Byamaso Taya

    • Metta
      Unbounded Love / Loving Kindness
    • Karuna
      Compassion
    • Mudita
      Altruistic Joy or Sympathetic Joy
    • Uppekkha
      Equanimity
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is metta-sutta-1.jpg
    Book by U Thu Kha

    Metta

    • Pali term
      Written in Burmese as Myitta
    • Rendered as
      Unbounded Love
      Loving Kindness
    • One of the four Bhamaso Taya or Bhama Vihara (along with Karuna, Mudita, and Uppekha)
    • Practiced as a form of meditation
    • U Silananda‘s book on Protective Verses has a section on how to practice Loving Kindness Meditation.
    • Tipitaka Mingun Sayadawgyi recited the Two Methods of sending Metta.
      As mentioned in Metta Sutta
      Alternative: 528 “Metta” (13 x 4 x 12)
      They can be found on YouTube and CDs.
    • “Metta Sutta” is one of the eleven Suttas in “Paritta Pali” (Protective Verses).
      Also known as Karaniya Metta Sutta
      Chanted at most Buddhist ceremonies.
    • Myitta is covered along with Thitsar (Truth) in Dr. Min Tin Mon‘s book “Myitta and Thitsar“
    • U Thu Kha wrote a book on Metta Sutta.
    • U Jotalankara‘s book explains the 528 Metta.
    • A Physics teacher said, “Myitta So Dar Ah Hlyar Ah Nan Ma Shee Bay Mei Ah Thwar Ah Pyan Shee Bar Thay Dae.”
    • Metta is also used as a name or part of a name.
    • Metta is a Myanmar comedian.
    • Mettananda Vihara is a monastery in Northern California.
      Moved from Central Avenue, Fremont to Castro Valley.
    • Metta Vihari is an association that performs Chanting, and also offers food dana at selected gatherings.

    Practicing Metta

    By Way of LOCATION:

    • May I be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all beings in this house be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all beings in this area be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all beings in this city be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all beings in this country be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all beings in this world be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all beings in this universe be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.

    By Way of PERSONS:

    • May I be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May my teachers be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May my parents be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May my relatives be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May my friends be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May the indifferent persons be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May the unfriendly persons be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all meditators be well, happy and peaceful.
    • May all beings be well, happy and peaceful.

    Metta Sutta

    • Third sutta in “Paritta Pali”
    • also referred to as Karaniya Metta Sutta
    • Desirable qualities of a Practitioner
    • Loving Kindness Meditation
    • Formal
      Translation from Pali into Burmese/Myanmar and English
    • Informal
      Books by Saya U Thu Kha and Saya Dr. Mehm Tin Mon

    Chanting

    Two ways (as per Mingun Tipitaka Sayadawgyi)

    • Referred in Metta Sutta
    • 528 “Metta” (13 x 4 x 12)
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pp-12-13.jpg
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is pp-14-15.jpg
    Buddhist Dictionary

  • Medical Education (Talk)

    Medical Education (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 31, 2021

    Dt. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint
    • LMP (Licensed Medical Practitioner)
    • MBBS (Calcutta)
    • 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 (Talk)

    Luyechun (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on November 14, 2020

    Inlay Luyechun in 1965

    Introduction

    • 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 Min
    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is lyc-1.jpg
    Front : 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.
  • English Study 2 (Talk)

    English Study 2 (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 23, 2021

    U Hla Min

    Courses and/or Tests

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • English as a Second Language (ESL)
    • English as a Specialty Language (ESL)

    My English Teachers

    • I.Sc.(A)
      Daw Khin Kyi Kyi
      Daw Tinsa Maw Naing
    • RIT
      Saya Des Rodgers
      Saya U Khin
      Saya U Win Mra

    Some Reference Books

    • Idioms
    • Proverbs
    • How to improve your diction
    • Rhyming Dictionary
  • Three (Talk)

    Three (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 15, 2021

    U Hla Min

    Numerals

    • Hindu-Arablic numeral : 3
    • Roman numeral : III

    Triple Gems

    • Buddha (the Enlightened One)
    • Dhamma (His Teachings)
    • Sangha (Monastic Order)

    Tipitaka (Three Baskets)

    • Vinaya (Monastic Rules of Conduct)
    • Sutta (Discourses)
    • Abhidhamma (Ultimate Reality)

    Trinity

    • Father
    • Son
    • Holy Spirit

    Most well-known Hindu Gods

    • Brahma, the Creator
    • Vishnu, the Preserver
    • Shiva, the Destroyer

    Early NASA Projects

    • Mercury : carried only one astronaut
    • Gemini : carried two astronauts
    • Apollo : carried three astronauts

    Apollo Crew

    • Mission Commander (e.g. Neil Armstrong for Apollo11)
    • Command Module Pilot (e.g. Michael Collins for Apollo11)
    • Lunar Module Pilot (e.g. Buzz Aldrin for Apollo11)

    Apollo Modules

    • Service Module
    • Command Module
    • Lunar Module

    Musical Envelope

    • Rise (or attack)
    • Sustain
    • Fall (or decay)

    Prime constituents of an atom

    • Electron
    • Proton
    • Neutron

    Persuasion Techniques

    • Ethos
    • Pathos
    • Logos

    Typical Toastmasters Meeting

    • Prepared Speeches
    • Table Topics (Impromptu Speeches)
    • Evaluation

    Three-valued Logic

    • Yes
    • No
    • Do not care

    Essay (and most writings)

    • Introduction (or Beginning)
    • Body
    • Conclusion (or Ending)

    Medals

    • Gold (for first prize)
    • Silver (for second prize)
    • Bronze (for third prize)

    Measurement of Time

    • Hour
    • Minute
    • Second

    Angular Measure

    • Degree
    • Minute
    • Second

    Academic Degrees

    • Bachelor
    • Master
    • Doctorate

    Some School Types

    • Primary School
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Audio Book (Talk)

    Audio Book (Talk)

    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
  • Vipassana (Talk)

    Vipassana (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast

    U Hla Min

    Disciples of Mingun Narada Sayadaw

    • Mahasi Sayadaw
    • Taung Pu Lu Sayadaw

    Disciples of Mahasi Sayadaw

    • Panditarama Sayadaw
    • Saddamaramsi Sayadaw
    • Chan Myei Sayadaw U Janakabhivamsa
    • Dhammananda Sayadaw U Silanandabhivamsa
    • Kheippa Bein Nyaw (Vietnamese)

    Dhamma Lineage of Ledi Sayadaw

    • Saya Thet
    • U Ba Khin
    • S N Goenka

    Fundamentals of Vipassana Meditation

    • Primary Author : Mahasi Sayadaw
    • Translator : Maung Tha Noe
    • Editor : Sayadaw U Silananda
    • 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

  • Word Games (Talk)

    Word Games (Talk)

    by Hla Min

    Updated : Aug 2025

    Video Broadcast on January 6, 2021

    U Hla Min

    Introduction

    • Crossword Puzzle
      Various levels of complexity
    • Lexicon
      Card Game
    • 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

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_20190821_0001.jpg
    • 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.