Tag: HlaMin

RU 2
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

RU Centennial
- Pre-Celebrations kicked off on December 1, 2019. The celebrations continued to the end of 2020.
- Former Executive Committee members of the 1958 – 1962 Tekkatho Kalaung Ah Thinn published
  (a) Collection of Kabyars mainly from the old University magazines
  (b) Magazine with hitherto unpublished articles, essays, short stories, kabyars, etc.
- Several books have been published to commemorate the RU Centennial.
- A book and magazine by Tekkatho Kalaung Ah Thinn
- SMART Sarpay reprinted the book by Maung Aung Mon (Win Aung).
- Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin was the first native Principal of Rangoon College and the founder of the Burmese Department.
  Sayagyi will be honored by the Myanmar Sar Mi Thar Su in December 2109 with a bust.
- The bust of Sayagyi U Pe Maung Tin was unveiled. Daw Tin Tin Myaing (Brenda, daughter of Sayagyi) attended the ceremony.
- Sayagyi U Ba Toke (GBNF) who is a Phwa Bet Taw of the University of Rangoon was interviewed by a TV program. Sayagyi passed away on December 2, 2020 (the day after RU Centennial). It was several days short of Sayagyi’s centennial birthday on December 26.
- Kyemon published an article about the Land marks of the University of Rangoon.
- Myanmar Ah Lin published a series of articles for RU Centennial.
- The RU Golden Jubilee in 1970 and the RU Diamond Jubilee in 1995 were celebrated for 2 – 3 weeks.
Albums

I have created albums. Members are requested to
- add captions and comments
- add photos to existing albums
- create new albums (if required)
The following is a sampling:
- Botany
  Dr. Daw Yi Yi (Mother of Okka)
- Burmese (Myanmar Sar)
  “Khit San Kabyar”
  Saya U Wun (Minthuwun)
  See Aung Pyie (Farewell to Mya Thilar)
- Chemistry
  Saya U Aung Khin
  Dr Soe Win and Daw May Saw Lwin
  U Nyunt Win
  Dr. Aung Myint
  Dr. Tin Win (Alan)
  Dr. Myint Tun (Henry Cho Tun)
  U Kyaw Tun
  U Maung Maung Gyi
  U Nwe Aung
- Ma Chit Swe’s Autograph
  Mom of Hazel Kyaw Zaw (Kyi Kyi May)
  Friends of Ma Chit Swe
- Graduation
  Photo taken at Bayin Ma Studio
  Photos taken inside Convocation Hall
  Photos taken outside Convocation Hall
- Law
  U May Aung
  Sir Arthur Eggar (founder of RUBC)
  Dr. Ba Han
  U Kyaw Myint
  Sayas and sayamas
  LLB first batch
- Mathematics
  Sayagyi U Ba Toke
  Dr. Chit Swe
  Dr. Khin Maung Swe (Tekkatho Maung Thin Char)
- Physics
  Sayagyi Dr Maung Maung Kha
  Dr. Tin Aung
  Dr. Soe Myint Win
  Dr. Aye Thein Kyaw
  Daw May Su
  Dr. Zin Aung
  Dr. Saw Wai Hla
  Dr. Win Naing
  Dr. Myo Thaik
- Rectors and Registrars
  Dr. Htin Aung
  U Thet Lwin
- UCC Alumni
  UCC Gathering
Notes :
- There are more photo albums.
- I have posted photo essays for some topics.
1940s, 1950s and 1960s

Second World War
- The Second World War started in 1939 in Europe and spread to Asia.
- The University of Rangoon suspended classes for three years : 1943 – 1945.
- Per Sayagyi U Ba Toke :
  There were some make-shift classes at the ad-hoc University in Mogul (Shwe Bon Tha) Street.
  Sayagyi taught Mathematics there.
1946
- Rangoon University was reopened in 1946.
- Saya U Tin U (C), Saya U Sein Hlaing (Professor, EE), Dr. Pe Nyun (Pediatric Surgeon) and Dr. Pe Thein (Professor, Minister) attended Rangoon University in 1946.
1947
- Pinlon Sar Choke (Panglon Agreement) was signed on February 12, 1947.
  Some ethnic races did not attend the Pinlon Conference.
- Nine Arzanis — Bogyoke Aung San, Thakin Mya, Deedok U Ba Cho, Mahn Ba Khaing, Sao San Htun (Mong Pawn Sawbwa), U Ba Win, U Razak, ICS U Ohn Maung and Yebaw Ko Htwe — were mercilessly gunned down at the Secretariat on July 19, 1947.
  All except Sao San Htun (who was hospitalized with fatal wounds and died on July 20, 1947) perished that day.
  Three ministers including Bagan U Ba Gyan escaped.
1948 and 1949
- Burma gain Independence on January 4, 1948 at 4:20 AM.
  Sao Shwe Thike / Thaik became the first President of the Union of Burma.
  U Nu became the first Prime Minister.
- Two factions — White Flag led by Thakin Than Tun and Red Flag led by Thakin Soe — of the Burma Communist Party (BCP) went underground. There was several groups in the armed rebellion.
- For a short period of time, the Burmese government was called “Yangon Ah So Ya“.
- Thanks in part to the arms sent by neighboring India, and the volunteer RU students, the planned conquest of Rangoon was derailed. The tide was turned, and Burma was back on the road to normalcy,
- The Union of Burma had a bi-caramel parliament.
1950s
- Dr. Ba U served as the second President.
  In his book “My Burma”, he considers himself as the first President elected in accordance with the Constitution of the Union of Burma.
  The general public considers him as the Second President (who succeeded Sao Swe Thike).
- Many States Scholars were sent to the prestigious universities in the USA and UK to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies.
  In 1954, there were 400 Burmese State Scholars (many from the “Twinning Program” proposed by Sayagyi U Ba Hli).
  Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Maung Maung Than were the early recipients of the “Twinning Program” to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies at prestigious universities (e.g. MIT, Cornell).
  Upon their return, they supplemented and later replaced the foreign sayas.
  Some worked for government departments and the Industry.
- The split in the AFPFL (Anti-Facist People’s Freedom League) party into Clean AFPFL [Thant Shin] and Stable AFPFL [Ti Mye] caused the handover to the “Ein Saunt Ah Soe Ya” (Caretaker Government) in the late 50s.
  Some (e.g. U Nu) consider the event as the first Coup d’etat.
1960s
- Mahn Win Maung, who served as the third President, was detained on March 2, 1962 when a 17-member Revolutionary Council staged a Coup d’etat.
- Sama Duwa Sinwa Naung (President-elect) did not become President.
- Per Kyemon U Thaung, seven Council members were not aware of the major decisions.
- Brigadier General T. Clift (Air Force) resigned.
  He was succeeded by Brigadier General Thaung Dan.
  Several senior officers were sent as Military Attaches.
- Commodore Than Pe (Navy) passed away.
  He was Ta Wun Gan (Minister) for Health and Education.
  He is Past Captain and President of RUBC.
  RUBC has bronze statues of Sir Arthur Eggar (Founder, Life President) and Commodore Than Pe on the promontory.
  Commodore Thaung Tin (who had jump promotions) succeeded him as Chief of Navy.
  Colonel Hla Han succeeded him as Minister for Health and Education.
- Colonel Chit Myaing was the last of the original Revolutionary Council members to pass away. He served as Ambassador to Yugoslavia and UK before moving to USA. He was a supporter of U Kelasa (one of the two sayadaws left behind by Mahasi Sayadaw during his visit to US in 1979).
- Ko Tin Maung Thant (son of UNSG U Thant) passed away unexpectedly during his visit to Burma. The motorcade at his last journey was longer than that of Commodore Than Pe.
Khit San Kabyar

The first volume has poems by U E Maung (later Burmese Professor) and Daw Khin Saw Mu (mother of Daw Khin Saw Tint and U Nay Oke Tint).
August 13, 2025
Visit to Myanmar — 2018
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

ICST SPZP

U Aung Moung

Had a wonderful time in Myanmar in Janaury and February, 2018.
- 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe for ICST/UCSY
- Paid respect to Saya U Soe Paing
- Paid respect to Saya U Moe Aung
- Last rites at Ye Way for Ko Aung Moung (M73)
- Guest lecture at UCSY
- Guest lecture at MARB
- Guest lectures at private monk university
- Monthly meeting of 1st BE Intake of 64 and 65
- RITAA meeting (includes Opening Ceremony of Teacher’s Corner
- Discussion with Ko Wynn Htain Oo and Sayama Daw Thida
- 69er breakfast gathering organized by Ko Shwe (EP69)
- Birthday celebration by Ko Tin Mg Aye (M69)
- Birthday soon kway by Ko Kyaw Win (SPHS63, Germany) for Uzin Victor Aung Chaw
- UCC lunch gathering hosted by Ko Soe Myint and Ko Sein Myint
- Gatherings with relatives
- Meeting old friends
ICST

The 5th Acariya PuZaw Pwe of ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) and UCSY (University of Computer Studies Yangon) was held in January 2018.

Former students from UCC (Universities’ Computer Center), DCS (Department of Computer Science) and ICST (Institute of Computer Science and Technology) requested me to attend the 5th Acariya Pu Zaw Pwe of ICST/UCSY.

San Yin Myint (Samanta), one of the organizers for the Pu Zaw Pwe, is a niece of Saya U Win Kyaing (GBNF) and a cousin of Ko Maurice Chee, M75.

Per arrangement of Samantha, Ko Saw Yan Naing came and picked me up. He is the son of Dr. Saw Naing (Leslie), a nephew of Dr. Myo Khin and a cousin of Ko Soe Lin Maung (ex-UCC).

Gave a short speech as a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”.

The SPZP was held in five batches. As a member of “Generation Zero of UCC”, I covered some milestones of the Introduction of Computers to Burma under the leadership of Sayagyi Dr. Chit Swe.

Ma Nge (Daw Nge Ma Ma Than, GBNF) attended the SPZP.

ICST/UCSY published a commemorative magazine for the 30th Anniversary of the founding of UCC. I wrote “Paying Back to My Alma Mater” (a summary of the 30+ posts about UCC) for the issue.

San Yin Myint (at SPZP-2000)

UCSY

Gave a guest lecture at UCSY a week later.

Spent 3 (or more) days of my vacation to write and post “Memories of UCC”. I also wrote an abridged version for publication in the 30th Anniversary of UCSY. They can be read at hlamin.com

UCC

Sayama Mu Mu Myint is a senior alumni of UCC and DCS. She requested her husband to drive a long way from their home to hand over the “token garawa” from an earlier “Thet Kyee Pu Zaw Pwe”.

Soe Lin Maung hosted a lunch micro-gathering (despite his busy schedule).

Ko Sein Myint (EC76, ex-UCC) and Ko Soe Myint (KSM, ex-UCC) hosted a lunch gathering at Kone Myint Tha. Ko Aung Myint (AM), Ko Win Myint (Bo Waing) and Ma Nu Nu Aung were also present. We then walked to Saya U Soe Paing’s house and paid respect to Saya (who was having a problem with his spine). Friends of Daw Saw Yu Tint (Alice, T69, MEHS 63) advised Saya to undergo a surgery in Singapore.

RIT

Met Saya U Moe Aung, Ko Wynn Htain Oo (M72), Ko Ohn Khine (M70), several members of RITAA, and 69ers.

69er Gatherings

Attended three breakfast gatherings with the 69ers.

Donated US$100 (part to 69er HCF and part to EE 69er HCF).

I hosted the gathering (mostly EE) with Uzin Aung Chaw (C) and Wei Lu (Met) as guests.

Mini-gathering hosted by me

During my visits to Myanamar, several friends gave me rides.

U Win Maung (Lake) gave a ride to three alumni:
- U Myint Maung (Bu, Volleyball)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Victor) who came down from Sagaing Hills
- Yours truly
Since it was short notice, some former classmates could not show up.

A notable exception was U Win Thein Zaw (“Wai Lu”) who came down from Nay Pyi Taw at the breakfast gathering. His spouse is a cousin of U Win Boh (Robert).

Standing:
- U Shwe (Treasurer of the 69er HCF and EE 69er HCF)
- U Sein Myint (Major donor of the HCFs, RIT Selected for Rowing, Swimming and Water Polo)
- Ashin Okkantha (Uzin Aung Chaw, Sagaing Hills)
- U Win Maung (Lake, RIT Selected for Swimming and Water Polo)
- U Hla Min (Host, also donated to the HCFs)
Seated :
- U Myat Soe Lwin (Sai Hwet, Survived a fall from the ceiling)
- U Win Thein Zaw (Member of Pyithu Hluttaw in Nay Pyi Taw)
- U Kyi Win (Kyaw Gyi, former sea farer, yogi)
- U Myint Maung (Selected for EE Volleyball, One of the youngest 69er, Eligible bachelor)
Second Gathering

Ko Tin Maung Aye (M, Accordion) hosted a gathering to celebrate his birthday.

Third Gathering

The gathering on February 24, 2018 was to welcome Ko Win Boh (Robert) and Ko Surinder Singh — both from Australia. Unfortunately, Ko Surinder could not wrap up his trip to Upper Burma to be in time for the 69er gathering. Ko Kyaw Nyunt organized a lucky draw with presents given by Ko Frederick Thetgyi.

Trips

Tiring, but interesting and entertaining to take three trips.

Phyu Phyu Kyaw (UCC) offered to sponsor me to spend two nights at a hotel in Bagan Myo Thit. Had been a long time since I visited Bagan / Nyaung Oo.

A sayadaw asked if I would like to attend a consecration ceremony for “Lyaung Daw Mu” (Reclining Pagoda) near the bank of Mu River (in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing).

My beloved wife wanted to do dana at Hinthada for her ancestors.

Learned a lot

I learned a lot from the trips by being a “good” listener and also experiencing the conditions (infrastructure, culture, …) in different parts of Myanmar.

Cost more to take a taxi to and from the “Long distance bus station” than to travel by an air-conditioned bus.

Takes a lot longer to take the “short cut” road than to take the longer “paved” road. It’s worse if one is not aware of “unfinished” repair work on a dirt road : sharp rocks, pot holes, …

Ha Lin (Old Capital of Pyu) is a Cultural Heritage, but there are no “good” roads leading there.

Someone commented : “Most of us just make quick trips to pagodas. Several tourists hire motorbikes to explore both Old and New Bagan (and beyond). They take photos with professional cameras.”

SPHS

Kyaw Wynn (SPHS63) is cousin of Saya U Tin Htut (M) and Sayama Daw Khin Khin Chit Maung (E).

He rowed No. (3) on the Bow side in our Senior Novice crew.

He Hosted a birthday soon kwyay gathering at Shwe Ba Saing. Offered soon to Uzin Aung Chaw (C69) and donated to Uzin’s dhamma projects. Ordered lunch for his old classmates (some of whom I have not seen since our University days). Attendees include Ko Than Win (M69), Ko Tin Tun (M69), Ko Khin Maung Bo (Alan, EP69, GBNF), Ko Aung Kyi (Arthur, “motorcycle” guy, GBNF), Ko Aye Ngwe (Edwin), and Ko Khin Maung Zaw (Frank, UK).
August 13, 2025
Sikkha
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

It is rendered as Training or Practice.The Myanmar call it Theik-kha.

Three Sikkha

Buddhist studies describe three Sikkha
- Sila (Morality)
- Samadhi (Concentration)
- Panna (Wisdom)
Pali Sikkha

Mahagandayone Sayadaw (Ashin Janakabhivamsa) authored several texts including Pali Sikkha (Practice using Pali words and phrases).

Mahagandayone Sayadaw

Tharmanay Kyaw Sayadaw (U Dhammika) wrote and taught Paritta Seik-kha (Practice using words and phrases from the eleven suttas) in both Myanmar and English. Sayadaw’s objective is to help people (outside Myanmar who do not have time to study Pali grammar) to read and understand Pali texts such as the Protective Suttas and Dhammapada.

Pali Sikhs
August 12, 2025
Library
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

U Khin Zaw

U Khin Zaw
- Chief Librarian, Rangoon University Library
- Founder & Director of “Myanmar Ah Than” (Burma Broadcasting Service).
- Has a son (Ko Wint Khin Zaw) and four daughters.
U Thein Han / Zaw Gyi

U Thein Han
- Co-founder of the “Khit San Sar Pay”
- Literary Award Winner
- Laureate Poet
- Succeeded U Khin Zaw as Chief Librarian of Rangoon University
U Thaw Kaung

U Thaw Kaung
- Succeeded U Thein Han as Chief Librarian of Rangoon University
- He and Saya U Ba Than (M) were the early supporters of the HMEE (History of Myanmar Engineering Education) project. He provided access to the library archives for Saya U Soe Paing (EE, UCC) and his team to compile an early draft for the HMEE-2012 book.
Libraries

Universities and Colleges around the world usually maintain libraries and offer cross-loans for rare books and documents.

There are Public Libraries and Private Libraries.

Before the Internet, most libraries use the Dewey Decimal System for cataloging books. Since the distribution of the books is not uniform, some books have several decimal digits following the original three digit category.

ISBN is used by major publishers. A Stanford University Arts Professor wanted to use “The Illustrated History of Buddhism ” by Ashin Janakabhivamsa (Taung Myo Sayadaw) and illustrated by Saya U Ba Kyi. Since the book did not have an ISBN, the book could not be ordered and sold through the University Book Store.

The Library of Congress has a large collection of books. It also has a section for books from Asian countries. The books in the Burma Collection are cataloged using phonetic transcription of the Burmese title.

U Win Pe (Maung Swan Yi) served as Secretary of the Burmese Curriculum and later studied Library Science. He wrote an article in Myanmar Gazette about collecting Burmese books for access via the New York libraries and the Library of Congress.
August 12, 2025
Talk — Prize And Award
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
August 11, 2025
Encyclopedia
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Text Update on January 2, 2021

U Hla Min

Early Encyclopedias

“Chamber’s Cyclopaedia” was one of the earliest encyclopedias. It covered 40+ subjects.

In our younger days, we had “Pear’s Soap” and “Pear’s Cyclopaedia”. The company was probably building its brand name by supporting the publication of an encyclopedia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My uncle had a set of “Encyclopedia Britannica”. It covers many topics written by SME (Subject Matter Experts). Yearly supplements were published. The final supplement came out a couple of years ago. There will no longer be printed editions. There will only be on-line subscription.

Wikipedia
- Wikipedia is a collection of encyclopedias in multiple languages.
- The English edition of the Wikipedia is the largest.
- The accuracy of the Wikipedia is comparable to that of the “Encyclopedia” thanks to the countless volunteer contributors and editors.
- I was a volunteer to correct discrepancies (mostly entries on Burmese/Myanmar). For example, a young author wrote that St. Paul’s High School was the first among the De La Salle Schools in Burma. He was unaware that St. Patrick’s High School in Mawlamyaing was the first (and was established a few months earlier than St. Paul’s).
No Absolute Perfection

There is a slight chance that there are errors in an encyclopedia (or an equivalent “book of knowledge”). One author was unaware that Rajiv Gandhi was the elder son of Indira Gandhi. He was a pilot and entered politics only when his younger brother Sanjay Gandhi (touted as Indira’s confidante and successor) died in a plane crash.

Collaboration

The advent of Internet and the rise of “Collaborative Work” have lowered the time and cost to maintain encyclopedias.

A few years back, I received a call to submit entries to “Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife”. I emailed to the editors that I was willing to help them on the Burmese section. They sent me four samples and asked me to send back one short article (not exceeding 500 words and with two or more references) on a chosen Head Word (e.g. Burmese American Festivals). They reviewed my article and accepted me. The remuneration was $10. I replied that I would like to have a copy of the 2-volume encyclopedia. A deal was struck. They would give me the encyclopedia if I submit at least 8 articles. Nine articles were accepted. Two articles were merged with the work of other authors. One author was a Burmese College Professor. Another was probably a graduate student, who inserted the wrong date for Martyr’s Day. The Editors promised to correct his error in another edition. I received a 3-volume encyclopedia (initially projected to be 2-volume) and an additional $10.

Google Books
- Some are not aware of “Google Books”.
- If one goes to “Google Books” and search for my name, one can find the nine articles.
Burmese Encyclopedia

In my younger days, my parents bought me “Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan” (Burmese Encyclopedia).

I heard that the “Myanmar Swel Sone Kyan” is under re-development with the help of SME (Subject Matter Experts).
August 11, 2025
Talk — Metta
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
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)
Buddhist Dictionary
August 10, 2025
Talk — Medical Education
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)
  …
August 10, 2025
Talk — Luyechun
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

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.
August 10, 2025
Hack
by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

U Hla Min

In the early days of Computing, a Hack is defined to be a “useful and/or beautiful piece of code.”

Hacker
- Some students, who worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Computing Laboratories, preferred working on code rather than attending courses.
- They feel proud of their Hacks and are addressed as Hackers.
- Over time, Unethical Hackers emerged.
- Ethical Hackers also rose to defend against the Unethical Hackers.
- Most people do no know or care about the difference between Ethical and Unethical Hackers.
Ethical Hackers
- They try to break the security of computer systems and applications.
- They propose solutions to defend the possible attacks of Unethical Hackers.
- They are known as White Hats.
Unethical Hackers
- They inflict damage to hardware, software and data systems.
- They may steal and sell sensitive information.
- One study says that it is safer and lucrative to be a Criminal Hacker (also referred to as Cracker) than selling drugs (which can lead to imprisonment and death in some countries).
- The underground business for malware (viruses, Trojan horses, …) is valued at multi-billion dollars.
August 10, 2025