November, 2005

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

This is a consolidattion of the updates that I sent out in November, 2005.

Occasionally get private mails or phone calls from some sayas and

alums.

Once in a while get to see some Bay Area group members who seem to

busy [than before] for various reasons: business trips,

vacation/cruise[s], remodeling house[s], visiting parents, children,

and grandchildren, ...

====================================================================

Miscellaneous: ASEAN picnic

====================================================================

Saya U Nyo Win (Past President of BAPS) found some time off [from

his frequent travels to Taiwan and beyond] to attend the ASEAN picnic,

where Ko Maurice Chee and Angelina Tan (Ko Benny Tan's spouse) showed

their culinary skills in general, and "satay" making skills in

particular.

Ko Maurice prepared chicken, pork, and beef satay for the [Asian]

"satay" contest, where the top prize was an economy round-trip" ticket

from Los

Angeles to Kuala Lumpur. He prepared enough for the general

public to taste what the Burmese/Myanmar version of "satay" looks like.

Unfortunately, some judges from the neighboring countries placed

ultra-high importance on the authenticity of the "satay sauce"; so Ko

Maurice's peanut-butter-like sauce[apparently] scored barely enough to

win third prize. Angelina's dish has the decor in addition to taste,

but could place only second to the authentic sauce [but perhaps plain]

satay cooked by a "professional" and a member of a "gourmet club".

======================================================================

Miscellaneous: Dhamma news

======================================================================

Met Saya K. C. Chiu (who has been traveling to LA several times in

the past) at the Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay monastery. The

Kathein ceremony was also attended by several monks fro

m the Bay Area.

As usual, there were lots of food as well.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sayadaw U Jotalankara, [currently] Chief Resident Monk, Dhammanda

Vihara, has published a book based on the "Q&A column: Ba-tha-ye-ya

me-phay-ya" that he penned in the Dhammanda Newsletter since 1996/97.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sayadaw U Osadha has transcribed a collection of dhamma talks [on

"The Four Noble Truths"] given by the late Venerable Sayadaw U

Silananda in Japan a few years back. Yours truly will do some editing

before passing on to other more accomplished editors for publication as

a dhamma dana book.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Photos, news and articles in Myanmar/Burmese and English are being

compiled for the forthcoming Dhammananda Newsletter. Interested readerscan send them to Sayadaws U Jotalankara, U Osadha, Ko Ye Sint, Ko

December 2005

Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

This is a consolidation of the e-mail updates that I sent in December 2005.

Seattle had two inches of snow the other day. Someone joked that the

Congratulations, KMZ and Ma Latt.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC '69, Australia) sent season's greetings and a

note saying that he had two mini-reunions with alums. One with Ko

Victor Begent, brother-in-law of Nwe Yin Win. Another with Sai Tun Aye,

whose wife Nang Hnin Thet (B. Com) is ex-Burma selection for

basketball.

---------------------------------------------------------------

One alum who has consistently sent me several e-cards every year is

Ko Jasper Aung Lwin (ex-rubc, Canada). Thanks and Happy holidays, Ko

Jasper and family.

===============================================================

From Sayama Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE 70, Singapore)

===============================================================

I want to celebr

ate my 60th birthday is style. I would like

to have a 6 carat solitire diamond ring [if possible Agyle Pink],

invite 6 tables [60 guests], at Buefont Hotel in Sentosa. Of course I

and my hubbby will spend two nights there using all the Spa facilities.

Well that's all my wishful thinking.

My hubby is going for annual prilgrimage to Yangon to see

his 94-year old mother. He will have to spend a few thousand $

for his Santa Claus act. I am going to see my daughter in Geneva. I

already bought 30 kilos of new clothes for my girl and my son-in-law. I

have to bring along Euros for my trip too.

I made Soon Kway in Colombo for 300 sin$, 250sin$ towards Dr

Thet's annual meditation retreat at her home town in Myanmar. My

darling hubby asked whom do I want to invite for my birthday. Well I

invite many people for our weekly Pon Chan Chan with good food and

drinks. So I do not think I would like to invite anyb

ody special again.

So most likely my 60th birthday will be just a quiet affair, just the

two of us going to a hotel restaurent. But then again, I might just

sign up for a slimmmimg pakage at a slimming centre to lose 10 kilos,

or tone up some flabbby fat or sign up for a mesotharapy. Who knows if

my fancy strikes I might just pick up a 6 carat Diamond. [at least a

fake one]. Any body care to give me one as a present?

Editor's note:

Emma won an [international] essay contest when she was in high

school. She still has the energy to write, dance, cook, fund-raise for

"Dana Sri Lanka" and "Triple Gems Publication", and last but not the

least to meditate daily [may be recently using the 6 carat diamond as

the "primary" meditation object].

===============================================================

Miscellaneous

==============================================================

Ko Khin Zaw (ex-ucc), younger brother of Ko Soe Win (EC '70) and Ko

Kyaw Zaw (EC '71) and uncle-in-law of KMZ, celebrated his Silver

Wedding Anniversary.

KZ is one of the webmasters of Physics web-site [and newsgroup]. A

gathering of former sayas and students of Physics will take place in

===============================================================

Feedback: Robert (Win-Boh, Australia) - EC '69

===============================================================

I believe the "ARGYLE PINK" or "ARGYLE CHAMPANGE" Diamonds can only

be found in ARGYLE Diamond Mines of AUSTRALIA.

If Emma can organise the Next Re-Union of RIT ALUM in

Perth/Fremental, Western Australia, we, the Australian Alum(s) wil;

arrange the Raffle for "6 carat" Solitaire PINK or CHAMPANGE Dismond

Ring as a Prize.

==============================================================

Feedback: Henry Soe-Win (Australia)

==============================================================

Regarding Sayama Emma, no wonder everybody called her "Rocket"

those days at RI. She still has a lot of energy and is very active in

all aspects.

I wish her a very happy sixty birthday and many more years to come.<

br>My best wishes for her wishful thinking to become a true one and may

she enjoy a happy birthday in a Spa. That is my birthday present --

good thoughts -- for Emma.

=============================================================

Miscellaneous: SPHS Saya Ka Daw Pwe in Yangon

Win Than Oo (Master Mariner)

=============================================================

The 26th Saya Kadaw Pwe [of Old Paulians] was successfully held on

Sunday, December 4, 2005 [in Yangon].

The following mentors (sayas and sayamas) were honored this year.

Their age and years of teaching at SPHS [if known]

1. Mrs. Winnie Balthazir 96 1948 - 1965

2. U Ba Myaing 93 1935 - 1965

3. U San Thein 86 1953 - 1981

4. Daw Nyein Kyin 86 1963 - 1980

5. Mrs. Carr 86 1957 - 1981

6. U Bo Ni 85 1958 - 1981

7. U Shwe Ohn 83 19

65 - 1967

8. Father Joseph 83 1961 - 1965

9. U Htoo Tint 80 1958 - 1985

10. Daw Hla Hla Than 77 1949 - 1986

11. U Beatson 76 1958 - 1968

12. U Si Oo @ B. Myint Swe 75 1951 - 1991

13. Brother Anselm 75 1957 - 1965

14. Brother Anthony 74 (1953)

15. U Chit Maw 74 1958 - 1992

16. Daw Ah Mar Lay 73 1959 - 1981

17. U Sein Myint 72 1960 - 1994

18. U Thomas Nay Zan 71 1962 - 1965

19. U Nay Win 71 1962 - 1995

20. Daw Tin Kyi 71 1962 - 1995

21. U Pe Htay 70 (1963)

22. Father Gordon 70 1960 - 1965

23. U Kyaw Thein Nyunt 70 1963 - 1973

24. Daw Mi Mi Khin 69 1962 -1981

25. Brother Leonard 68 (1956)

26. U Kyaw Kyaw Win 68 1962 - 1998

27. U Pe Maung Zin 68 1962 - 1964

28. U Sein Lwin 67 1964 - 1999

29. U Win Kyi 67

1964 - 1999

30. Daw Judie Win Kyi 67 1964 - 1996

31. Daw Hta Hta Yee 67 (1961)

32. Daw Cho Cho Khin 63 1961 - 1968

33. Daw Khin Khin Kywe

34. U Myat Thar Htun

35. U Myo Aung

36. U Henry Dwe

37. U Ye Sein

We offered each mentor 120,000 kyats as our token of gratitude. U Nay

Oke Tint offered 10,000 kyats each. U Tin Soe Lin and Shwe Pazun family

donated assorted cakes worth of 3,400 kyats for each saya/sayama. U Tin

Htoo donated 6 gallons of HTOO Ice Cream.

More over, we have awarded the medals and presents to the sons and

daughter of Old Paulians who gained distinctions in 2004-05

Matriculation examination.

===============================================================

Miscellaneous: Photos

Ye Htut Aung (ex-ucc, San Diego, Southern California)

===============================================================

Thein Tan (Myanmar Pyay) 60th Birthday Concert, Los Angeles,

California (December 3, 2005)

Editor's note:

Feel free to visit the RIT-related web sites and Newsgroup.

Also, feel free to hear/read about community news from Moemaka,

Internet radio program.

==============================================================

From Sayama Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE 70, Singapore)

==============================================================

How will my birthday bash look like? No money, Sir!. So sad. Just me

and my hubby will go to our country club and celebrate. [Hope he will

let me order a wine]. He has become a teetotaler and does not approve

me of drinking either.

I already have a Agryle Champange, 40 carats for a locket and

20 carats for a ring. Only thing is its Citrine. However the color is

the same. So I am pretending that they are Diamonds. For pinks even to

pretend is difficult. So I am collecting pink sapphires. I already

bought a necklace. I would love to buy one big solitire above 10 carats

and pretend that they are diamonds. My kamma is a little below of Oprah

Winfry's. I feel very rich

and in my own way feel so arrived.

Datin lee Chee Shan [daughter of Aw Boon Par of Tiger Balm

fame], calls me Daw Sein Na Gat. My Diamonds are only 7 carat pair and

I can earn that title. Even that I keep in the bank for years. I just

make do with Yan Si Na Kat. Still if I can afford I really don't mond

some agryl Diamonds, especially pinks.

As I am always raising funds,[my society Dana Srilanka, needs

70000 sin$ annually for 100 over monks studying in Srilanka], everybody

thinks of me first when they need charity. Last month was Pa Auk

Sayadaw, I donated 450 Sin $ towards his air ticket. Today someone

asked me for air ticket for Taung Pulu Sayadaw, which I cannnot refuse.

When I first started my society I was always thinking of

raising funds. I always attend meditation retre

ats, firstly to please

the Sayadaws, from whom I was asking advice all the time secondly to

get more donors. I am always praying. I remember once in Malaysia I was

meditating [Mahasi method] Rising falling, sitting, touching. After

some time I was noting Rising, Falling, MONEY MONEY.

So this time I may be noting rising, falling, AGRYL DIAMONDS.

===============================================================

From San San (Nwe/Swe EC 74, Northern California)

===============================================================

I know that you are very knowledgeable on many subjects but I am

surprised to read about diamonds -- not only common white or yellow

ones -- but the history of rare pink diamonds in the previous

newsletter update.

Editor's note:

All I know is that diamonds are a form of carbon, and that "Diamonds

are a girl's best friend". The discussions about rare and precious

diamo

nds were done by Sayama Emma and Ko Robert Win-Boh.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Also, I would like to thank you for telling us when (exact dates)

to move our clocks and teaching us how to remember whether to move

forward or backward by saying - spring forward, fall back - if it is

not for this saying, I find it very confusing to remember it.

Editor's note:

I get reminder e-mails from Ko San Myint Thane's wife, who is a

realtor in Texas, to turn the clock back and forth.

I am mostly a messenger. I learnt about the term "Spring Forward,

Fall Back" from several sources.

---------------------------------------------------------------

It is interesting to learn about the history / legends of the Burma

and US festivals / holidays from you.

Editor's note:

Maung Yit (Ko Maung Maung Win) has posted [excerpts of] his

grandmother's book "Colorful Burma" on one of

his web sites.

Daw Khin Myo Chit was a prolific writer of both fiction and

non-fiction, and won an international prize for one of her short

stories.

Most [large] libraries carry a collection of Burmese literature.

===============================================================

Miscellaneous

===============================================================

Peterites (alums of St. Peter's High School, Mandalay) recently

held a Saya Ga Daw Pwe. Several Peterites were surprised to learn that

Brother Felix (former Brother Director) was still alive and well, and

also has an e-mail address.

--------------------------------------------------------------

The Hti of the pagoda on top of the "Koe Saung Dwe" Tazaung in the

Dat Paung Sone Aung Min Gaung Pagoda (Yangon, Myanamar) was gilded and

re-raised at 7 a.m. on December 11, 2005. Four requisites were offered

to the resident and invi

===============================================================

Alum News: Mickey Po Saw

===============================================================

According to Ko Ohn Win (Raymond), he talked with Mickey Po Saw

(his brother-in-law), who will be in Australia for about three weeks.

There may be a mini-gathering in Brisbane.

===============================================================

Message for Emma (TTM)

From Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC 69)

===============================================================

I have already collected a "PINK Jewellery let's call Code Name

(PINKY)" to make your wish fulfill, just for old time's sake.

When there's a wil, there's a way. (I like to make things happen an

engineer's way!)

So do not ask me the details yet. How did I get the PINKY? From

where? How does it look like? How big is it? etc. Just

remember that

"Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder". (For a layman like me, the

PINKY looks PRETTY PRESTIGIOUS).

I'll pass the PINKY to my class mate (Daniel Tint Lwin, '69 Mech)

for forwarding to your hubby KYS) by safe courier or h/o to Danny on

the way to UK in Early 2006. (My next trip to see my only daughter

based in London, with expected stopover in Singapore / BKK?)

Editor's note:

"What one person can dream, others can fulfil". The reference was to

Jules Vernes, author of "To the moon and back", "20000 leagues under

the sea", ...

The latest reference could be to Sayama Emma's birthday wish.

================================================================

Miscellaneous: Week-end retreats

================================================================

Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, Northern California, will have

the following week-end retreats in 2006.

January

7-8 July 1-2

February 4-5 August 5-6

March 4-5 September 2-3

April 1-2 October 7-8

May 6-7 November 4-5

June 3-4 December 2-3

Note: Pre-registration is required du to space limitations.

Received e-cards from several alums. Thanks to Ko Aung Lwin

(Jasper, Canada) and famiy for consistently sending me e-cards [several

times a year] through the years.

===============================================================

Alum News: First SPZP of ECE 96 Sept in Yangon

===============================================================

Group. He forwarded a photo taken at the first Saya-Pu-Zaw-Pwe

conducted by the class members of [ece95sep]. Interested alums can

request a copy of that photo from either Ko NLT or me.

================================================================

Alum News: Mickey Po Saw (Mech '67)'s visit to BLI BLI

by Ko Win-Boh (Robert, EC '69)

================================================================

Michael Po Saw (Mickey) - Mech '67 & His Wife Hilda Win - B. Sc RASU

(UBA Air Hostess (1970 to 1976) visited me at Sunshine Coast and stayed

at my house in BLI BLI last night. We went out for dinner at MALOOLABA

Beach. I took him to my office / showed Him around Nambour / Rose Mount

/ Bli B

li 7 had lunch at my House. (I took one day leave to look after

them.)

Mickey and Hilda are returning to Brisbane today evening. Mickey

will be in Brisbane with his sons till 28 Dec 2005.

Mickey has been in Brunei since 1992. He will send details to you

later. Mickey requested to be included in your mailing list. His email

Mickey sends regards to ALL (RIT Alums) from Sunshine Coast / Qld.

Editor's note:

Mickey represented RIT and RUBC in rowing. He is the younger

brother of Roger Po Saw (ex-rubc).

===============================================================

Alum News: Greetings from New Zealand

Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis Mackey, Civil '73, ex-ucc)

===============================================================

Greetings to Sayas and friends,

It's summer in New Zealand with daylight saving from 2-Oct-05 to

19-Mar-06.

To Sayas and Ko Aung Myint Thwin (Civil 1976): May you have a

wonderful winter holiday season and a healthy, prosperous and peaceful

new year.

To George Peters (Civil-1973) in Perth

, Australia: May you have a

wonderful summer holiday season and a healthy, prosperous and peaceful

new year.

Attached is our family christmas newsletter in pdf format.

With best regards,

===============================================================

From Michael (Mickey) Po Saw (Mech '67)

===============================================================

Thanks for the update. As you might know already, I have been

'hiding', or may be 'hibernating', in Brunei for the past 14 years and

I have lost touch with quite a few of my RIT mates and Sayas. Thanks

for the prompt reply to Robert's email and thanks for all the work I

hear you have been doing in keeping the RIT alumni in toiuch with each

other.

I send my best wishes to you and your family for this Christmas

season. May you be blessed with the Joy and Peace of Christmas through

the coming New Year as well.

My wife Hilda and my four sons all join me in sending our best

wishes to all my RIT college mates and Sayas as well.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a FANTASTIC NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

==================================

=============================

News from Singapore

source: Ko Aung Kyaw Thaike (Civil)

===============================================================

Saya Dr. Htin Aung [Civil '69] and Saya U Khin Maung Tint [Civil

'69] arrived in Singapore [promarily for medical check up] on December

17, 2005 and will be staying at 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, #06-06 Bukit Timah

Plaza, Singapore 588996 for a week. Contact Dr Htin Aung at

HP-91079706.

A dinner in honor of the sayas will take place as follows:

Date : December 20, 2005 (Tuesday)

[weekday chosen due to the busy schedule of the sayas]

Time : 7:30 p.m. onwards

Venue: Inlay Restaurant at [basement of] Peninisula Plaza

SMS to 98538811 or 92395909 or 98301562 not later than December 20,

2005 (Tuesday - 12:00 noon).

Editor's note:

The terminology differs from place to place.

HP => hand phone [aka cell phone, cellular phone, or mobile phone]

SMS => Short Messaging Service

20.12.2005 (in Singapore) => 12/20/2005 (in US) => 20051220 (in

YYYYMMDD format)

===============================================================

Miscellaneous: Greetings from Brother Felix (Germany)

===============================================================

Kolleg

89257, ILLertissen

Dear Richard [Boudville], Dear Maureen,

I'm writing to you early enough to wish you a joyous Christmas & Our

Divine Child's choicest b

lessings to a bright new year.

Richard I want to thank you for all the Fax(es) you sent on to me

during the year. Be sure I appreciated all you did for me.

I'm sure I'll be getting many letters from many former pupils all

over the world. I won't be able to answer all of them. Please do me the

favour to include my best wishes to a Merry Christmas and Our Divine

Child's choicest blessings to a bright New Year when you send your

X'mas greetings to all your friends all over the world.

Please tell all that they are daily included in my prayers.

I don't know how much time I shall be given on earth. I leave that

to God. I have to be grateful for the many years I have had so far. I'm

still keeping fairly well though my legs are giving trouble. By the end

of January I shall take a few days to celebrate the 95th birthday

(with) of my sister. It will be a great day I'm sure.

It looks that we shall have a whit

e X'mas. We have snow, but it is

not really cold.

Have a nice X'mas!

For ever I shall remember you and all your dear ones! Please do

carry on keeping me informed about all that happened to my Paulian

friends!

With Love,

Bro. Felix

Editor's note:

Brother Felix was Brother Director of several de la Salle schoold in

Burma/Myanmar including St. Pauls (in Rangoon/Yangon) and St. Peter's

(in Mandalay).

Richard -- son of the late Sayama Violet Boudville [my class teacher

in V D] -- is the co-owner of the Yahoo Old Paulians Group along with

Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint [founder of the group, currently in Fiji].

===============================================================

Miscellaneous: New Year retreat

===============================================================

Mettananda Vihara, Central Fremont, will be holding a five-day

retreat starting at December 28, 2005, 8 a.m. an

d ending at January 1,

2006, 3 p.m.

==============================================================

From Saya Dr. Myo Khin (Civil, Japan)

==============================================================

U Hla Min & Family

Many Happy returns and a Very Happy New Year 2006.

You've been helping us to get together for many years,

We are very grateful and thank you from our bottom of our hearts.

================================================================

From Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC '69)

================================================================

I am a very close friend of Dr. (Ko) Htin Aung (Old Paulian / RIT

Cane Ball / Chin-Lone Champion Kyauk-Maung-Thar) who happen to become

the Brother-in-Law of Ko Tin Nwe ('7# Civil). As for Ko Khin Maung

Tint, I remembered him only as a bright (top) student of Civil

Engineering who stayed at the hostel near my native town class mates

like Sine Wett & Yee Pi

ng.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a message for my Sixty Niners Class Mates Dr. Htin Aung & Ko

Khin Maung Tint.

Can you please let me know the reason of [your] "medical check-up"? I

wish to know the health condition of my contemporaries, as I recently

learnt that Ko Yee Ping ([Tavoy], Mech '69?) had a heart surgery in

Singapore a few months ago.

I am 60 years old now, but always feel like 39 and still working in

Engineering Field. I play GOLF regularly & I am starting to learn

Surfing & Body Boarding, as I enjoy being at the beaches of Sunshine

Coast. (There are over a dozen of beautiful white sand beaches in

Sunshine Coast.)

Sorry that I could not come up to [see you in] Singapore. If you

want, you are wlcome to fly down to Australia, Queensland (Capital

Brisbane International Airport) then to Sunshine Coast, for having

medical check-up (Her

e the blood pressure is taken at the beach while

one is watching the blonds with G String, swimmimg in the waves. (We

call them WET & WILD.

My contact phone numbers are as follows: Residence Phone +61 7

54485838 Mobile +61 414 407 370 Address 24, Samantha Drive BLI BLI,

(Sunshine Coast) Qld. 4560, Australia.

Editor's note:

Saya Dr. Htin Aung and Ko Tin Shein ("Phone Gyi") are members of the

It's nice to hear usually silent readers -- young and old --voice

their opinion for noble causes.

It's comforting to learn about mini-reunions, reunions and Grand

Reunions and SPZPs.

It's sad to learn about illnesses, terminal diseases, and deaths of

alums and/or their loved ones.

It's delightful to view photo albums and remember the "good old

days" when we had good health, good hair, ...

==============================================================

From Ko Nyan Lin Thein (EcE 95-Sept)

==============================================================

How are you? I'm also one of the silent reader of your weekly

newsletter. Appreciate your continuous effort to bring us up-to-date

news for RIT. I've forwarded the first newsletter from our batch

(95Sept EcE). We've also created a web site called

http://www.SweDawYeik.com in celebration of 10th anniversary graduati

on

day. Please give us suggesstions and comments with regards to our web

site if you have time.

Editor's note:

The RIT Annual Magazines were called "SweDawYeik Sar Saung".

Singapore-2002 published a special issue of the Sar Saung. The name is

now being carried on by the zealous young alums who recently celebrated

their 10th anniversary of the graduation.

On the web site, you can read interesting articles. One is dedicated

to the late unforgettable Saya Dr. San Tint.

===============================================================

From Ko Aung Kyaw Thaike (Civil '91, Singapore)

===============================================================

Please see the Photo Album at

These photos were taken at our Dinner Gathering with three Sayas: Dr

Htin Aung [Civil '69], U Khin Maung Tint [Civil '69]and Dr Soe Thein

[Civil '75] at Inlay Restaurant - Peninsula Plaza on 20.12.2005

[December 20, 2005].

================================================================

From Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC '69, Australia)

=================================================================

Thanks [Ko Myo Khin] for your email message[about your telephone

conversation with Ko Htin Aung}. I will call Htin Aung today from my

home. I took one day leave to prepare food for tomorrow. Mickey Po Saw

(Mech '67, Brunei) is visiting his sons and wife in Brisbane. He said

he will be driving up with his eldest son on Boxing Day (Saturday) to

visit me in BLI BLI.

Mickey & his wi

fe Hilda Win (Joyce Win's younger sister) visited

our home last week on Sunday. They stayed overnight to chat / eat &

sing / play Guitars. I have three Guitars. Mickey played Lead [guitar]

while I played Rhythm [guitar] to sing our favorite songs from the

50/60/70s.

I rang [phoned] Ko Chit Po Po's daughter THIRI in Sydney. She has

emailed me photographs of Po Po and Daisy.

I wish you (in Universal/International way) a Merry Christmas and a

Happy/Prosperous New Year. I wish you (in the Burmese way): May you all

be healthy, happy and well.

Editor's note:

Ko Daniel Tint Lwin (Singapore) can play not only lead, rhythm, and

base, but can also play drums as well. Ko Eddie Ba Oo (Dreammakers), Ko

Kenny Wong (Malaysia), Ko Ngwe Soe (Walter), Ko Aung Myint

("Thamankyar" Ko Myint), Ko Aung Khin and fellow architects, Ko La Min

(Lushwindaw) and many other alums play the guitar.

------------------------------

---------------------------------

Ko AKT [Aung Kyaw Thaike],

Thank you for your email web photos. I think I remember Sayas Dr.

(Ko) Htin Aung and Ko Khin Maung Tint although the younger-day-faces

are gone but not [completely] forgotten (and still traceble).

[The photos remind us} Law of Nature i.e one day everybody has to

OH-ya-Mae / NAR-ya-Mae / THAY-ya-Mae (in the words of the late Sayadaw

Ah Shin Silananda of Half Moon Bay USA).

I have printed out to show my wife Daw Lynn Myo Ain (Baby) @

Jennifer Magaret Carrott of Bassein (Pathein) originally from S'Khamti

(Shan Gyi).

My wife remembers U Chit Po Po '69 Mech (UN Cmabodia Dr. Daisy

Saw's hubby) and U Sein Myint '69 EP of Singapore, U Dickie Win Naing

of Singapore and the late U Win Htein '69 Mech/Auto, U (Mr.) Kenny Wong

'69 Mech of Sarawek, etc.

Please keep in touch and keep up your active works for B.I.T / R.I.T

/ Y.I.T (Sadhu,

sdahu, sdahu).

===============================================================

From Sayama Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE 70, Singapore)

===============================================================

Shopping, shopping, and more shopping. My girl asked me to buy her

some Mandarin books. She will be manning the China Desk so she needs to

brush up her Mandarin. I called her from the book shop for her to talk

to the sales girl and just paid money for the books the girl picked.

Oh. the weight!!!.

Kay was supposed to come her for her birthday in November. As

she gor a job she had to forgo her air ticket and start working. I had

been buying, buying,and buying clothes for her since June sales. She

said clothes are very expensive in Geneva. As I have already packed up

a suit case I have to go and deliver it. Sure I save on shopping then

again how will it cover the air ticket? I always do the dumbest things

thinking [that I am] very smart.

I like to cook Mohinga for my parties. If I put in ready made

packets the taste is more authentic. Then again the packets costs 4 sin

$ [Singapore dollars]. Since I am cooking all the time its not worth it

as I need quite a lot. Then there was Batik sales at one of the shops.

3 for 10 sin $, (which I think

is a good buy). So I bought, bought, and bought, and send them off to

all my friends in Yangon. Guess what since everyone knoes how much I

like to cook Mohinga, they all send me back Mohinga soup ready made

mostly on epacket per Batik. I would have got the same amount of

Mohinga packets with my money on Batiks. Still I think it's worth it. I

got what I want, [and] my friends got Batiks. There/s a lot of goodwill

interacting. Oh what did I do with all the packets? I sent off some to

Srilanka.

BEYOND 60

I weave my life the way I like,

Free as the wind.

Soo

ner I can leave Yangon, the better.

I blow to the East n the West,

Fathoming the depths of love n friendship.

Wherever they may be.

Now with email and budget air its easier.

Reaching out from the earth and celestial beyond,

Making the impossible,

The beautiful possible

I embrace and cherish the present precious moment,

Oblivious to past pains and future glories,

I try my hand at life's freedoms,

Flowing all around me,

And I rejoice an all the goodness enveloping me.

I try to attain most inner peace,

For I am ready to take another leap

Whether high or low,

Wherever my Dana, Sila, Bawana takes me

================================================================

Obituary Announcement: Dr. Wolfram Burger

by Saya Dr. Christopher Lee (Elec '59), President, BASES

================================================================

It is with great sorrow (and deepest sympathy) that I learned from

[U]/Mr. & Mrs. Tin Htway [Mech '59] the demise of their beloved

son-in-law Professor Dr. Wolfram Burger on Wednesday 12/21/2005

(December 21, 2005).

Professor Dr. Burger was a well-known Cardiologist resided and

practiced in Leipzig, Germany. He is survived by his wife Khetkhet, and

three daughters: Stephanie, Alexandra, and Nicole.

U Tin Htway is a [co]founder [along with Saya U Tin Htut and U Tun

Tin (David)] and past President of BASES. He requests that any one who

wishes to send flowers to please make donations to any brain research

institute instead. Professor Dr. Burger was a victim of brain tumor.

On behalf of all members of BASES I would like to express my

heartfelt condolences to Mr. & Mrs. Tin Htway and surviving members of

Professor Dr. Burger's family.

================================================================

Miscellaneous: ex-ucc news

by Ye H

tut Aung (ex-ucc)

================================================================

Photos of Oakkar's 6th birthday party at our house in San Diego,

California

Popular songs for this season include "White Christmas" by the late

Bing Crosby and "Blue Christmas" by the late Elvis Presley. In

contrast, we are having a "Wet Christmas".

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Can somebody explain why some people used Xmas instead of

Christmas?

There seems to be several meanings of "X": unknown (as in X-rays),

don't care (as in truth tables and digital logic design), ten[th] (as

in the search for Planet X, the unknown one beyond the known nine

planets, in the solar system), a filler, or abbreviation.

As for the New Year 2006, it will be preceded by a "leap second".

==============================================================

Alum News: EcE 95 web site

==============================================================

Feel free to visit

Saya U Thar Hlaing [Physics] and the Sea of Conceptual ...

A place to ...

A Tribute to Sayagyi Dr. San Tint ...

Ko Nyan Lin Thein (Sydney, Australia) and his classmates recently

created the web site.

===============================================================

Miscellaneous: Shwe Kyat Yat Sayadaw

by Ko Aung Kyaw Thaike (Civil '91, Singapore)

===============================================================

Shwe Kyat Yat Sayadaw will arrive in Singapore on 29 December 2005

(Thursday). Sayadaw will stay at

No. 92

Jalan Eunos

Singapore.

(Alight at 3th Bus Stops from Eunos MRT Bus Terminal, take bus 60,

61,63)

Please contact Ko Khin Maung Aye at H/P-91854349 & 93656901 if

(a) you want to pay respect to Sayadaw, (b) you want to offer SOON

DANA, or (c) want Sayadaw to visit your home.

================================================================

Miscellaneous: CHANMYAY SAYADAW’S 36th DHAMMA MISSION

Summer 2006

USA , Canada and China

================================================================

April 20 Leave YGN

April 21 - 23 L.A, USA

April 24 - May 3 Retreat in L.A

May 4 - 5 Rest in L.A

May 6 - 7 San Francisco

May 8 To Springfield, Illinois

May 9 Rest in Springfield

May 10 - 17 Retreat in Springfield

May 18, 19 Rest in Springfield

May 20 To Chicago

May 21-27

Retreat in Chicago

May 28, 29 Fort Wayne, Indiana

May 30, 31 Cleveland, [Ohio]

June 1 -3 New York

June 4 To Baltimore [Marylan]

June 5 - 15 Retreat in Baltimore

June 16 To Washington [D.C.]

June 17 - 24 Retreat in Washington

June 25 To Calgary [Canada]

June 26 - 29 Calgary

June 30 To Vancouver

July 1 Rest in Vancouver

July 2 - 16 Retreat in Vancouver

July 17 Rest in Vancouver

July 18 - 21 To Beijing, China

July 22 - Aug 11 Retreat in Chi

Aug 12 - 17

Rest in China

Aug 18 To Yangon

===============================================================

Miscellaneous: Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC) San Jose

===============================================================

TMC has posted a tentative calendar of events for 2006.

They include:

Four special long-term meditation retreats

Week end retreats

Youth dhamma classes and/or retreat

Special summer classes for children and young adults

Celebrations:

Lunar New Year (Tet), Myanma New Year (Thingyan),

Kason (Thrice Blessed Day), Waso, Thadingyut, and Kathina

Appreciation Day for Parents/Elders and Teachers

===============================================================

Miscellaneous: Improve your communication skills

===============================================================

Feel free to join the Toastm

Thanks to Ko La La (Aye Win Hlaing, Abel Hlaing) and Christine for

sending the greetings for Christmas and New Year. They were two of the

four alums from Australia who attended the First RIT Grand Reunion and

Saya Pu Zaw Pwe in San Francisco in October, 2000. The other two are Ko

Tin Aung Win and Dorothy Kyaw Tun (daughter of the late Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun).

Several years ago I wrote an article on "calendars" for the BAPS

Newsletter. It was later reprinted with permission for the Dhammananda

Newsletter. Variations/additions to that article appeared in some of my

newsletter updates. For related matter, read Ko Win Boh's e-mail.

===============================================================

Alum News: Class reunion and SPZPs

===============================================================

The 13th Class reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe for Civil '76 will take

place as follows:

Date: Jan

uary 7, 2006 (Saturday)

Time: 6 p.m.

Place: Dusit Inya Lake Hotel

Organizers:

U Ye Htut Thein, U Kyi Min, U Soe Soe, Daw Saw Saw Sein,

Daw Pyone, Daw Htwe Htwe San, Daw Than Than Soe, ...

---------------------------------------------------------------

1985 Mechanical students will gather and held Sayar Puzaw Pwe at IBC

on 29th December, 2005.

===============================================================

Alum News: Newletter by ECE 95 Sept group

===============================================================

The group published its first newsletter on 18th December, 2005.

Ko Nyan Lin (Sydney, Australia) is a co-founder of the RIT Yahoo

Group.

===============================================================

Xmas at BLI BLI, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

by Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC '69)

===============================================================

Regarding Xmas, I have to admit that I am the person who is fond of

and/or mostly use the term Xmas for the following reasons.

(a) Xmas or X'mas has 4 or 5 characters only. I found it quite

practical for me to write wishes on a small/mini Card. I also might not

remember some spellings.

(b) Our X'mas is different from the original X'mas weather

conditions (season and environment). Here, it is not chilly like in

Northern Hemisphere. We know that "Santa rides a sleigh on the snow

pulled by Rudolph the Reindeer and his fr

iends". The weather during

X'mas in Southern Hemisphere DOWNUNDER (far below the equator Line and

passes through by the Tropic of Capricon) is H.O.T (very, very HOT).

The temperature about 35 degree (+) Celcius (or) 95+ degree Fahrenheit.

We do not wear thick, warm clothes. In fact, I always wear boarding

pants or Lone-Gyi nothing above waist line.

P.S. I alternatively use the term H.O.T as "Honest, Open and

Transparent" when I negotiate at the meetings, whether

official/governmental or community matters.

(c) For X'mas, we (Aussies) celebrate differently. We do not stay

at homes. Instead we go to the beaches, dip in the ocean or River. If

at home, [dip in the] swimming pool. And have lots of beer to cool down

the heat. My wife's uncle and aunt (Maymyo natives) throw water with

garden hose like Thin-Gyan when we family members visit their home

annually on 25th Dec to have family X'mas lunch. (My favourite roast

pork wi

th crackling / ham / Chinese pork sausages with Aussie beer &

red / white good Aussie wines. I am fond of pork like my Late father.

(I remember "Thone-htat thar" with kyum-seng dish from great Shanghai

Restaurant at Latah Street, Yangon; deep fried pork ribs from Ruby

Restaurant at Bo Aung Gyaw Street opposite GPO, Yangon; "Wet-Thar

dote-hto" and "Wet-chee-dauk" Soup at 17th & 19th Street, Western

Yangon; the best I like is BBQ Pork (Ah-Thar-Kin + Ah-Khauk-Kin +

Ah-The'-Kin with stuff pork fats + intestine salad ~ YUMMY !)

---------------------------------------------------------------

About NEW YEAR (Solar Calendar vs. Lunar System)

(a) Being a Buddhist (or Budchrist, as my mother's side are

Christian), I emphasise mainly on the figure of the year e.g. 2006

rather than the term New Year. I used to wish 3 Hs i.e "Healthy /

Happy / Harmonious (Prosperous) NEW 200# (I do not normally use Year

(January 1st) if

I can dodge, as I take Ta-Gu (April) as Our Burmese

Buddhist New Year, not January) Do you know that 7th January is the

X'mas Day in Russia & 14th January is the New Year Day?

(b) I accept January 1st as International New Year Day, as I do not

want to be Off-Set with the world community. I will join the team, but

I have my own ways to celebrate April also. My eldest son was born on

18th April (normally 2nd Day of Burmese New Year under Lunsr Calender).

I was born on 25th April 1945 (Gazetted / Public Holiday in Australia

regarded as ANZAC Day = Austrlia New Zealand Army Corp representing

Allies Troop from Southern Hemisphere). My two best (Aussie friends)

Dorothy's & Fiona's husbands were born on 24th & 26th. Therefore the

three families celebrate Birthday(s) Party on 25th (Public Holiday) in

PARK or at Dot's home or my Home or Fi's home in turn (We have a BALL

that day with multi-culture food and lots of BWS = Beer,

Wine and

Spirit.)

---------------------------------------------------------------

In short we (Aussie) do not have a White X'mas or Blue X'mas;

instead we have a red HOT X'mas. With all the best wishes for the

festive season (no matter where you are NESW -- North, East, South, or

West -- I end the story of my view and concept on the term XMAS (or)

X'mas and New Year.

P.S.

Mickey Po Saw and three (of his four) sons Clinton, Wayne & Clifford

-- second youngest son is in Brunei looking after their home --

visited our home with presents on Boxing Day (Monday) 26/12/05

(December 26, 2005) and had lunch (Baby's home-cooked Mote-hin-gar with

banana stem). I ate two Bowls in rememberence of Emma TTM and a X'mas

Roast Chook (Big Chicken but not Turkey) as the Boxing Day Lunch.

After lunch Mickey sang his favourites: Elvis's "Love Me Tender" and

Cliff Richard's "Travelling Light" with guitar. I played a

nd sang Sai

Hti Saing's songs and Burmese carols as a different version. I still

remember my home-land "Shwe Naing Ghan ~ Myanmar" and our good old

days.

That's all folks for now. See you later, Aligator.

HAVE A NICE ONE IN 2006.

Various parts of the world have already ushered in the New Year

2006 [of the Gregorian Calendar].

Received several e-cards (including Power Point Presentations and

songs) for Christmas and New Year. Received[real] cards from the

"regulars" including my 86-year uncle and his family [from Yangon,

Myanmar], Ko Victor Htay Aung and his family [from Sydney, Australia].

==============================================================

Mingalar Hnit Thit Wishes with Sad News

Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC '69, Old Heartian '63 )

==============================================================

Today the 1st Day of 2006, I received a phone call from my close

friend GAW that he read a "Nar-Yei" news in newspaper that - RIT '67

(Mech) and Old Heartian '61 Matriculated Charles Hlaing (a) Bo Gyoke

Aung Hlaing (Deputy Minister of Defence Ministry, Govt. of Myanamar)

passed away at the age of 60.

<

br> Please pass on the sad News to the other friends.

===============================================================

Keep in touch

===============================================================

I have been able to "Google Talk" with several alums: Ko Nyan Lin

Thein (Australia), Ko Thein Ngwe (Japan), Ko Thet Win (US), to name a

few.

"Voice over IP" [or equivalent] is supported by several ISPs. So,

silent readers and/or "infrequent" writers have one more option to keep

in touch with us via Internet Phone.

which is Pacific Standard Time (PST) or Pacific Daylight Savings Time

That's all for now.

With metta,

Hla Min

January 2006

Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

This is a consolidation of the email updates that I sent in January 2006.

Just came back from the Mettananda Vihara, Central Fremont, which

concluded the five-day special meditation retreat ushering in the New

Year 2006.

Received some more e-greetings from ex-rit and ex-ucc. Ko Jasper

(ex-rit) and Elaine from Canada sent two e-mails: one with and one

without a Power Point Presentation. Ko Tin Ohn (ex-ucc) from New

Jersey, USA, attached a UCC group photo taken at a wedding.

Last but not the least received numerous e-mails from relatives

about the demise of my beloved uncle and mentor. May he rest in peace.

===============================================================

GBNF: U Thet Toe (U Cheng Hock, Barrister-at-law, 86 years)

===============================================================

We are sad and deeply shocked to learn that U Thet Toe (U Cheng

Hock) -- father of Ko Myint Toe (Mech '71) and Ma Nwe (Met) -- passed

away on the wee hours of January 1, 2006

in Yangon, Myanmar.

He is the uncle of numerous alums including Saya U Tin U (Civil),

Saya U Ba Than (Mech), U Tin Htoon (Arch '60), U Sein Htoon (Mech '63),

Sayama Daw Tin Tin Win (Chemistry), and yours truly. He is the

grand-uncle of young alums such as Ko Tha Hlaing (EC), Ko Zeyar

Htoon (Mech), Ma Kay (Elec), ...

Some alums (e.g. Sayagyi Num Kok, Saya Dr. San Hla Aung, Saya U Tin

Htut) will remember him as the oldest living Past Captain (also Gold)

of the Rangoon Universities' Boat Club (RUBC).

He kept himself in top shape by walking every morning [for many

years] from Windermere (Than Lwin) Road to downtown and back. The only

noticable defect in his twilight years was his hearing.

He was kind and gracious to give free lessons to every willing

child and young adult in his extended family. The subjects range from

swimming [in the Inya Lakes followed by a round of "bu-thee-kyaw"], car

driving,

touch typewriting [both English and Burmese], radio servicing

[in the "vacuum tube" era], High School Physics, ..., local and

international law.

He lived by example. Ko Thaung Lwin (EC 66) remembers thus:

All of us has lost our favourite Uncle, who has taught us so many

valuable things in life. His mottos: "DO IT NOW". "CHEAP THING NO GOOD,

GOOD THING NO CHEAP" [and "ANY THING THAT'S WORTH DOING IS WORTH DOING

WELL"]. He always say "when I wake up in the morning, I think of who I

can help."

=================================================================

Feedback: Ko Ye Gaung ('81 EE RIT)

=================================================================

It is very strange to see that life span in Myanmar (Burma) is

getting short.

Some people that we knew, not even at the age of 60, passed way.

In fact some of my acquaintance around 50 passed away too.

This is just an

observation!

Happy New Year.

Editor's note:

Death knows no age. We lost some of our friends even before

graduation.

My name sake Ko Hla Min ("Pauk Si", EC '70, ex-ucc, ex-sphs) passed

away in his prime. Some people [including Ko Moe Hein (Ajala, ChE '69)]

thought it was me and were "surprised" when they saw my "ghost" at the

Today is a "substitute" holiday for New Year, which fell on a

Sunday.

================================================================

Reunion and SPZP: '75 intake, '81 grads

source: Ko Aung Mon

================================================================

Date: January 22, 2006 (Sunday)

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon

Place: YTU Assembly Hall

Contact: U Saw Maung, U Shwe Than Soe, U Tin Myint Lwin,

Daw Thuzar Myint, Daw Tint Tint Thein, U Kyaw Oo,

Daw Mie Mie Win, U Sann Lwin

================================================================

From Millie (Nyunt Nyunt Wai, Germany, Tex '69)

================================================================

I wish you and your family members "A very happy, healthy and

prosperous New Year 2006".

Just came back from 10 peace and restful holidays. I am really

happy to read al

l the mixed news waiting in my PC.

First of all I would like to say that I am so sorry to hear about

your beloved uncle but after reading about "Hot X`mas" from Ko Win Bo

which brings me to laugh again, so is our life with full of sad and

happiness.

As we are from 69` RIT – Batch and all are about the age of famous

60`s, I would like to forward the attached slide show which I received

in this new year day.

Thanks again for all your up-date mails which keep me in touch with

you and my friends.

Best wishes and metta

Millie (Tex. `69)

================================================================

From Ko Win Boh (Robert, Camp Australia, EC '69)

================================================================

Please accept my family's deepest condolence for the loss of your

dear uncle.

---------------------------------------------------------------

The followin

g ramblings are triggered by Ko Ye Gaung's feedback.

Editor's note is so true: "DEATH knows NO AGE". Death can come

anytime, but there are advices/proverbs by the elders found in the

books of Burmese/Myanmar Proverbs.

Some, which I had learnt from my parents, relatives, teachers,

employers and elderly neighbours, could be passed on the the younger

generations. Examples are:

(a) Death can come swiftly. It comes before the arm has not been

folded yet (or) before the folded srm has not been stretched yet. (This

applies to heart attacks and accidents.)

(b) Life is guarded by wisdom (knowledge). => Ah THET ko NYAN

saunt.

(c) Good health [and longevity] is the BOON of the first magnitude.

=> Ah Ro-gyamn Para-mamn La-bamn (Pali)

(d) Medicine and Nutrition are ONE & same. => Say lei Ah Sar, Ah

Sar lei Sei.

(e) No remedy can be prescribed for an undiagnosed illness. =>

; Ah

Nar Ma-thi, Say Ma-Shi.

(f) Healthy bowels keep headache away. => Wan Ta-Lone Kaun, Gaun

Ta-Lone Ma-Khei.

(g) Water for eyes, oil for ears, salt for teeth, and bitter

substances (or honey) for Stomach. => Myetsi mhar Yay (Water), Nah mhar

See'(Oil), Dante mhar Sar(Salt), Wan mhar Khar (Bitter).

---------------------------------------------------------------

I was blessed to be born with good genes from my parents: a sportman

from Tavoy and a teacher from Moulmein.

I do not [yet] have the following: high blood pressure (hyper

tension), TB, symptoms of heart failure, severe sugar content in blood

and urine, severe eye sight problem.

My reading glasses have a power of +2.5. I still have 28 teeth,

which still chewable. The missing 4 were taken out by a Burmese dentist

20-30 years ago. FYI I am 60 yrs and 9 months young. I still feel and

live like 39 (not 64).

I like

to eat vegetables/leaves with bitter taste: bitter Melon,

Kin-Mon Thee / Kyaun Shar Thee / Mai-Za-Le Ywet (leaves). I believe

that bitter taste has medicinal energy. I also prefer sour taste like

tamarind juice, lime juice, plum jam, mariam (Ma-Yan-Thee) salad, green

mango salad, sour soup made with plum, mango, rosella (Chin-Paun),

Ka-Mon-Chin, Pyi-Daw-Thar Thee (Gwe Thee), pickle (I grow all plants

mentioned here, except Mariam, in my back yard.)

I jog (walk to parks & ovals), and climb stairs instead of taking

lifts [elevators]. I swim in Maroochy River (and swimming pool) and

play a little bit of Family Golf Game (when the boys are not busy with

their girl friends. The most important secret is not to take the issues

and problems and convert them into your stress. [In other words], Take

it easy and be happy.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Some former classmates and schoolmate

s visited me recently and told

me that people in Burma (Myanmar) are getting unhealthy and that health

is becoming an issue/problem. (So many people are having Hepatitis

A/B/C, Diabetes, Heart Attack, and Hyper Tension (High Blood).

I do not know whether the above information is true or not. My

suggestion as lay man engineer is

(a) Avoid artificial colouring / flavour and take natural taste:

bitter / sour / a little bit of salty & sweet taste.

(b) Eat fresh leaves (Grow backyard vegepads) and limited meat /

plenty of sea food (dried fish and shrimp. I like Ngan-Pyay-Yay with

Chille Powder and dipped with Green Mangoes (or) Ripe Sour Plum (or)

Gwe Thee.

(c) I drink a lot of milk and water everyday. I am priviledged to

have a wife (B. Sc. Chemistry who became a qualified chef instead of a

scientist) who serves me with a good tucker everyday, as I listen to

her (at home).

-------------------------------

--------------------------------

As for me, I am ready to go any time. My faith, my age span, and my

time [probably] have been decided by Ma-Ra-Na Min.

I have contributed something (albeit a handful of sand compared to

the sands on the beaches of the entire world) for the well-being of

mankind. I was/am a member of Australian Red Cross, YMBA, YMCA, Rotary

International, various UN Agencies [providing aid to developing

countries], and several local and international community (non Profit)

organizations.

Whatever or whereever is my destiny, I shall move forward / progress

with Smile per the "Law of Karma" as taught by the Late Ashin Silananda

and other noble monks (Chan Myay Sayardaw, Thi-da-gu Sayardaw, Ashin

Winiya & Ashin Wara of SunLun 6 Miles Yangon, Ashin Dhamacarra (Ph.D.)

Patali (Bohda Gaya)).

My late uncle Uzin Minto (Retd. Burma Railways), my late cousin Uzin

Kolay (Retd. Burma Navy), an

d all sayas and sayamas who had taught me

from primary school till now, like the Sayadaws, taught me "How to

become a good human being and live peacefully/happily till the Time

comes.

---------------------------------------------------------------

The bottom line is: Look after yourself / Do your best - physically

and mentally (with Wisdom learnt / Knowledge gathered and Experiences

encountered) and the Supreme-Being above (what ever name you want to

call) will look after you.

In other words, you will have a good outcome as per the Law of Karma

[Kamma].

KEEP Smiling.

Received e-greetings from several colleagues including Khin May

Than (ChE, Wales), Ko Aung Lwin (Jasper, Canada), Ko Myint Thin (Mech,

Singapore), ...

Also received e-mails from people who knew my late uncle. They

include Sao Aung Myint (retired head of the Irrigation Computer

Center), U Kyaw Swar Than (Harold, brother-in-law of Saya U Tin Htut),

U Than Htut (Maung Maung, Harry, Australia), Dr. Thane Oke Kyaw Myint

(Fiji), ...

My uncle's wishes -- "not to live too long without being healthy"

and "not to suffer too much before death" -- were fulfilled. He

celebrated his 87th birthday and had a relatively painless death a few

days later.

==============================================================

From Ko Myint Thin (Mech 71, sphs 65, ex-rubc)

==============================================================

Happy New Year, but sad to know about Uncle Cheng Hock. I heard

about it in Si

ngapore and happened to talked to Ko Dexter [Thaung Lwin, EC

66]. Called Myint Toe [Mech 71] but in vain and left for K.L. / Mumbai.

Thanks also for your tireless efforts to keep all of us wired.

==============================================================

Miscellaneous

==============================================================

Feel free to visit the RIT-related web sites and newsgroup.

Also, feel free to tune in to Moemaka (Internet) radio.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Kya Swa Chaung Sayadaw U Lekkhana recently conducted a 10-day

meditation retreat in Perth, Australia. Ko Tin Maung Maung Than

(Edward, Ph.D., Singapore) served as interpreter.

Sayadaw U Lekkhana will be conducting four meditation retreats in

various cities in Australia in Nov - Dec, 2006.

-------------------------------------------------------------

-

Managed to "Google Talk" with some more alums, Old

Paulian/Peterite[s], and relatives. It is a good alternative to my cell

phone [which I use for calls within the US especially on weekends] and

my home phone [which is a target of fund-raisers, telemarketers, ...].

Yahoo earlier announced its intent to "internet phone" capability

to its Yahoo Messenger.

Instant Messaging (IM) and "voice over IM" are ways to get in touch

[quickly and inexpensively] with sayas and colleagues.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Chinese, Vietnamese, ..., will soon celebrate the "Lunar New Year".

Hope to hear some insight from Saya U Min Wun, who served for many

years on the Myanmar/Burmese Pyeik-ga-dain Advisory Board, and is an

We are glad to learn that Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay), multiple

Golden Sponsor of the RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP, was recently given an

offer "no sane person can refuse" to hand over his knowledge/expertise

and company and [semi]retire peacefully. Congratulations, and a Happy

New Year.

Despite the "generation gap" [which spans 5 or even 6 decades], we

manage to find a way to keep the RIT spirit alive and well. I would

like to request young alums to share news and visions with us. Thanks.

===============================================================

Class of '69

===============================================================

Dear Ko Chit Po Po [Mech '69],

I learnt that Danny (Ko Tint Lwin) B.E RIT '69 Mech + M.E Canada

(Retired Associate Professor, Nanyang Institute of Technology,

Singapore) is in Yangon teaching Myanmar Officers English & Modern

Technology. If you ha

ve time, contact him.

Have a good time in Shwe Naing Ngan and eat a Lot of Boo-Thee-Gyaw

at Inyar Lake Boat Club.

Cheers,

(Bob) Win-Boh [EC '69]

===============================================================

From Ko Nyan Lin Thein (ECe 95-Sept)

===============================================================

VCD/DVD of the recent SPZP will be available on the ECe 95-Sept web

site.

===============================================================

From Dr. Uttam S. Gill (Mech '71)

===============================================================

I was really shocked and saddened to hear the bad news about Uncle

Cheng Hock. The first bad news was about Uncle Cheng Po [who passed

away several years ago]. I had the privilege to know these two

gentlemen since 1971 when Ko Myint Toe and I were initiated into the

Rangoon University Lodge. They were very humble, disciplined,

and never

drank any kind of alcohol beverage at the lodge. I used to ride home to

Myenigone with them after the lodge meetings. I also had opportunity to

visit their big law firm [headed by U Kyaw Myint] on Barr Street.

Uncle Cheng Hock succeeded the former attorney general to become the

District Grand Master (DGM) of all lodges in Myanmar when I was still

in Yangon. He could have stayed as DGM for rest of his life if he

wanted to. But he was so unselfish a man with a big heart that he

retired after serving only a few years as DGM so that Saya Saw William

Paw could succeed him to become the DGM. Uncle Cheng Hock was very

meticulous about everything at the lodge and had so much energy to run

perfect lodge meetings/ceremonies. Every member from all the lodges in

Myanmar had great respect for him. Losing him means a lot to people who

have known him, and we are all going to miss him. Please accept my

condolences and convey my s

ympathy to Ko Myint Toe and his family.

Editor's note:

I do not know first hand about the Lodges because I was not a

member.

I heard compliments from former Lodge members about my uncle's

passion about "doing well anything that's worth doing".

===============================================================

Miscellaneous

===============================================================

The Buddha Dhamma Quarterly ran an article of the late Sayadaw U

Silananda. The article is adapted from the "Dhammananda Newsletter"

published by the Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA).

---------------------------------------------------------------

Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay, is holding a weekend retreat for

January. The session is from the evening of January 6, 2006 (Friday) to

the evening of January 8. 2006 (Sunday).

----------------------------------------------

-----------------

An updated reprint of the "Dhammananda Wut Yut Sin" (Chantings and

Protective Verses) by Sayadaw U Jotalankara is available.

---------------------------------------------------------------

The Triple Gems Publication has published as dhamma dana "Buddha's

Prescription", a collection of dhamma talks [mostly in English, and

three translated from Myanmar/Burmese] by the late Dr. Rewata Dhamma

(UK).

Interested readers and donors may contact U Tin Htoon (Arch 60, US),

Sayama Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE 70, Singapore), Ko Htay Aung (Victor, EC,

Sydney, Australia), U Than Htut (Harry, Canada), and Dr. Maung Maung

Lwin (UK).

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Google Talked" with Ko Aung Myint Thwin (Ed, Civil, Toronto,

Canada). Saya Dr. Aung Soe taught him FORTRAN, and also assigned him to

work with Mr. Heathcote (visiting faculty). AMT worked as UNV in

M

aldives, and for about 10 years in Singapore, before settling[?] in

Canada. He is trying to contact his former sayas (including Saya U Min

Time zone differences should be taken into account when reading the

updates.

===============================================================

From Ko Nyan Lin Thein (Australia)

===============================================================

Dear Uncle U Hla Min,

Please find the attached pdf for the preview of our first Swe Daw

Yeik e-Zine Issue(1). We're planning to publish e-version quarterly. It

is the collections of new & old articles from our student life. We want

all ex-rits to participate for the success of Swe Daw Yeik e-Zine.

Whoever wants to contribute articles, stories, and cartoons for Swe Daw

regards,

Nyan Lin Thein (EcE95Sep)

===============================================================

From Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC 69, Australia)

===============================================================

(a) La La [Aye Win Hlaing] and Christine arrived Brisbane from Sydney

by flight in yesterday morning. I went to pick them up from the airport

and dropped La La at his consultant's office in Brisbane and brought

Christine to my house BLI BLI at Sunshine Coast. Christine had an

authentic Burmese lunch with Nga-Pi Ye' and Toe-Sayar while gossiping

with Baby about the Uni days. The two ladies went for a drive to

Maroochydore River to have the girls' talk. La La attended the meetings

at Brisbane, then came to S/C by train in the evening

. (We three had

Dinner in Caloundra ~ Hong Kong Chinese "Bamboo Restaurant".

(b) This morning (12/01/06 in S/C), I have to take them to Brisbane,

for La La's quick meeting. Christine and I will stroll along the CBD

shopping mall. We will drive back to Sunshine Coast around noon Time.

We might have a mini-conference (three RIT qraduates and one RIT

qualifier) while having Aussie BBQ at my home.

Note: La La is asking Dr. Myo Khin's home phone number. I have

misplaced my phone book, when I moved to the new home. Can Ko Myo Khin

email me with his home phione number ASAP. (La La will be in S/C till

Saturday 14/01/06 afternoon) Thanks !

(c) Tomorrow, we will take them to the world's biggest GINGER factory

in Yandina in the morning. We'll have an authentic Burmese lunch at my

home BLI BLI. We still cook and eat the Burmese food (smelly dish)

everyday. Then we will go to Coolum Beach for a mid-day swim like we

used to at Ngapa

li (Rakhine State), Set-Sei (Mon State), Chaung-Thar

(Irrawady Div), and of course in the INYA Lake. After that, we will

night club at Caloundra. (May be a moon light swim again at the Kings

Beach / Rainbow Beach.)

(d) La La and Christine will fly back to Sydney with 04:00 pm flight on

Saturday.

Editor's note:

Ko Win Boh has played host to several alums: Victor Begent, Sai Tun

Aye, Mickey Po Saw, ... at his new home.

================================================================

Miscellaneous: BAPS meeting (January 8, 2006)

================================================================

Elected:

President: Roger

Vice Presidents: Daniel, Jonathan, Ricky

Secretaries: Nicole, Kenneth, Peter

Treasurers: Lionel, Eugene

Discussions:

Emphasis Balance BAPS vs. inter-organization

Dinner February 25, 2006 (Saturday)

SALI cour

se Kenneth (to replace Jonathan)

PE Provide guidance for those seeking refs

(a) Design experience

(b) Phrase work related to PE

(c) Principal need not have PE

(d) Relation: supervisor, co-worker

Future meetings Mix of conference call and face to face

Activities (a) Tai Chi

(b) Toastmaters

Tenure 2 years [will need amendment] vs. 1 year

Membership Benefits

(a) Member only events

(b) Member only web pages and alerts

(c) Networking (job, ...)

...

Newsletter Haven't had for some time?

Editor's note:

Saya U Nyo Win (Mech 65), Ko Benny Tan (Mech 70), and Ko Maurice

Chee (Mech 75) are Past Presisents. Daniel Maung is the son of Saya Mao

T

oon Siong (Mech). Eugene and Jonathan are the sons of the late Ko Aung

Khin (James Shu, Mech 70). Lionel (Ko Kyaw Swar) is ex-ucc.

================================================================

Miscellaneous: Dhammarekkhita Monastery (Indiana, USA)

================================================================

We need a Dhamma Hall for Dhammarekkhita Monastery in Fort Wayne,

Indiana, USA. The monastery was established in 1995, but it was

destroyed by floods in 2003 and 2004. The monastery was moved to a new

place [which was built as a residence] in 2005, and can only hold about

50 people.

We hold several ceremonies each year. They include Kathina, Waso,

Shin Pyu, ordination of monks and silashins, paying respect to the

elders, dhamma talks by several sayadaws from Burma, and meditation

retreats. It is difficult to accomodate about 100-150 people even after

using the living room area, dining room and the g

arage with TV monitors

in the rooms so that people can watch and listen to the dhamma talks

given by the sayadaws. Several people had to leave the place due to

lack of space. In winter, which is the worst time of the ear, we cannot

use the garage due to lack of heat.

Ft. Wayne, Indiana is a town near Chicago [Illinois] with a large

Burmese population (over 3000). We really are in need of a place of

worship for them. It is also a place where we try to preserve our

culture for our children by teaching Burmese and Buddhist prayers.

We would really appreciate if you can donate -- large or small --

for the Dhamma Hall so that all those who come to the monastery for

dhamma talks or to practice dana, sila and bhavana will get a chance to

do all the good deeds that they came for and not to leave without

kusala (kudo). You will also be helping the children in preserving our

culture and learn Buddhism taught by our monks. With your dana, you

will also be helping the ceremonies to ordain monks (there were 60

monks one year when we had the old Dhamma Hall) and nuns (last year, we

had 7).

Please mail your donations to Dhammarekkhita Monastery, 8133,

Hartzell Road, Ft. Wayne, IN 46816. Please make your checks payable to

STBS (Society of Theravada Bhudda Sasana).

If you have any questions, please contact me at (260) 414-0916, or

Sayadaw U Visakhana at (260) 447

-9009.

Thank you and Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu.

With Boundless Metta

Khin Mar Oo,

Vice President,

STBS / Dhammarekkhita Monastery

================================================================

Miscellaneous: Metta Yaung Chi Wut Ah Phwe (Fremont, CA, USA)

================================================================

Daw Shirley, a member of the Chanting Group and beloved spouse

of U Jackson), passed away on Monday. Viewing will be held on Saturday

at Mission [Decoto]. Yet-le soon kway and funeral will be held on Sunday.

Feel free to visit the RIT related web sites, news groups, and

"MSN Spaces" (created by Ko Khin Maung Zaw). Can KMZ write a short

article on how to use "MSN Spaces".

Feel free to listen to Moemaka Internet Radio.

Earlier read the announcement that the ex-rit in Singapore will be

celebrating Thingyan in a different venue [used to be Nang Yang

Technological University, where Ko Daniel Tint Lwin served as Associate

Professor in Mech Engg].

Due to time zone differences, some alums apolegetically could not

accept my invitation to Google Talk with them.

================================================================

From Ma Juliet (Mrs. Myint Lwin)

================================================================

Let me first wish all of you a very healthy, wealthy and successful

2006 and beyond!

This is to inform you that I am migrating my e-mail to AOL

effe

Have a wonderful weekend!

Editor's note:

Saya Myint Lwin (Civil) is the younger brother of Sayagyi H. Num Kok

(Civil) and H. Num Fatt. Saya and Ma Julie attended Reunion 2000. They

later migrated from the San Francisco Bay Area to the East Coast.

===============================================================

From Sayama Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE 70)

===============================================================

Pe Gu Kya Khat Waing Sayadaw arrives in Singapore today. He will

be residing at SMC at Havelock Rd with Sayadaw U Rajinda. Sayadaw Gyi

will be in town for about three days only.

Editor's note:

See RIT Yahoo Group for announcements abo

ut social and religious

events in Singapore and elsewhere. Look for postings by Ko Hla Kyi, Ko

Aung Kyaw Thaike, Ko Kyaw Lwin, Ko Zaw Tun, Ko Zaw Tun Naing, ...

===============================================================

From Ko Win Boh (Robert, EC 69)

===============================================================

It is now 05:00 am (Australian Eastern / Queensland Time ~ Qld is 1

hour behind NSW during Summer Time for Day Light Saving) of Saturday

the 14th of January 2006.

Friday the 13th of January 2006 had passed peacefully. La La,

Christine, Baby and yours truly had a dinner at the "FISH on the

Perkyn" Restaurant - MALOOLABA Spit on Friday evening. I took TWO

Bottles of Chilled WINE - Rose' by WB (Not Win-Boh but Wolf Blass, and

Chardonay by Wolf Blass of South Australia as well)

After the dinner, we drove along Nicklin Way (playing the 50s / 60s

CD of Daniel O'Donnel, and singi

ng along by back seaters La La and

Christine) to take them back to the Rydges at Caloundra. We have to

drive around the Bullock Beach area to find the late night corner ahop

for a box of fresh cow milk, which we were desperately in need for the

coffee. We had planned to watch Pre-Australian Open Tennis Final at La

La's room while sipping a good strong coffee. We were feeling the

effect of the wines that we drank at the restaurant as per the "Law of

cause and effect".

On Thursday night, La La (Abel, Aye Win Hlaing), Christine (Phyu

Phyu Latt) Hlaing, Robert (Win-Boh) Minto Gyi and observer attendee

Jennifer Margaret Carrott (Lynn Myo Ain, Baby) had a tele-Conference

between my BLI BLI Home, Australia and Dr. Myo Khin's Home in

Kargoshima, Japan. La La will discuss with Sydney RIT Alum to follow up

our tele-conference, which covered "Exchange of Ideas & Proposals on

(Future Overseas) RIT Alumi Mini Conferences". Please wait

for feedback

from the Sydney, NSW RIT Group and the Perth, WA (Western Australia)

RIT Group.

La La and Christine said that they had enjoyed Sunshine Coast

Beaches (Coolum / Marcoola / Mujimba / Maroochydore / Alexender Headlan

/ Kawana / Warana / Bokarina / Caloundra (Golden + Moffat + King +

Shelley + Dickie Beaches) of Sunshine (Qld.) State different to Bodai

Beach of Sydney (Swimming & Wave Riding) and the delicious food and

fruits! We are the Ex EEE = Energy Efficient Engineers of Myanmar

(Corporation) ESB = Eating, Sleeing Boozing.

La La and Christine will leave Brisbane for Sydney with 04:00 pm

Virgin Blue Flight today.

Sydney mhar Tway-Gya-Mei'

Editor's note:

"Friday the 13th" is often attributed to the Friday when Jesus was

crucified. Jesus had 12 disciples; the team totaled 13.

The table [1, 4, 4, 0, 2, 5, 0, 3, 6, 1, 4, 6] shows the relative

position of the first day of

a month in a common year. If Jan 1 => Sunday,

then Feb 1 => Wednesday, Mar 1 => Wednesday, Apr 1 => Saturday, ...

The table suggests that there will be at least one "Friday the

13th" every year.

What did the current "Friday the 13th" bode for me? Among the mail

which usually contain junk (advertisements, solicitation for

donations), I found solace in finding a "refund check" for FSA

(Flexible Spending Account), and a package which congratulated as a

I was busy trying to meet deadlines at my job.

The following are some [old] e-mails and news.

===============================================================

From Ko Hla Kyi (EC 77, Singapore)

===============================================================

Daw Nyo Nyo Min (Age 78 Yrs), mother of Ko Ye Min @ Henry Ye Min

(1976, Mechanical), passed away on 20.01.2006 at 02-02 Newton Meadow,

(22) Newton Road, Singapore.

Funeral Rites will be as follows:

Date: 24 January 2006 (Tuesday)

Time: 2:30pm (Her body will be sent to Mandai Columbarium from her

home)

3:45pm (Cremate at Mandai Columbarium )

Res Tel: 6258 2160

===============================================================

From Sayama Tin Tin Myint (ChE 70, Singapore)

===============================================================

As parents the worst fear is to have to bury our children. This

ve

ry very sad event happened to our dear freind U Tin Tun and Daw Mar

Mar Yee a month ago. Their eldest son Wa Than Ko Ko was 33 when he

passed away on 19th of December last year. They have three children.

The eldest one was married and stayed in Yangon. It so happened Daw M M

Yee went back for her usual annual holidays. The son was not sick or

anything, although he always had a heart condition. They had a good time

on her arrival night seeing football on TV. The next morning the wife

found him dead in his bed. It was especially painful because there were

no expectations. I talked to Mar Mar today. The bereaved family is

trying to go on with the normal lives. Mar Mar said they lost a son

and they are trying to console each other and in the process discovering

more love and kindness in each other. Daw Mar Mar Yeee donated 300 sin$

towards our Dana Srilanka Society on behalf of her son. I asked whether

she has any purpose for this m

oney. She can make Soon Kway. There are

over 100 monks in Colombo n Sin 200 - 300 $ [us 100- 150 $] will

cover for one meal. Over 100 monks will do rituals for the occasion, be

it a birthday, anniversary. There ia an on-going building project also.

She had always wanted to sponsor one monk's study fees for one year at

300 sin$. So we agreed that we will use this fund to sponsor one monk's

study fees in her son Wa Than Ko Ko's name.

I told Mar Mar letting go is part of love. In the end we all

part our ways, sooner or later. In this case it's all too soon. He

jumped queue. Dear Mar Mar Yee and U Tin Tun we alll share your greif.

As parents we understand. Hope in time you all will heal. May Wa Than

Ko Ko go to a good abode. May he live long in his next life. In this

long Sansara may the family meet again under happier circumstances.

===============================================================

Feedbac

k: Saya U Htin Paw (Elec 58, USA)

===============================================================

Dear Ko Hla Min,

Google talk is not attractive for lack of video and capability to

dial home phone No.

SKYPE.com is a better system.

You can have video - video picture is very clear

You can call home telephone No.

You can call any where across the globe

Free call between - skype to skype

Skype to home telephone - cost about the calling card - conveneient

and easy and clear

You should down load the Skype Video version and see the

advantages.

Ananta metta

Maung H. Paw

Editor's note:

I have a Skype account, but have not upgraded for a long time.

I have friends who use both Google Talk and Skype extensively; each

sytstem seems to have its advantages and limitations. Also, personal

preferences and expectations vary.

=============================

==================================

Miscellaneous

===============================================================

Sayadaw U Silananda first delivered "The Four Foundations of

Mindfulness: a Summary" in 1999 at Buddha Sasan Yeikthat, Severn

Bridge, Ontario, Canada. The dhamma talks have been published and

re-published (with permission from the Theravada Buddhist Society of

America). The latest [re]publication is offered as dhamma dana by U

Myat Swe (Harry Lin, Physics, California) and family and relatives. U

Myat Swe is the younger brother of Saya U Myat Thwin (Kuesan Lin, ChE,

Texas) and brother-in-law of Saya U Maung Maung (George Chan, ChE,

California). He owns and runs "Solar Printing, Inc." in San Francisco.

Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu to all the donors.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Tet (Vietnamese/Lunar New Year) celebration at Tathagatha Meditation

Center (Chi

ef Abbot: Beelin Sayadaw), 1215 Lucretia Avenue, San Jose on

Sunday Janaury 29, 2006.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Htamane Pwe [and Ovada Patimauk] will be held at Dhammananda Vihara,

17450 South Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Phone (650) 726 7604

on Sunday, February 12, 2006 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

---------------------------------------------------------------

"An Illustrated History of Buddhism" is an excellent work by the

late Mahagandayone Sayadaw Ashin Janakabhivamsa and the late Saya U Ba

Kyi. YMBA printed the original work in Burmese, and later published a

translation in English.

Theravada Buddist Society of America (TBSA) published the bilingual

version several years ago. Several copies still remain and are

Since my home computer is having a "hiccup", I'm using my friend's

computer to let you know that I'm alive and well.

Received e-mails from alums regarding

- "Pon Chan Chan" (Lunar New Year) from Sayama Emma Tin Tin Myint

- "Swedaw Yeik e-zine" and "Plan to donate books" from Ko Nyan Lin

Thein and EcE 95 group

- Meeting to discuss about "(Mini)reunion in Sydney, Australia"

from Ko Aye Win Hlaing (La La) and group

- "Bilingual meditation retreat at Southern California Vipassa

Center" from U Tin Htoon

- e-cards for the Lunar New Yeat from several alums

- request from Ko Win Boh (Robert) for dhamma dana books and the

"Illustrated History of Buddhism"

- ...

Came back from Tathagata Meditation Center (TMC), San Jose, where

yours truly acted as translator/interpreter for the dhamma talk given

on the occasion of Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

That's all for now.

With metta,

Hla Min

RIT Alumni International Newsletter

February 2006

Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

This is a consolidation of the email updates that I sent in February 2006.

We have ushered in the Civil New Year and the Lunar New Year, and

some are preparing for the Burmese/Myanmar New Year.

One jokingly said that his New Year resolution in "not to make any

more New Year resolutions". Can't you make a resolution at any time of

the year?

One said that he'll take the time off sending/reading e-mails and

join a bike gang.

======================================================================

To my "core" [often silent] readers

======================================================================

I have spent nearly SEVEN years sending out the newsletter updates.

[That's more than than the FIVE wonderful years I spent at RIT in the

'60s.]

Most of you probably know that e-mails and photos about "the 30th

class reunion" sent by Ko Tint Lwin (Daniel, Mech '69) and Ma Alice

(Saw Yu Tint, Tex '69) triggered me to start the e-mail newsletter.

During this time, I came to know and/or reconnect with my former

sayas, colleagues, and long lost friends. My dream of getting the alums

reconncected virtually [via the web] and physically [at the

mini-reunions, reunions, and Grand Reunion and SPZPs] came true thanks

to the sponsors, volunteers, well-wishers, participants, and their

families and friends. Reunion-2000 (in San Francisco), Singapore-2002,

and Yangon-2006 testified the the RIT spirit is alive and well.

The e-mail versions were sent originally to 99 people (the limit

originally enforced by Yahoo for a single mail within a prescribed

period [usually an hour or so]. To send to more people, Yahoo

encourages one to use the Yahoo Mail Group). Compared to the thousands

of alums world-wide, 99 is a relatively small number. When an e-mail

bounces back several times, it is taken temporarily off from the [RIT

Alumni] mailing list. If an alum suggests a more eager one

waiting for

THAR-YE/ NAR-YE news, then that e-mail is added to the list. The "core"

group is a sounding board for my editorials. As time permits [usually

at the end of the month], the "still relevant" information is

Thanks to Sayama Emma (Tin Tin Myint, ChE 70, Singapore), Ko Robert

Win-Boh (EC 69, Australia), my cousin U Tin Htoon (Arch '60, Southern

California, USA), and others who contribute news, ideas, and opinions.

Several readers want to know if and where the fourth RIT Grand

Reunion and SPZP will be held. Is it going to be Mandalay, the captital

of ancient Myanmar? Or, as some alums have floated the idea around --

will it be Sydney, Australia [if no other country has pledged to host

the event]? Will the SPZP be at the end of this year [2006] following

the sequence: 2000, 2002, 2004? Or, will it be early 2007? If some one

has answers to the above, let us all know.

=====================================================================

News from Australia

=====================================================================

Dear Ko Hla Min

The Ex-RIT Sydney group had a meeting this afternoon [January 28,

2006] at our place and discussed the possibility of hosting of the next

International ex-RIT gathering in Sydney.

Saya Charlie (U Hla Myint, Mech [swimming and water polo]) and 11

ex-RITs, including the two of us were at the discussion with a few

other enthusiatic persons not being able to come due to prior

engagements and some other Chinese colleagues celebrating Chinese New

Year.

The proposal date for the meeting was to be held between the last

week of December 2006 and the first week of Jan. 2007 if we can host it

in Sydney.

If there are any other proposals from other countries to host this

year's gathering, please let us know.

Regards

La La [Aye Win Hlaing] & Christine.

=====================================================================

An e-mail from Sayama Emma (received some time

back)

=====================================================================

Once again it's Chinese New Year time. As usual I an having open

house at my place 10 am - 10pm on the first day which falls on this

Sunday [January 29, 2006]. I started this tradition over two decades

ago while my girl was young. I did this so that our Burmese children

have something to say about the festival when they go back to school

after the holidays. "How much I collected Ang Pows [money gift] you

know". This is one of the National service I do for our Burmese

community.

My hubby is Chinese. In Burma the eldest brother does the rites

and we just contributed money. Since I do not know how to do it I have

Burmanised the whole affair. I offer all the cooked stuff to Buddha and

share the merits with his ancestors. We say our thanks to them wish

them all the best wherever they are.

Am cooking a storm as usual

. There's chichen stew with mushooms,

pork curry with dried mangoes, dried mutton fries, pork roast, Nga Than

Lok Paung, Spring rolls, Nga Pi Yay, To Sa Ya, Thai Pappaya salad.

There's Mohinga and Buthee Kyaw, Shan To Hu Nwe. We will be giving ang

pows [400 $], eating drinking [Henessy XO, Vodga, Black Label, Beer].

For desserts we have cakes, Agar Agar, fruits, mandarin oranges,

traditional CNY biscuits like love letters. You have not been to a

party till you have been to my party.

Today is the Full Moon Day of Tabodwe ("Ovada Patimauk" day,

and also "Hta-ma-ne pwe"), and also "Pyidaungsu (Union) Day".

Met Saya K C Chiu, Saya Maung Maung (George), ... at the Hta-ma-ne

pwe at Dhammananda Vihara. According to Saya K C, Saya Kyi Kong Tham

(Civil 63) has retired from Betchel, but is offered a six-month assignment in UK.

======================================================================

SPZP for 2006 (Discussions)

======================================================================

Dear Ko Thet Tun [Henry, Australia]

Thanks for your info [about the meeting in Sydney].

The Saya PZP committee in Yangon will hold its meeting on 17th

February to discuss about the holding of the Saya PZP 2006.

We have not decided at this moment to hold it in Yangon in December

2006 due to many reasons which will be put up for discussions and

decision.

We welcome your offer to hold it in Sydney, Australia.

One drawback is that due to visa difficulty and cost involved not

many sayas could attend. Perhaps "if there is a will, there is a way"

-we can overcome these difficulties - Singapore alumni and USA alumni

could be the key.

The more we discuss the more solutions will come out to make it a

success.

Please give me the meeting minutes of the 11th Feb meeting [in

Sydney] so that we can review that at our 17th Feb meeting [in Yangon].

The main persons involved for the Saya PZP activities in USA are

[Ko] Maurice [Chee], [Ko] Benny [Tan] and Ko Hla MIn.

At this moment let's keep it at the brainstorming stage with a lot

of input from all the active and interested alumni to see what can be

done.

We in Yangon will do our part to arrive at the most realistic

solution under present circumstances.

By end of February we should have a c

learer picture and how to move

ahead.

Best regards

Win Khaing [Mech 75, Organizer of Yangon-2004]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Henry (Ko) Thet Tun,

Thank you for your email regarding 2006 RIT SPZP information.

I believe you have attended the two [prelimanary] planning meetings

held, in Jan and feb 2006, to discuss about Ex-RIT (International)

Reunion (2006) for planning and review to propose the venuw as Sydnwy,

Australia.

The email (proposal) from Ko (Abel) Aye Win Hlaing (La La &

Christine) will be a good starting point to let Ko Hla Min, [Ko]Benny,

[Ko] Maurice and (Steve Kay [Ko Thaung Sein] - Golden Sponsor) of USA

and other sayar-gyis residing outside Myanmar to give a fair comment on

the venue proposal. Then, depending on the pros & cons (frank advices

and open suggestions) should be the base to drive the action plan (as

it will n

eed a good nine months to properly plan the international

level gathering and to avoid/minimize the shortcomings that previous

SPZP organizers have experienced.

I have contact with many Sayas (far and neear) to whom I emit my

528 Metta (Loving, Kindness & Compassion) and share my good merits

whenever I have a chance.

It is always nice to pay homage with five Hti-Gyin personally, but

at the same time, the thought behind the gift or homage is more

important, which I had found out during my two visits to Myanmar when I

went to care for my two late mothers (my sick mother-in-law in 1996 and

my healthy but aged mother in 1998). They kept the album of our family

and a file of letters mailed from us near their dhamma books beside

their beds. They said that it was just like a dream for fhem, after I

returned back after a fortnight stay and that they preferred to receive

the rememberence Cards, and phone calls rather th

an heavy presents I

carried for them. Also, they did not want to travel long journey to

Australia, although I can obtain visit visa for them; they prefer to

stay in their own little den and remember/cherish the good old days.

Finally I managed to open an account as a Trust Fund under the

Mmanagement of my best friends for "My Two Mothers' Spendings". They

are fond of (a) Charity mostly to Shanga Hospital, House of Old Age at

Little Sister Road - Kandawgalay, Orphanage on their special days (b)

fresh seasonal fruits, vitamins and essential medicines (c) to keep as

their pocket money to give away to their grand nephews and nieces,

(d)taking care of their health & well-being, especially during their

homage visits on the Full Moon (Holy) days.

I propose that someone should design/create with "BIT/RIT/YIT

Engineering Logo" a beautiful rememberance "Card of Honour" and the

humble note "The Thought" with gift vouchers - like th

e popular gift

vouchers used in western countries on Christmas, Easter, Fathers' Day,

Mothers' Day or a Nawa-Karma open cheque [check] in [some currencry,

e.g. USD] -- of any affordable amount from the collections of the

gathering at the particular venue (outside Myanmar) - in honour of

their teachings. The "gift cards" can be carried back by the ex-RIT

representatives of Myanmar (whoever can attend) for the sayas with

apologies (who cannot attend for many reasons - health, age, air fares,

visa, etc.). And also to issue to the (accepted) Sayas attending from

Myanmar and other countries.

(Robert) U. Win-Boh @ Robert (Minto) Gyi - EC '69

Editor's note:

The organizers of the Grand Reunion and SPZPs tried to best to do

the best possible within their time and budget constraints to honor the

metta and cetana of the sayas and sayamas. Individuals and groups also

stepped up by offering air fares, lodgings, ..., to selected

sayas and

sayamas.

Since alums have different religious backgrounds, the term "SPZP"

was chosen rather that "Saya Ga Daw Pwe" [common in the Burmese

Buddhist tradition].

See Saya U Nyo Win's article in Reunion-2000 about the problems

faced, and suggestions about avoiding/overcoming in the future.

See the ex-rit web sites [especially in Singapore] for articles and

photos about Reunion-2000, Singapore-2002, and Yangon-2004.

=====================================================================

Miscellabeous: Outstanding Woman in Buddhism by UN 2006

by Saya U Htin Paw (Elec '58) and Saya U Myat Htoo (Civil '68)

=====================================================================

Daw Gunasari [retired Dr. Daw Khin Swe Win, sister-in-law of Saya U

Myat Htoo] has been selected by the UN, the outstanding Woman in

Buddhism - for March 2006.

===========================================================

==========

Miscellaneous: Dhamma Talk in Daly City, Northern California

=====================================================================

Bhaddanta Ghandamarlarlankara

9th Tipitakadara Sayadaw (Bearer of Triple Baskets: Vinaya,

Sutta, and Abhidhamma)

Only 11 Sayadaws have passed the prestigious religious

examination in Myanmar in 50 years.

also, "Dhammabhandakarika" [Treasurer/Guardian of the Dhamma]

- awarded only to those not needing any "prompts" and those who passed

all subjects with "distinction"

Only 2 [out of the 11] have this honor. The first and the most

famous -- who made it into the "Guiness Book of World Records" for the

phenomenal memory feat [e.g. rememebering 8027 printed pages of the

Tipitaka] -- is the late Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw Ashin

Visaittasarabhivamsa. Mahasi Sayadaw acted at the Chief Questioner at

the Sixth Buddhist Council held at Kaba Aye, Yangon,

in 1954 - 56.

Mingun Sayadaw acted as the Chief Reciter [and Answerer].

Dhamma talk details:

Date: February 18, 2006 (Saturday)

Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Place: Jeffereson Union High School

Serramonte Del Rey

699 Serramonte Blvs.

A few days ago, I received an e-mail saying "Hope you have

survived the recent RIF?" I searched for RIF on the Internet, and found

"Reading is Fun" and other descriptions which do not need survival.

Eventually I learnt from a co-worker that "in large corporations, on

some occasions, there's a reduction in [work] force". Several

colleagues also phoned me and asked if I'm affected by the [massive]

layoffs [following mergers and acquisitions] as reported in the

newspapers and TV.

I envy the Golden Sponsors, sayas, and colleagues who have retired

or are semi-retired, and do not have to care about RIF.

I also envy those who have old, surviving, loving, and caring

parents. Today would have been my late mother's birthday. She had a

list of the birthdays of all her kins, and would be the first to greet

anyone's birthday.

======================================================================

Class of '87

======================================================================

There was a Gathering of 1987 batch in Yangoon.

Ko Yan Naing Lin (Singapore) created their gathering in the web.

Hope, memory of RIT 87 batch.

best wishes

[Ko] Zaw Aung [Elec, Singapore]

======================================================================

Class of '75

======================================================================

Ko Thet Tun (Henry Khin Hlang, Mech 75) will be visiting his former

classmates including Ko Soe Aung (Los Angeles), Ko Kyaw Lwin and Ko

Maurice Chee (Bay Area).

Tentatively, Ko Thet Tun will be staying with Ko Kyaw Lwin and/or

visiting the Bay Area 2/25 to 3/4. He is actively involved in the

Aussie group looking into organizing the 2006 reunion in Sydney.

======================================================================

Class of '68

======================================================================

Dear Dhamma Friends,

It is with my profound sorrow to announce that, due to my health

concerns, I am retiring from the position of President of Theravada

Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) effective begining of February,

2006.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks

to all Dhamma Friends, the Board of Directors, and especially my family

for all the support that I have received during my tenure as the

President of TBSA since 1996.

With ananda metta,

[Saya] Myat Htoo [Civil]

Editor's note:

Saya Myat Htoo was the Master of Ceremonies at Reunion-2000. For his

accomplishments [as well as challenges such as 90/90 rule] during his

tenure as TBSA President, read the news and articles in the Dhammananda

=======================================================================

Class of '60

=======================================================================

A bilingual Burmese and English Vipasssana meditation course will be

conducted at the California Vipassana Center, Dhamma Mahavana from July

26, to August 6. 2006. The course will be conducted by Burmese speaking

assistant teachers of S. N. Goenka.

Dhamma Mahavana is a Vipassana center in the tradition of Sayagyi U

Ba Khin as taught by S. N. Goenka. This tradition of Vipassana can be

traced directly back to Venerable Ledi Sayadaw, and Saya Thetgyi of

Myanmar.

Contact: U Tin Htoon [Arch]

=======================================================================

Burmese American Professionals Society

===============================================

========================

BAPS, is hosting its 8th Annual Social Dinner. We will have Food,

Live-band Music, and Raffle Prizes. Come and network with Burmese

American here in the Bay Area.

You will have a chance to meet with lots of contacts.

Call For Tickets - Seating is limited

DATE: February 25th, 2006 (Saturday)

TIME: 6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.

PLACE: Hong Woo Restaurant

649 San Mateo Ave

San Bruno, CA 94066

(650) 952-3388

ENTERTAINMENT: Dinner, Music and Karaoke Contest

RAFFLE PRIZE: Variety of prizes

TICKET: $30.00 (entertainment & food)

Contact Information:

...

=====================================================================

UCC/ICST News

=====================================================================

Belated condolences to Dr. Rafiul Ahad (ex-ucc) for the loss of his

beloved mother-in-law in December, 2005.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

4th round Book Donation Progress News Letter

Date : February 14 2006

Dear donors,

We are in progress of ordering the books. I believe you all

receive separate email from Ko Zeyar Aung for book list. Once books are

received, we will be sending to our school. I hope we can settle within

around one month time.

Feel free to visit our dona

tion web site

Donation information is updated there.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

U Ganda Marlar (Min-Gun Sayadaw) San Diego's Visit

My eldest paternal aunt -- mother of Saya U Tin U (Civil), Saya U Ba

Than (Mech), U Tin Htoon (Arch '60), and U Thaung Lwin (EC '66), --

passed away. She is the mother-in-law of Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Elec,

Sydney, Australia) and aunt, grandmother and grandaunt of several alums.

======================================================================

Sad News

======================================================================

Dear friends and relatives,

My mother passed away today, Tuesday, 21 Feb, at 4:15 pm at

Gleneagles Hospital, Singpaore. She was hospitalised for 5 days. She

will be cremated tomorrow (if there are time slots available at the

crematorium), or the day after tomorrow.

My [eldest] sister & her husband flew in from Germany, and arrived

Singapore on Saturday afternoon. My two brothers [U Tin Htoon (Arch)

and U Myo Min (ex-ucc)] from USA arrived on

Monday early morning.

Out of our 9 brothers & sisters, 6 [including Dr. Myo Tint and

Cho Cho Hlaing] are here in Singapore, when my mother passed away.

[The two oldest brothers are in Yangon, and my elder sister is

in Australia.]

May my mother rest in peace,

Dexter [Thaung Lwin, EC 66]

=====================================================================

Mini-gathering

=====================================================================

Dear Alumni Members,

We will be having a get together dinner party in honor of our

visiting downunder [Australia] alumni member Ko Thet Tun [Mech '75] at

Golden Wok Restaurant on 2/26/06, 7:00 PM. Please e mail your

attendance confirmation by 2/24/06.

Golden Wok's address is as follows:

570 S. Norfolk Street

(In Shoreview Shopping Center)

(101)-3rd Avenue EAST exit

San Mateo, CA 94401

Tel (650)34

7-1228

Regards

I'll be attending the BAPS Social Dinner tonight and the Bay Area

RIT Alumni Group dinner [to welcome guests Saya U Kaung (Civil '63,

Seattle, USA) and Ko Thet Tun (Henry, Mech '75, Sydney, Australia). Will

be meeting several "silent" sayas and alums at the two events.

Saya U Tin Htut (Mech, co-founder of BASES, former RUBC Captain)

called me last night to say that he is taking time off from active

social events, but that he can be contacted via Skype and G-talk.

Also, some news and feedback.

======================================================================

Feedback

======================================================================

I spoke to Cho Cho [younger sister of Saya U Ba Than (Mech)] this

morning soon as I receive the sad news from Dexter [Ko Thaung Lwin, EC

'66). It is so sad to lose a loved one, no matter how old they are.

Please accept my deepe

st condolences [for the loss of your aunt].

With metta,

Amy [Lei Lei Myaing, Tex '70]

======================================================================

RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP 2006

======================================================================

Dear Ko Nyan Win Shwe [and ex-rit Singapore alums],

The meeting of the Saya PZP 2004 organizing committee was held in

Yangon on 17th Feb 2006 (Friday). The meeting minutes (in Myanmar) are

sent separately for your review.

Here is a summary:

1) The Saya PZP 2006 will not be held in Yangon in Dec 2006 due to

difficulties to arrange the event.

2) The offer from Ex-RIT alumni (Australia) is noted and appreciated.

3) As per the meeting minutes of the meeting held on 26th Dec 2004, if

Yangon cannot host the PZP, Singapore will host the event.

(Notice to be given by Dec 2005)

4) As Australian group can only organi

ze as a reunion and not as a Saya

PZP due to constraints of resources and visa difficulty which is

understandable, we (Saya PZP 2004 committee) request Singapore Alumni

to consider to host the next Saya PZP 2006 in Singapore.

5) Singapore has successfully organized the Saya PZP 2002 and has the

resources next to Yangon to stage such an event. The Singapore event

will be supported by the Myanmar alumni.

(Saya PZP 2004 organizing Committee) with funds and other assistance

as required.

The Sayas in Myanmar would be delighted with this venue. Alumnis

could join as visa is not so difficult.

6) We request all alumni worldwide to support holding of the Saya PZP

2006 in Singpaore with moral and financial support and other kinds of

assistance.

7) The secretary of the Saya PZP 2004 (Yangon) Ko Win Khaing will visit

Singapore in early March 2006 to explain about the decision of not

holding the PZP event in Yangon.

[With metta]

Yangon SPZP Organizing Committee

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ko Nyan Win Shwe

Thanks for your prompt response.

I will arrive at Singpore on 5th March (Sunday) at 1615 hr. Please

arrange a meeting around 6:30pm at convenient location for all.

Regards

KWK [Ko Win Khaing]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Ko Benny and Committee [RIT Alumni International]

I am in favor of the Yangon 17th February 2006 (Friday) meeting

resolution (minutes.) We have discussed the possibility of Australia

hosting the RIT Reunion and Saya PZP 2004 if it could not be held in

Yangon as planned while we were meeting at the end of SPZP at Singapore

in December 2002. The thinking among the attendees from Downunder was

that they lack sufficient manpower and resources. After that we

proposed a backup plan to hol

d the 2004 event in either San Francisco

or Los Angeles, USA.

Singapore alumni told us they will gladly offer their services if

we choose Singapore. The majority opinion at that time was USA is too

far away and too expensive and many alumni/alumnae may not be able to

make it even if they want to. Under the circumstances Singapore became

the backup venue for 2004 event.

Now again under present circumstances Singapore becomes again the

venue of choice for 2006 RIT Reunion & SPZP, provided Singapore

alumni/alumnae roll out their welcome carpet. May they be willing and

may they be successful.

Thanks to all for setting a great tradition and keep it going,

[Saya] Allen Htay (Civil)

Bay Area Group/ RIT Alumni International.

=======================================================================

Class of '69

===============================================================

========

My wife Ivy was treated for cancer for the past 2 years. Finally we

got a "dead sentence" from our oncologist saying that the hospital had

to give up for further treatment due to her physical weakness. She

totally lost her hair, and [her] weight by 50# [pounds]. She had blood

transfusion 5 times and fluid withdrawal from belly for 5 times in the

past 3 months.

The chemotherapy and radiation treatment was in vain. Three times of

trail drugs failed [to improve her condition]. There was no further

trial drug suitable for her due to her physical weakness. I was told on

February 1, 2006 that "she may have 2 more months to live".

We, the family, are very upset and sad, but nothing could be done

better. I am in the process of preparing the unmentioned plan. She is

decaying everyday.

I am sorry to inform all of you about our sadness. It is just not

too fair to my wife that she may has to give up he

r live at this young

age (DOB is 1/1/49)

Tons of family, relatives, friends and co-workers, call/ come to

visit us and pay the last respect and pray to God for her.

I wish I have better news for all of you.

Ivan [Lee, Ko Khin Maung Oo, Mech '69]

[Multiple Golden Sponsor, RIT Grand Reunion and SPZP]

Editor's note:

Ivan supported his RIT schooling as a part-time wholesale trader of

the famous "Kyaukme La Phet Chauk (tea leaves). He had/has a successful

career as an engineer and an enterpreneur. He donated funds to build a

school back in Kyaukme. He also sponsored one year operating/hosting

Although he could not come to Reunion-2000, he helped the event as

a Golden Sponsor [along with Ko Thaung Sein (Steeve Kay), Ko Yu Beng

(Benny Tan), Ko Tin Myint (David Ko) and Ko Maung Maung Than).

In addition to being a sponsor for Singapore-2002, he invited

Saya Nyo Win (Mech 65, former President of BAPS) gave a key note

addre ss at the BAPS Social Dinner. These days, as a Director of a

leading-edge semi-conductor company in Taiwan, Saya has to travel

frequently to Taiwan and neighboring countries. Saya said that there

are a few openings [in the US] for his company. One opening requires an

MS in EE {preferably specializing in the design of devices), a desire

to travel/work in Taiwain and/or learn/speak Chinese. Saya said that

there are a lot of Indians working in Taiwan; they know [minimally] how

to live the Chinese life.

Also met Ma Anne Kyu (Arch 67), U Myint Lwin (Henry Chee, Civil

6x), Saya George (U Maung Maung, ChE 66), Ko Benny Tan (Mech 70), Ko

Maurice Chee (Mech 75), Ko Aye Tun (Anthony Ng, '76), and several young

alums: Ma Tin Tin Myint ('95), Wunna Ko Ko ('98, Nagaoka, Niigata,

Japan, currently attending a conference in San Francisco), Tin Soe

Hlaing

(Tim, '98, TSH Constructiom & Inspection, So. San Francisco),

Aung Kyaw Naing ('98), Thet Oo ('98), Win Sein ('98), ...

Some asked if KMZ had updated their e-mail addresses in the RIT

Alumni International web site's data base.

Saya Nyo asked if I have a backup. I asked several times if some

alums -- young or old -- would like to help me and/or take over as

editor of the RIT Alumni International Newsletter. The birth of more

RIT-related websites and/or e-zines show that the RIT spirit is alive

and well. There simply needs to be cross-references to the vast

resources.

======================================================================

Feedback

======================================================================

Dear Ko Hla Min:

My deepest condolence goes to:

Sayagyi - U Ba Than

Dhamma friend - U Tin Htoon

Sayagyi - Dr and Mrs. Freddie Ba Hli

Ko Hla M

in

on the loss of their Mother, Mother-in-law and Aunt respectively..

Ananta metta

B.Sc Engg. (EE 1958)

======================================================================

Alum News from Wales, UK

======================================================================

A few minutes ago, I received a call from Khin May Than (ChE,

Wales), who is semi-retired. Her husband, Maung Maung Kyi (Dip. Ing. in

ChE, ex-sphs, ex-rubc), works for a US company [which has changed its

name four times in the past 15 years]. At its peak, there were 300

employees; now, it's down to 8 [as a result of the "global

restructuring"].

They have two sons: the elder is a medical doctor [and a

mountaineering instructor], and the younger will become one in a year

or two.

====================================================================== Miscelleaneous

RIT Alumni International Newsletter

March 2006

Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

This is a consolidation of the email updates that I sent in March 2006.

Some alums (e.g. Ko Thaung Sein [Steeve Kay], Ko Tint Naing) have

new e-mail addresses. Some e-mails (e.g. Stanley Saw) bounced back.

I prefer to use private e-mails, but some (e.g. Dr. Myint Thein)

said that it's OK [and preferred] to use the office e-mail. Some

[office] e-mail servers would run "filters" and will not accept

[certain kinds of] e-mails.

As Past Presidents of BAPS, Ko Benny Tan (Mech 70) and Ko Maurice

Chee (Mech 75) recieve invitation to the get-together of other asian/asean

professional groups. Today, they were guests at the pot-luck lunch

gathering hosted by the Malaysian Business Professional Association.

======================================================================

Class of '58

======================================================================

Saya U Htin Paw (Elec 58) and his son Dr. Barry H. Paw (MD, Ph.D)

were interviewed by VOA (Voic

e of America) regarding the "Discovery of

a Gene involved in how red blood cells acquire iron to make Hemoglobin"

[recently published in March 2, 2006 issue of "Nature"].

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I would like to share this great news with all my friends and

colleagues from BOC College of Engineering and RIT friends and

Colleagues: and to inspire young Burmese Medical Scientists and Medical

Doctors, that given the opportunity, any one can make [significant

advances and] history in Medical Science and Technology.

Dr. Barry Htin Paw, MD, PhD, my only son, was about 7 years old

attending St Augustine School, Kindergarden Class, when we left Rangoon

in 1969. Barry was offered scholarship to pursue both MD and PhD at

UCLA. He wis currently an Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology,

Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

The

research by Barry and his colleagues is highlighted in the

following press release.

Ananta metta

----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Discovery of a Gene involved in how red blood cells acquire iron to

make Hemoglobin"

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital have uncovered for the

first time in humans and vertebrate organisms the function of a

fundamental gene involved in how red blood cells acquire iron to make

hemoglobin. The findings appear in the March 2, 2006 issue of the

journal, Nature.

The gene, mitoferrin, initially found in a zebra fish mutant,

called frascati, is a very basic gene and functions in the delivery of

iron to developing red blood cells to make hemoglobin. If this gene is

inactivated, r

ed blood cells cannot be made, giving rise to anemia.

"We discovered the role of this gene by using "reverse genetics" in

a model organism, zebrafish," said Dr. Barry Paw, Division of

Hematology, BWH and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical

School. "In Tuebingen, Germany in the mid-1990s ,a genetic screen of

zebrafish was started to look for zebrafish embryos with an anemic

phenotype. The zebrafish males were first treated with mutagenic

chemicals to cause random mutations. We then identified lines of

zebrafish that had no blood and once those lines were recovered, we

were able to discover which genes were disrupted in these mutant

zebrafish."

This discovery of the mitoferrin gene in frascati mutants was made

through positional cloning, a standard scientific procedure used to

identify genes. Once the gene was identified in zebrafish, the

researchers verified that t

his gene also exists in higher vertebrae,

specifically humans and mice. They used modern day bio-infomatics to

identify the corresponding mitoferrin gene in humans and mice. They

went on to functionally show the essential role of the mitoferrin gene

in the development of red blood cells

Dr. Paw continued, "The clinical implications of our finding is

that we have shown a fundamental role for mitoferrin to transport iron

into red blood cells to form heme and hemoglobin. We are hopeful to

uncover mutations in this gene as a cause for human diseases such as

anemia from iron deficiency or the opposite, hemochromatosis, iron

overload."

He added, "Anemia from iron deficiency is very common, especially in

children and pregnant women. Disorders of iron overload are chronic

medical problems. If we can eventually figure out which mutation of

this gene causes anemia or hemochromatosis, then perhaps down the r

oad

we could be able to treat these medical diseases."

The research was supported in part by the William Randolph Hearst

Foundation, the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation Basil O’Connor

Award, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Belgian National

Research Fund, the NIH and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

=======================================================================

Miscelleaneous

=======================================================================

The RIT Yahoo Group lists some [global] job openings

forwarded/posted by alums.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Dhamma Friends;

I am very much delighted to inform and cordially invite all of you

that Dr. Mehm Tin Mon has agreed to come to Singapore at the invitation

of Shwedagon Society (Singapore) to give lecture on "The Essence Of

Budd

ha Abhidhamma" as per attachment programme.

Please see

With Regards & Metta

E-mails from my cousin Ko Thaung Lwin (EC 66), Ko Myint Thin (Mech

71, ex-sphs, ex-rubc, and a close friend of another cousin Ko Myint Toe

[Mech 71]), and Sayama Tin Tin Myint (Emma, ChE 70).

======================================================================

Class of '66

======================================================================

Dear relatives and friends,

Thank you very much for conveying your heartfelt condolences and

overwhelming show of sympathy for the death of our beloved mother by

way of emails, phone calls and cards. Your kind and precious messages

meant a lot for us during these sad moments.

She left home in Yangon, on December 10, 2005 not knowing that she

will not be able to return to her birth place. However, she enjoyed

every moment of her stay in Singapore as usual as it had already become

her second home. This was her 11th visit to Singapore,

the first being

in 1983.

Upon her arrival she had treatment for the retina haemorrhage of her

right eye with Dr. Heng. She had her second treatment on February 11th.

The following day she had some fever. She was hospitalized at

Gleneagles hospital on February 17 as the fever was high. She was

treated in the Intensive Care Unit as she was unconscious. She passed

away peacefully on February 21 at 4:15pm.

We have been planning to celebrate her birthday on April 7 [as we

did for many years] but won’t be able to do so now. However, we take

consolation of the fact that she was able to be with her beloved

ones[siblings, children, grand children, and great grand children]

around the world until the last moment of her life. She really was very

fortunate to have a good life in both worldly and spiritual sense.

May the merits we all have accumulated be of great help for her

samsara journey and may she ultimate

ly attain nibbana. Kindly share all

the meritorious deeds that our beloved mother had performed during her

lifetime.

Thank you.

With love,

Dexter [Thaung Lwin, EC 66, Singapore]

======================================================================

Class of '71

======================================================================

I have a message to Sayagyis and Colleagues "35 years old and still

flying high".

I am referring to my B.E. (Mechanical) Degree Certificate which I

earned in 1971. My Singapore company is in the process of applying visa

for me to work in sister Malaysian company. The authorities there want

to see the original certificate, which I proudly handed over last week

to the people handling my case. Hence the original certificate from

R.I.T. is 35 years old and still flying high. (I don't remember showing

this to anyone in the last 15 years).

Cheers,

Myint Thin

P.S.

a) I sent condolences mail to Ko Dexter [Thaung Lwin, EC 66] and left

message in the voice mail also.

b) My reply mail to Robert Win Boh [EC 69] failed.

======================================================================

Class of '70

======================================================================

Yesterday I came back from Colombo. I have good news. Had a meeting

with the Nayaka Sayadaws, U Thondara of Anuyahtapura, and the [new]

Ambassador U Tin Oo, who is very keen on helping us with the

building project. He had renovated and reclaimed many old Pagoda

complexes [over 40], and had given many Buddha statues [back in

Myanmar]. So we have a friend in him as a partner in Dana activities

who has experience as well as sadda.

He called up a Burmese civil engineer friend U Aung Min. All of us

went to have a look

at the building. After examination he concluded

that the cracks on the building is not serious, taking into

considerarton that it's 10 years old. We concluded that we can build

brick walls on the entrance side but use lighter materials on the other

end to be safe. I told them that Dr T and I are not rich. We do this

out of necessity. Our hearts pain when our very hard earned money is

wasted. I rely very heavily on the people like Ambassador, Nayaka

sayadaws, U Thjondara and the professionals like U Aung Min [for our project].

We have [a reasonable amount] in our building fund

account in Srilanka. I told them that we can send over [more money]

when necessary. I already issued 5 cheques to our treasurer. [my 10

carat Diamond funds]. Most likely we will start the projet in a month's time.

After lunch [pork n myit chan curry, pork saugages and vegetables

fired, Nge pi yay and tosaya, n chicken and pe sou

p], the Ambassaor

suggested that we call a meeting and invite all monks to attend. So we

announced the new building committee and asked everyone to join in and

help in the project, and to bear the incoveniences while the building

project is going on.

This morning I hear the sayadaw Gyi U Panna Wunsa is still in

town. So I went to see him and updated him about this. I said, "because

of your blessing our project is going very well. Dr T and I will

be going again next month. Can we exoect your Dana by then?." He told

me to come and take from U Tiloka before we go. He said "Enough of

negative remarks. I do not want to hear. You have to support Sassana

till you reach Nibbana". So I said, "I need money to help Sassana. So

will you also send me special metta so that my investment portfolio

will perform well? Also my daughter and son-in-law have good jobs [so

that I do not hav eto buy them a house]. Sayadaw Gyi said "I wi

ll I

will". According to my friend, "You have a promise from this kind of

Sayadawgyi, you hav it made". I sure hope you are right [my friend],

because I cannot ask for building fund as I am collecting for

daily Soon as well as educational sponsors.

So all in all it was a success.

Sayadaw U Suriya are team are doing the booklet. We wait for Dr T's

article and email me the scripts and [we will] try to publish here.

Will go to the printing house tomorrow. Sayadaws helped us prepare for

the book. They did all night trying to finish it.

Gave 14000 sin$ to Nayaka sayadaws. Will give 100 sin$ each to 94

student pass holders.

Still collecting from sponsors. Will do serious campaigning after

we get the books.

much metta,

======================================================================

Singapore ex-rit

by Ko Nyan Win Shwe and Ko Zaw Tun Naing

======================================================================

There will be Ex-RIT, Singapore 6th meeting on

Date: 12.03.2006 (SUNDAY)

Time: 2 - 4 p.m.

Venue: Library

Burmese Buddhist Temple Singapore (BBT)

14, Tai Gin Road,

Singapore 327873

Agenda

1. Update 2006 Thingyan Plan

2. Update Costing for 2006 Thingyan

3. Distribution of 2006 Thingyan Tickets

4. Responsibilities for 2006 Thingyan

5. 2006 Sayapuzawpwe discussion

6. Any other matter

Please come forward and give us good idea. Your attendance is

value to EX-RIT, Singapore.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

RIT Alumni International Newsletter

April 2006

Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

This is a consolidation of the email updates that I sent in April 2006.

One alum offered to write a special article for the 4th anniversay

of the newsletter. I am still waiting for his piece knowing well that

he is busy not only with his lucrative job but with an intensive

executive MBA program, and a special blog about his wonderful, cute

little kid.

It's almost 7 years since I started the "RIT Alumni International

Newsletter". The first few e-mails were titled "RIT Alumni Abroad", and

the title was changed to reflect that all the alums (a collective term

for alumnus, alumna, alumni, alumnae) could, should, and would get

reunited via mini-reunions, reuions, and grand reunions coupled with

Saya Pu Zaw Pwes (which recognize the metta and cetana of sayas and

sayamas). Since alums embrace different religions, the term SPZP was

chosen over Saya Ga Daw Pwe.

Thanks to the Golden Sponsors, the Grand Reunion and SPZP Organizing

Committee members, volunteers, attendees, and well-wishe

rs, we have

seen Reunion-2000 (in South San Francisco, USA), Singapore-2002, and

Yangon-2004. Following this tradition, we will see SPZP-2007 to be

celebrated along the Myanmar New Year (Thingyan) festivities in

Singapore. Mark your calendars for that event.

some time, but through e-mails and RIT Yahoo Group postings, we have

learnt the demise of several of our beloved teachers, classmates,

schoolmates and their exended families. Some memorial web pages (e.g.

for Dr. Htay Lwin Nyo, Saya Dr. San Tint, Ko Shein Soe Myint) tell us

that the usually silent alums [despite their busy schedules] care a lot

for "Nar Ye".

In the early days, several sayas, sayamas, and colleagues

contributed news, photos, articles, essays, and "letters to the

editor". Not any more. Have we lost our enthusiasm? Not exactly, since

we see the emergence of several RIT-related web sites and e-zines by

the younger alums [who greet me as "Uncle"].

Feel free to contact the local ex-rit, which include

- Japan: Ko Thein Ngwe, Ko Win Myint, Saya Dr. Myo Khin, Wunna Ko

Ko, ...

- Australia: Ko Thet Tun (Henry

), Ko Htay Aung (Victor), Ko Aye Win

Hlaing (La La), Ko Win Boh (Robert), Ko Nyan Lin Thein, Sai Aung Thu Yein,

Saya Charlie Hla Myint, Saya U Myo Win, ...

- New Zealand: the Saw brothers (Stanley and Patrick), Ko Kyaw Thu

(Dennis), ...

- Cambodia: Ko San Nwe, ...

- UK and Europe: Millie, Yvonne, Khin May Than, ...

- Singapore: Ko Nyan Win Shwe, Ko Zaw Tun Naing, Saya Daniel Tint

Lwin, Ko Aung Kyaw Thaike, Ko Hla Kyi, Ko Zaw Aung, Ko Khin Maung Aye,

Ko Aung Mon, ...

- San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Group led by Saya Allen Htay, Ko

Benny Tan, Ko Maurice Chee, ...

There are probably lots of names I might have missed. Look up in

the RIT-related web sites for group photos, activities, and records.

=====================================================================

ex-rit Singapore

=====================================================================

We (Ex-RIT Singapore

Group) will again lead the celebration of Burmese

New Year (Thingyan) in Singapore for this year.

The great difference for this year is we are celebrating at down town

Singapore (not at far away NTU).

The place is at newly opened NTUC Business Centre, No. 1 Marina

Boulevard, Singapore 018989. It is just 2 minutes walking distance

from Raffles MRT and next to Cliffort Pier. The Auditorium is at the

8th Floor. We will start our celebration at 2:00pm on 9th April 2006

(Sunday).

We (Ex-RIT Singapore Group) are also going to lead the celebration of

next Grand Combined Saya PuZaw Pwe in Singapore because planned

celebration in Burma was cancelled and has been transferred to

Singapore. We will do it on 1st or 2nd Saturday of April 2007. We will

do the detail announcement after our next meeting.

Since most of our teachers from Burma, USA, Canada, Australia,

Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and other parts of the world will b

e

gathering at this "once [almost] every two years" affair, please

reserve your time and energy to meet with your teachers and good old

friends.

"Once with RIT ~ Always with RIT"

Nyan Win Shwe

(Mechanical 1972)

======================================================================

Miscellaneous

======================================================================

It's time again this Sunday to adjust the clocks according to

"Spring forward, Fall back".

April 2, 2006: BAPS monthly meeting and "Toastmasters Seminar"

April 2, 2006: Thingyan Pwe and Neikban zay at Newark Pavillion for

Kusalakari Monastery, Fremont, California

April 2, 2006: Thingyan Pwe for USBMA [Burmese Medical Association

in US] members, families, and friends

April 1 - 2: weekend retreat, Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay,

California

April 9: Thingyan Pwe at Dhammananda Vi

hara, Half Moon Bay

sponsored by Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA)

Feel free to listen to Moemaka (Internet radio) for social events

=======================================================================

Class of '69: One more retiree

by Saya Ko Aung Myint

======================================================================

Hi Ko Hla Min,

Please note that I have retired from Singapore Polytechnic after

teaching there for 25.5 years. Below is my new email:

I'd love very much to continue receiving your updates via my new

email. Thank you so much for your tireless effort. I really admire you.

Wishing you and your family all the best and good health

With Rgds/

Aung Myint [Mech]

P.S. Today EX-RIT in S'pore is going to hold a "Thingyan Festival" in

the city and I'm going there to support our Danny [Tint Lwin] singing

on the stage as usual.

======================================================================

Class of '72: Thingyan in Singapore

======================================================================

My dear Good Friends,

The good news for you is there are many new exciting performances by

Ex-RIT members and their friends for your enjoyment.

RIT Alumni International Newsletter

May 2006

Dear Sayas and Colleagues,

This is a consolidation of the email updates that I sent in May 2006.

It's slightly more than 7 years since I started the e-mail updates

for RIT Alumni International.

During that time, three RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwes took

place: South San Francisco, USA (in October 2000), Singapore (in

December 2002), and Yangon, Myanmar (in December 2004). Many

mini-reunions (by class and/or discipline) also took place.

The next Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw will be held in Singapore in

April 2007 [around "Thingyan" -- Myanmar New Year celebrating the

luni-solar-socio-religious calendar].

There are only about 50 to 100 "known" alums in Australia, but the

RIT spirit is alive and well. Ko La La, Christine, Ko Tin Aung Win, and

Dorothy [younger daughter of Sayagyi U Kyaw Tun, Elec] attended Reunion

2000. The alums in the Sydney area have regularly met once or twice a

year. This time, they have invited alums all over the world to join

their "Australia wide" reunion in Sydney

on July 8, 2006. Some alums

from New Zealand, Singapore, and elsewhere are expected to join and

experience the "Australian winter".

I plan to be there to meet the ex-rit as well as ex-ucc, ex-rubc,

ex-sphs, relatives, friends, dhamma bearers, ...

=====================================================================

From Ko Thet Tun (Henry, Mech '75, Australia)

=====================================================================

Ko Thein Ngwe [ChE 76, Japan],

Have received word from Ko Hla Min that you would be coming to

Australia in July. We are planning a mini-reunion of our ex-RIT'ians

here on 08 July 2006 (Australia wide and some from New Zealand and

Singapore) and hope you can schedule your visit here to coincide with

this. Ko Theikdi Hla [your classmate] is also in Sydney. We meet quite

often and I will ask him to contact you.

Please feel free to contact me anytime. Ko Lar Lar

is away in

another state (Queensland) and will be back in Sydney only on 10 May 06.

======================================================================

Miscellaneous

======================================================================

Thrice blessed day (Buddha's Day) celebrations:

May 7, 2006: Tathagatha Meditation Center (TMC), San Jose

May 7, 2006: Taungpulu Kaba Aye Monastery (TKAM), Boulder Creek

May 14, 2006: Dhammanand Vihara, Half Moon Bay

sponsored by Theravada Buddhist Society of America

July 26, 2006: bilingual Meditation Retreat

Some sad news.

========================================================================

Singapore ex-rit

========================================================================

Today our dear friend U Khin Maung Htwe [Civil 68] passed away

peacefully at 2.30pm. He was 64. He was well liked by many people. He

participated in many activities and had many friends. I was worried

because of his weight that he might have high blood pressure and/or

diabetes, [but it is unfortunate that] he had to die of insect bites.

What terrible Annicca, Dukka and Annatta manifestation.

Since we all see him very often and to lose him to unforseen

situation, it reminds us of uncertainty of life. "Here today; gone

tomorrow". It could have been you and me my dear friends.

The funeral will be tomorrow. Daw San San Mya [EP 72] will

annnouncce the time/schedule when [the program has b

een] finalised. He

is survived by his wife Daw San San Mya [he likes to be introduced as

San Mya Mya's Ko Ko], and two daughters. The elder is ChE [phD] working

in UK. The younger one has graduated from USA and is now working in Singapore.

We will all miss him. May he go to a good abode.

With metta,

Tin Tin Myint [Emma, ChE 70]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Saya/Sayama and Friends,

U Khin Maung Htwe (68 Civil), husband of Daw San San Mya (72 EP)

passed away at 2:30 pm, 6th May 2006 (Saturday) at Alexandra Hospital, Singapore.

Funeral Program

Date: 7th May 2005 (Sunday)

Bus Route -1

From Daw San San Mya's Home to Singapore Casket 4:00 p.m

Bus Route -2

From Peninsula Plaza (Contact Person: Daw Than Than Nu) to

Singapore Casket; 4:30pm

U Khin Maung

Htwe's body and all Buses will leave Singapore

Casket at 5:00pm to Mandai Cemetery.

Funeral Rite will be from 5:30pm to 6:00 pm at Mandai Cemetery

Daw San San Mya's Home

BLK310, #06-304

Jurong East St 32

Singapore 600310

Singapore Casket Co (Pte) Ltd

131 Lavender Street Singapore 338737

With Metta,

Hla Kyi (77 EC)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Aung Khin (EP 68),

I have been just been informed that Khin Maung Htwe passed away at

2 pm to-day, Singapore time. Sann Sann Mya and her daughters were with

him when he passed away. Tun Tun and I will visit Sann Sann Mya, at her

place, this evening.

Sein Shwe (Mech 67)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Sein Shwe

I just talked to Ma Khin Toke and Aung Swan at Khin Mg Htwe'

s house.

I am so sorry for my beloved friend Khin Mg Htwe. This is for everybody

to go someday, nobody knows when, where and how.

Please convey my condolences to San San Mya and her family.

Your Beloved Friends

Aung Khin (EP 68) and The' The'

Los Angeles, California

May 6,2006

======================================================================

ex-sphs news

======================================================================

Mingalabah U Johnny (Thane Oke Kyaw Myint, ex-sphs 60),

We were all saddened to hear that your elder Daw Kyi Kyi Myint

(Lily) 63 passed away in Yangon untimely after an heart attack. Please

accept our heart felt condolences. She will be in our prayers. My

family and I will be refuge at a Burmese Theravada Buddhist monastery

in Sydney in next weekend, offering Swan for the monks there. My

prayers will be for her and her safe journey to wherev

er she is traveling.

Again, my family and I extend to you our deepest sympathies. Our

thoughts and prayers to our Lord Buddha are with you in your moment of grief.

Warmest regards,

Ko Bonnie [Kywe, Dr. Thann Naing, ex-sphs 65/66]

PS. Ko HM (US) and Ko Stanley and Sandra from NZ are coming to Sydney

to in July. We all can get together, if you make your retirement [from

UNICEF, Fiji] in June [and be] at Canberra [Australia]. I will give all

of your an authentic Australian BBQ, you all will never forget where I

learnt from my own outback experience. I might also come an visit you

in Canberra to if I am still around there. But my base is move to

University of Newcastle in Newcastle where Sydney Basin research is

normally based. Please do take extra care there in Fiji, political

boiling point is reaching in Solomon's. Your retirement is only months away.

---------------------------------------------------------------

-------

Dear Ko Bonnie -

Many thanks for your kind message. Yet another funeral that I could

not attend. In July, if my wife's health is OK, I will be there down in

Sydney to be with all of you.

With fond regards

Johnny KM [TOKM]

======================================================================

ex-rit Australia

======================================================================

Dear Ko Hla Min

We are all very happy and honoured to know that you are coming to

our Down under reunion. It is too bad that Benny and Maurice won't be

able to come. Those two guys were some of the few shortlisted people we

were counting on to come from your part of the world. We still hope they

can change their minds.

Please extend our invitation to all the Sayas and friends and

especially to Mr and Mrs Zaw Min Nawaday.

I am now at Brisbane and will be back to Sydney o

n the 10th. Will

call and talk to you then.

Best regards

La La [Aye Win Hlaing, Abel]

======================================================================

ex-rit Japan

======================================================================

It's a small world. Learnt a few days ago that Wunna Ko Ko ('98) is

the son of Sayama Daw Khin Mar Mar (Physics, ex-ucc) and the grandson

of Sayagyi U Net (Mathematics).

Wunna is doing his Masters specializing in Natural Language

Updates from Ko Zaw Aung and Ko Zaw Tun Naing.

======================================================================

ex-rit Singapore

======================================================================

Dear U Hla Min

Thanks.

We are going for funeral and today morning Buddhist monks are at Daw

San San Mya's house in Jurong (Singapore).

Zaw Aung

Editor's note:

Ko Sein Shwe is EP 67, ex-sphs 61.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

From the spreadsheet attachment of Ko Zaw Tun Naing's e-mail

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Contribution List for U Khin Mg Htwe Date: 30.04.2006

SN Name Amount( S$ )

1 U Nyan Win Shwe 50

2 U Zaw Tun Naing 50

3 U Myint Thein (S2) 20

4 U Hla Ngwe 20

5 Daniel Tint Lwin 20

6 U Ye Myint + Daw Khin Aye Than 20

7 U Tin Mg Win + Daw Moe Moe Yi 20

8 U Tin Lin 20

9 U Tin Aung Win 20

10 U San Win 20

11 U Moe Myint + Daw Moh Moh Han 20

12 U Myint Thein (M74) 20

13 U Zaw Win Htut 10

14 U Aung Kyaw Thaike + Daw Myint Sandar 50

15 U Mg Aunt 20

16 U Myint San 20

17 U Aye Thwin 20

Total 420

Contribution

List for U Khin Mg Htwe Date: 07.05.2006

SN Name Amount( S$ )

1 U Zaw Win (M74) 30

2 U Myint Lwin Oo (Ec 86) 50

3 U San Win ( C83 )+ Daw Aye Aye Min (C83) 50

4 U Tin Aung Win (M74) 50

5 U Htein Lin (M 84) 50

6 U Aung Lin (Ec 85) - Thrimon 200

7 U Thet Tin (M 80) - Shwe Pyi Soe 10

8 Taw Win (Daw Aye Aye) 50

9 U Myint Thein M74 + Daw Kyi Kyi Than 50

10 U Wynn Khai Htay + Daw Cho Cho Than 20

11 U Zaw Win Htut 50

12 U Mg Aunt 50

13 U Sein Lin + Daw Thandar Nyunt 50

14 U Pye Nyunt 50

15 Grace 30

16 Dr U Tun Yi 100

======================================================================

ex-rit Singapore

======================================================================

Dear Saya/Sayama and Friends,

On 8 May 2006 (Monday Night), we (Ko Hla Kyi - 77EC, Ko Tin Hla - 79

Mech, Ko Zaw Aung - 84 EC, Ko Aye Thwin - 92 EP and Ko Zaw Tun Naing -

95 Aero) gave Daw San San Mya and two daughters S$ 2110 [contributed by

the alums, friends, and families].

With Metta,

Hla Kyi (77EC)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

It has been a very difficult time for myself and my family.

Misfortune has walked into our home and literally taken away the life

of my husband [U Khin Maung Htwe].

In this difficult time I gained some thing -- the unity and

culture of our engineers group and Burmese families. I will never

forget the moral, financial support and k

indness provided by our

Burmese families [and friends].

I will come out with a list to share with your how I got through the

difficult task in a timely manner.

San San Mya [EP 72]

======================================================================

From Saya U Aung Myint (Mech 67, Fremont, USA)

======================================================================

I am a silent reader of your UPDATES. Can you advise how can

I contact Sein Shwe (Mech 67)? It is not urgent and only at your

convenient time.

I am confident that everybody receiving your UPDATES will

appreciate very much of your spending your time for all of us,

especially those silent readers. You are doing truly great service to

the ex-rit/ex-ucc communities.

Thanks so much again.

Editor's note:

After nearly four decades, it's difficult to remember the year and

major of every alum that you know.

Ko Sein Shwe (ex-sphs 61, Mech 67) was RIT Luyechun in 4th BE. He

was a member of the SPHS Marching Band. He also plays the do-bat and

harmonica. His wife Ma Maywadi is Elec 67.

=======================================================================

Dhamma news

=======================================================================

Ko Hla Kyi and dhamma download group,

Rudy Halim, webmaster and media controller of Tathagata Meditation

Center (TMC) has given me 5 CDs of Sayadaw U Silananda's teachings: 4

for the "Abhidhamma" course, and one for "Patissasamupada" (Dependent

origination).

Venerable Sayadaw U Nandisena, Saya U Myo Min (ex-ucc) and some

devotees will be hosting a special commemorative web site for Sayadaw U

Silananda. A comprehensive set of Sayadaw's teachings in Myanmar and

English will be available for download from that web site [when it has

been launched].

The Full Moon Day of Kason falls on May 11, 2006. It is also known

as "Buddha's Day", "Thrice Blessed Day" and "Vesak Day".

======================================================================

News snippets from Ko Zaw Tun (Singapore)

======================================================================

Vesak Day Dhamma talk by Dr. Mehm Tin Mon at Relic Centre

----------------------------------------------------------------------

SMC News: Vesak Day Celebration on 12 May, Friday 9.30 am

We are pleased to invite you to celebrate Vesak Day (Buddhist Era

2550) on 12 May to mark the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinibbana of our

Lord Gotama Buddha. There will be a Dhamma discussion (English) (Topic:

Open the Gate of Nibbana) conducted by Sayadaw Dr Nandamalabhivamsa,

Rector of the International Theravada Buddhist Mission University, Myanmar.

Do join us on this special occa

sion. We wish everyone a Happy

Vesak Day! May the Blessings of the Triple Gem shower upon all!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Satipatthana Meditation Centre (SMC) will be organizing a nine-day

Vipassana meditation retreat under the guidance of Venerable Sayadaw U

Rajinda from 16 June (Fri) to 24 June (Sat) 2006 (9 days)

Ko Wunna Ko Ko ('98, Japan) asked permission to repost excerpts from

==========================================================================

From Ko Hla Kyi (EC 77, Singapore)

==========================================================================

May I have a copy of 5 CDs of Sayadaw U Silananda's teachings to

Myanmar? We want better quality than web site because we get demand and

feedback from dhamma friends. If you allow us to use, please kindly

=======================================================================

From Ko Kyaw Thu (Dennis, Civil 73, ex-ucc, New Zealand)

=======================================================================

I am pleased to inform you that our family website has moved to the

new address below.

Website name: Ring Your Mum

For Ko Henry Thet Tun

According to U Hla Min's newsletter (May 6, 2006), RIT alumni

reunion in Sydney will be on July 8, 2006. You can count me in for that.

I have been meaning to visit Sydney, so this is a good opportunity for

me to make the trip.

======================================================================

Miscellaneous

======================================================================

This weekend, some people celebrate Buddha's Day (also known as

Thrice Blessed Day and Vesak Day) and some people celebrate Mother's Day.

Some people are still celebrating the Myanmar New Year, which

officially fell on mid_April. From Ko Aung Kyaw Thaike's posting on RIT

Yahoo Group: "Warmly Welcome to all of you to participate freely to OUR

SHWE MYANMAR'S NEW YEAR FESTVAL at Informatic Campus Si

ngapore on 14

May 2006 (Sunday)."

Received e-mail from Ko Sein Tin (ex-rit, ex-ucc) and Ko Win Pe

(ex-uuc); both are from Sydney Australia.

The annual 28-day retreat conducted by Shwe Taung Gone Sayadaw U

Pandita or his representative (for this year, it is Sayadaw U Jatila)

"No news is good news." I'm referring specifically to "nar ye".

Nice to hear from some [usually] silent readers, and to those who

sent me "personal" e-mails, e.g. "Life after 40 -- Approaching the Big

Five Oh".

Ko San Lin's father, U Boon Pin, is one of the most "senior" alums.

Have not heard from U Aw Taik Moh, another "senior" alum who wrote

about the early days. Hope he's well.

Went to one of the "newest" monasteries in the Bay Area for [yet

another] Buddha's Day celebration.

======================================================================

Miscellaneous: Food for thought

======================================================================

* I was a student member of the Burma Research Society for a few

years. I got the BRS journal, which included general information

about Burma, Burmese history, .., and some special series such as

"Birds of Burma", transcriptions

of some famous Kyauk-sar (stone

inscriptions), ..

* I attended several BRS congress/conference. In one of them, Saya U

Soe Paing (Elec, Stanford U., sphs 56) presented about digital logic

and digital computers. Some time after that presentation [goes the

"Oral History"], Dr. Chit Swe, who had asked UNDP to fund a computer

project, recruited Saya Paing to be a co-founder and Systems Manager

of Universities' Computer Center (UCC). Saya Chit also recruited Saya

U Myo Min (Chartered Account and ex-employee of IBM UK, sphs 58) and

the late Saya U Ko Ko Lay (Civil, Stanford U., sphs 56) to be

Applications Manager and Operations Manager respectively.

* Saya Soe Paing and another Ko Hla Min (EC 70, sphs 64) spent at the

Kaba Aye Sunlun Gu Kyaung monastery as temporary monks. We visited them

to pay respect to them. Saya U Soe Paing's younger brother was the

"Taik Oke" Sayadaw U Wara (Win Paing, ChE 70, sphs 64, Burma Golf Champion

along with the youngest brother Kyaw Paing (sphs 6x). Several UCC

staff and students chose to be temporary monks at the annual Thingyan

Donalaba ceremony.

* A bio and teachings of the Myingayan Sunlun Sayadaw can be found in

a book in Burmese/Myanmar. A brief bio and exposition of the "Sunlun

Way to Mindfulness" was written by Saya U Win Pe (MPA, Harvard U.,

pseudonyms include Mya Zin, Epsilon,and father of Ko Thet Win (Arch)).

An addendum was written by Saya Dr. Freddie Ba Hli (Elec, Sc.D, MIT).

Daw Khin Myo Chit (renowned writer, and winner of an Asian literary

award, grand mother of Maung Yit) wrote her experiences as a

yogi. Additional material may be found on the Sunlun web site.

* Some web sites of interest:

...

* Use your favorite search engine to find details about

Mahasi Sayadaw and sasana yeiktha(s)

Sitagu Sayadaw

Ledi Sayadaw and his dhamma lineage: Sayagyi Thet, Saya U Ba Khin,

S. N. Goenka

...

* You can get dhamma dana publications from several sources:

Buddhist association (in Taiwan)

Sukhi Hotu publications

Triple Gem Publications (the secretariat consists of U Tin Htoon

(Arch 60, US), Dr. Maung Maung Lwin (UK), U Harry Than Htut (Canada),

Sayama Daw Emma Tin Tin Myint (ChE 70, Singapore) and Ko Victor [Htay]

Aung (EC, ex-ucc, sphs 7x, Australia)

* Several religions have "common" things. Avraham, Abraham, and

Ibrahim all refer to the same person (by the Jews, Christians, and

Muslims). They all treat the Old Testament as a sacred text.

* Some authors refer to the early Chirstians (disciples of Jesus

Chri

st) as "Reformed Jews", who continued to observe Sabbath on

Saturday. The later Christians, trying to assimilate "pagans" and "sun

worshippers", embrace Yule Tide (a precusor of Christmas), the Easter

Egg (a precusor of the Easter, which commemorates the Resurrection),

Sunday (as the "new/formal" day of Sabbath).

* The differences in rituals (e.g. the Seven Sacraments, observation

of Christmas and Eastern using different calendars) led to the

different "sects". The major classifications include Catholics ("Open

minded"), Protestants (Lutheran and the like, who "protested" the

Roman Church), and Orthodox (Greek, Russian, Aremenian, ...) but the

"basic beliefs and traditions" are shared by all denominations.

* Calendars

Myanmar era + 638 = A.D.

Myanmar era + 1182 = Buddhist era (reckoned from the demise of

Buddha rather than his birth)

Myanmar calendar has a "leap month" every three years or so to

synchronize the lu

ni-solar calendar.

Islamic calendar is a true lunar calendar. So, the month of Ramadan

will fall on a different month each year.

* Time

Solar year = 365.2422 ... days

=> 97 leap years in 400 years

=> Gregorian calendar and rule: A leap year (which is not a century

year) is a year divisible by 4; otherwise for a century year, it must

be divisible by 400

* Buddhist chronicles

Mahavamsa (Sri Lankan)

6-volume set (Mingun Tipitaka Sayadaw)

Jinathapasani (Zi nat hta pa kar ta ni) (Kyee the lay htut sayadaw)

=====================================================================

Buddha's Day sermon by U Osadha (May 14, 2006)

Rephrased and presented by Hla Min

=====================================================================

Theravada Buddhist Society of America (TBSA) once had a meeting to

decide which celebrations should be held. One discussion point is that

th

e Full Moon Day of Kason (in May) is barely a month after the Myanmar

New Year (in April), and whether it would be a burden for the devotees

and volunteers to organize that event.

Venerable Sayadaw U Silananda reminded the board members, "Since

the Full Moon Day of Kason is the Thrice Blessed Day, should we not

commemorate the day? Depending on the resources and the time, we might

not be able to make a grand event every time, but as Buddhists we

should remember Buddha and his teachings especially on the Thrice

Blessed Day."

True to his words, TBSA has been celebrating Buddha's day. One

notable exception was when the monastery reconstruction began at Half

Moon Bay, the Metta Vihari Chanting Group, Board Members, and some

devotees celebrated the "smallest" Buddha's Day celebration in the

history of TBSA.

Today's dhamma talk is about Bodhi. It has three meanings: (1)

wisdom (2) sabbinnutanana (omniscience) (3

) knowledge of the Four Noble Truths.

At the foot of Dipankara Buddha, a young hermit received byadita

(prediction) that he would eventually become Gautama Buddha. From that

instant, the hermit became a bodhisutta (bodhisatva in sanskrit) where

sutta (satva) means "being".

Today, you should recollect about the many lives of the bodhisatta

especially King Vissandara -- known for his super dana (including his

beloved wife and children) -- and Prince Siddhata who courageously made

a decision to leave his new born child in quest of Bodhi.

Today, the Metta Vihara Chanting Group recited "Pathana" (relations

of both the animate and the inanimate worlds), which is considered one

the important teachings of Lord Buddha along with "Patisasamupada".

However, the latter is applicable to the animate world but not to the

inanimate world.

Within this alloted time, we want to explain the three classes of

bodhi: (1)

sammasambuddha (one who knows, practices, and teaches bodhi)

(2) paccekkabuddha (silent Buddhas) (3) savakabuddha (listening disciples).

A sammasambuddha can specialize on panna (wisdom), sadha (faith),

or viriya (effort). It is said that it takes 4, 8, and 16 accenkeyas

and 100000 world cycles for the three specializations. Gautama Buddha

chose to specialize on wisdom.

The paccekkabuddhas achieve bodhi by observing nature. They rarely

teach others. They may also appear in numbers.

The rest had to learn by listening. In the suttas, several verses

were repeated to allow the listeners to absorb and comprehend. With the

advent of writing and publishing, there is less need for repetition,

but we still need to listen to dhamma talks.

Today, some celebrate Mother's Day. You have taken special effort

to come to celebrate Buddha's Day. It is not for "Ah Hsar" (food). It

is also for "Taya" (dhamma).

=

=====================================================================

Miscellaneous: New/Old TBSA President

======================================================================

Despite the inclement weather, most invitees showed up at the

special meeting at Dhammananda Vihara, Half Moon Bay [on March 5, 2006].

Ko Kyaw Teza (Terrence Kyaw), secretary and work horse of TBSA for

nearly a decade, related the achievements during the tenure of Saya U

Myat Htoo [Civil 68]: notably the successful completion of the

construction project after surmounting seemingly endless obstacles;

physical, spiritual, and monetary support for the propagation of the

sasana in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond; dhamma dana

publications of the works of the resident sayadaws, ...

Attending to Sayadaw U Silananda's health last year had delayed U

Myat Htoo's request for "retirement" after 10 active years as

TBSA

President, and to serve only as an Advisor (Nayaka). Due to health

concerns, U Myat Htoo recently reiterated his desire to retire.

Who can fill in his shoes? There are surely lots of young, energetic

individuals, but they would need some time to adapt and lead the

largest Myanmar Theravada monastery and congregation in the West. The

Sayadaws' short list consisted of old core Executive Committee (EC)

members. After days of deliberations, the Sayadaws requested Ko Stanley

Khoo (ex-sphs 63), semi-retired Master Mariner who runs his own

consulting business, to take the helm.

At the meeting, the Sayadaws, Ko Kyaw Teza, Daw Wai Wai Lwin

[Treasurer in the early days of TBSA], and several devotees recounted

the experience and dedication of Ko >Stanley Khoo.

- He helped raise the first $435 as seed money to register TBSA as

a non-profit organization and "sponsor" Sayadaw U Silananda [who was

then "a week away" fro

m "non-voluntary" return to Burma/Myanmar.

- His brothers and cousins form a core group that pooled their

resources with other devotees to help Sayada U Silananda stay in the

Bay Area to teach, write, and lead meditation retreats and conduct

dhamma courses/talks

- He served TBSA in various capacities: Secretary, President, ...

- He helped bring over "a ton" of Sayadaw's books at a "token" cost

($1)

- He helped bring over the "Palin" for Dhammananda Vihara

- He organized the "Scattering of the ashes" ceremony for Sayadaw U

Silananda

- He helped write the constitution/bye-laws of TBSA

- He continued to give counsel to the ECs [as acknowledged by Ko

Kyaw Teza]

Ko Stanley Khoo was unanimously elected as the new TBSA President.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked all those who have helped TBSA

over the years. With team work, he is convinced that TBSA can be taken

to new heights.

We urge read

ers to compliment Ko Stanley Khoo for his role as a

co-founder and Past President of TBSA, later as a sustaining

supporter/advisor, and last but not the least as the newest TBSA

President. One Sayadaw likened the event to a "shining star that came

back with splendor after 20 or 25 years".

It's good to hear from usually silent readers and sad to hear news

about ill health, "downsizing and restructuring, and especially

terminal diseases and death.

=====================================================================

Sad news from Singapore

=====================================================================

Ko Myint Lwin (Civil 84) and Ma Myat Lay Nwe saw their son

OKKAR PHYO, 2nd Yr - IT (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) peacefully depart on

Friday 19 May 2006 at Singapore.

For condolences and financial support, please contact 62934388.

======================================================================

Feedback

======================================================================

Kindly add my classmate U Tin Nwe (Melvin Sein), Civil '68, in your

mailing list for future RIT news updates. I have already forwarded your

recent posting

s about the demise of our dear friend Ko Khin Maung Htwe

to him already. I'm cc'ing this to him also. Thank you.

With metta,

[Saya U ] Myat Htoo (Civil 68, California, USA)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

I still have not set up a home e-mail address yet, and I would like

to still hear about RIT news. Please send the newsletters to my work

address.

Thanks,

The First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe was held in South

San Francisco in October 2000. The Second and grander one was held in

Singapore in December 2002. The Third and much grander one was held in

Yangon, Myanmar in December 2004. The Fourth Grand Reunion and SPZP was

originally scheduled to be held either in Myanmar (first choice) or

Singapore (second choice) in late 2006, but due to unforseen

circumstances it had to be deferred to April 2007. The planning for

SPZP 2007 is under way as per posting by ex-rit Singapore.

On July 8, 2006, there will be an Australia-wide Reunion, which

will be attended by alums from New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, ...

======================================================================

SPZP 2007

======================================================================

Dear all,

Please be informed that there will be Ex-RIT, Singapore

8th

meeting on

Date : 28.05.2006 (SUNDAY)

Time : 14:00 to 16:00 ( 2:00pm to 4pm )

Venue : Canteen @ Informatic Campus

Jurong Town Hall Road

Jurong East MRT

Agenda

1. To form 2007 Sayapuzawpwe committee

2. Any other matter

Please come forward and give us good idea. Your attendance is value

Just received an e-mail with MS Word document from Ko Htay Aung

(Victor, Elec) regarding the forthcoming ex-RIT [mini] Reunion in

Sydney , Australia.

Interested alums should contact Ko Thet Tun (Henry) and Ko Terrence

before June 21, 2006. Alums from overseas should indicate if (a) they

need to be picked up at the airport (b) if they need booking for Hotel.

Per request from some of my sayas and colleagues, I do NOT attach

documents to my email updates.

======================================================================

ex-rit Australia

======================================================================

Dear Ex-RIT Faculty Staff and Alumni,

You are cordially invited to a get together dinner in Sydney.

Date: July 8, 2006 (Saturday)

Time: 6 - 11 p.m.

Venue: Club Fox Hills,

Fox Hills Crescent,

Prospect, NSW 2148

The venue location map a

nd a direction is provided [on the

invitation].

We look forward to seeing you in Sydney.

With best regards,

Ex-RIT Alumni in Sydney

P.S. If you require to be picked up at Sydney airport or recommend/book

accommodation nearby to the venue, please contact the persons shown below.

Victor Htay Aung

Tel (Mob): 61418 168588

Henry Thet Tun

Tel (Mob): 61411 849 797

Terence Bartlett

Tel (Mob):61401 363412

Theikdi Hla

Tel (Mob): 61417 404611

Fox Hills Golf Club is located in Prospect, which is one of many

suburbs of the greater Sydney. It is about 34 km west of Sydney CBD

(Central Business District, ie Down Town).

The nearest train station is Seven Hills Station (Western line), which

is about 50 minutes away from the Sydney Central Railway station and

2.5 km away from the Fox Hills golf club. Please contact the names

shown if you require pick up at the station.

If you are driving, head towards Sydney west along Great Western

Highway and turn right at the traffic light into Blacktown Road and

then turn right sharply into the Fox Hills Crescent. There is a free

car parking facility for visitors at the club.

=======================================================

===============

Miscellaneous

======================================================================

"Continuous" chanting of Pathan (to celebrate Buddha's Day) is being

conducted at the Mettananda Vihara, Central Fremont, California.

Start: May 28, 2006 3 p.m.

End: May 29, 2006 1 p.m.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Puzaw Pwe for Thatdhaamaranti (Saddhamaransi) Sayadaw on his 85th

birthday took place today (May 28, 2006) at Bhama Vihara, Azusa (Los

It's been 7 years since I started sending the RIT Alumni

International e-mail news update.

In the beginning, there was tremendous response from sayas and

colleagues. Alums were excited to get reconnected with "long lost"

classmates, schoolmates, and friends. People were eager to write about

"trips down memory lane", the RIT canteen, survey trips to Kyaikhtiyo,

restoration of the "hti" at Shwe Dagon Pagoda after a major earthquake,

representing RIT and/or Rangoon University in various sports,

biographies and auto-biographies, entries for GBNF, ...

Ko Khin Maung Zaw (KMZ) then was a leading eligible bachelor

working four 10 hour-days only and having time and commitment to design

I still get a few e-mails, but some of them are "private".

Occasionally, I get "I'm still alive" or "I'm about to retire, so

please send to my home e-mail" messages from some sayas and colleagues.

Wearing so many different hats coupled with deadlines at my day

time job, I could no longer "churn out" updates (even if I wish to)

like the 64 "Countdown to the Reuion" and 36 "Post-Reunion"

news/articles for the First RIT Grand Reunion and Saya Pu Zaw Pwe held

at Enbassy Suites, South San Francisco, USA in October 2000. Feel free

to read them from the archives at the various RIT-related web sites,

Knowing that the "RIT spirit is alive and well" -- exemplified by

the countless class/major mini-reunions, reunions, grand reunions and

SPZPs -- keeps me going the extra mile.

I need news/feebback/articles from you to make my job easier.

I remember a teacher quoting a short correspondence [as a negative

example for creative writing]:

"I am writing this letter because I have nothing to do, and I am

ending this letter because I have nothing to say."

======================================================================

Miscellaneous

======================================================================

Saya U Aung Zaw (ex-ucc, Sydney, Australia) will host an ex-ucc

reunion on July 2, 2006.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Saya Thann Naing (Bonnie, ex-sphs, Sydney, Australia) will host an

ex-sphs reunion on or around July 4, 2006.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Australia-wide ex-rit reunion will take place in Sydney, Australia

on July 8, 2006.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dhamma Day celebration will be held on May 29, 2006 at Sae-Taw-Win

That's all for now.

With metta,