THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Saturday, 13 November 1999)
*******************************************************************
*******************************************************************
(1)The first ceremony for conferring the Diploma in Buddha Dhamma (Dip.B.Dh) by International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University
YANGON, 12 Nov-The first ceremony for conferring the Diploma in Buddha Dhamma (Dip.B.Dh) by International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University of the Ministry of Religious Affairs was held. in Maha Pasana Cave, Kaba Aye, this morning. Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and supplicated on religious affairs.
Sayadaws and members of the Sangha led by Chancellor of the ITBMU Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Ratthaguru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myingyan Koesaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, ITBMU Ovadacariya Sayadaws and faculty member Sayadaws led by the Rector Sayadaw graced the ceremony.Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhama Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara read the Ovadakatha of the Chancellor of the ITBMU Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.
In the Ovadakatha, the Sayadaw said:
On the very onset, may I wish that all the State leaders, and members of the State Peace and Development Council, Ministers, Faculty Members from the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University, successful Diploma Students, Devotees, distinguished guests, present on this auspicious occasion be in good health and happiness.
The Buddha's teachings comprising the Tipitaka or eighty-four thousand Dhammakkhandas remain as teachers of the bhikkhus on behalf of the Buddha. So, members of the Sangha today are not deprived of teachers and the noble teachings of the Buddha remain as their teachers.
The teaching of the Buddha is so deep and profound that it can be summarized in terms of Tipitaka, five Nikayas, nine Constituents, and eighty-four thousand dhammakkhandas.
Therefore, the Buddha's teaching can be metaphorically compared to the width and depth of the ocean. Just as the ocean is rich with abundant worldly gems, so also the teachings of the Buddha contains supramundane treasures of Dhamma.
The practice of Buddha Dhamma seems to be shallow at the beginning, but it goes deeper as one goes further.
Concerning Sila (Morality), a bhikkhu must abide by more than ninety billion Vinaya Rules of Conduct. Also with reference to Samadhi (Concentration), one can apply forty objects of meditation to attain Jhanic-trance, through which supernormal power (Abhinnana) can also be attained at its highest stage.
It will take almost a decade to be well-versed in traditional Pitaka scriptures of Myanmar. The traditional teaching method for Theravada Buddhist Monks, is to learn and study the scriptures daily from dawn to mid-night, under close supervision and instructions of learned Theras.
And now, these diploma students are only on the shores of the vast Pitaka ocean. They are urged to pursue further, higher degrees of BA, MA, and PhD in Buddha Dhamma, both in theory and practice at the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University.In conclusion, I wish all diploma holders may follow and practice Buddha's teachings and propagate them throughout the world.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 delivered an address.He said:
Your Most Venerable Chancellor and Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Ovadacariya Sayadaws and the Rector Sayadaw of the Intentional Theravada Buddhist Missionary University and Faculty member Sayadaws.
First, may I express my deep piety and great reverence for getting this opportunity of paying respect to the Sayadaws who are in full attendance on this auspicious occasion of conferring ceremony of Diploma in Buddha Dhamma for academic year 1998-1999 by the Intentional Theravada Buddhist Missionary University.
Owing to the volition of His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Ovadakatha (admonition) of the eminent leading Sayadaws, all-round responsible action of the Government, great efforts of the learned Sayadaws, scholars and administrators, the first conferring ceremony of Diploma in Buddha Dhamma has been successfully held by the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University which was inaugurated on 9 December, 1998.
It is clear that, continuously guided by eminent leading Sayadaws, the State Peace and Development Council has been supporting Buddha Sasana in order to purify, promote and perpetuate it.
As you are aware, Buddhist teaching is based on causal law of nature, which was revealed by Buddha's enlightenment. These laws always have continuous effect on mankind who live in a natural world. We believe that as the centre of Theravada Buddhism it is the duty of the Union of Myanmar to disseminate Buddhism to the peoples of the world who have not got the access to understand and experience the teaching of the Buddha which are in harmony with nature.
Based on this belief, the State Peace and Development Council successfully opened the Intentional Theravada Buddhist Missionary University which has never existed in Myanmar history before. It enables the people of many nations to understand and practice genuine teachings of the Buddha.
Then, Chairman of ITBMU Council Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin delivered an address.He said:
The most Venerable Sayadaws, headed by the Chancellor of ITBMU and Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, the Most Venerable Sayadaws of the Ovadacariya Committee of ITBMU, the Most Honourable guests. His Excellency Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development experience, which has arisen out of the arduous efforts of eminent scholar Sayadaws, Buddhist lay-scholars and well experienced administrators during a short period.
At the commencement of this University, forty-three students from foreign countries and fifty-two students in Myanmar-altogether ninety-five students attended the classes of Buddha Dhamma Diploma course, but after the first semester seven foreign students and one local student, due to their social, economical and medical difficulties, were not able to continue their second semester. Therefore, altogether eighty seven students could cover the Diploma Course.
In conclusion, I would like to mention that the Ministry of Religious Affairs will follow the instructions and policies given by the Patron Sayadaws, the State Leader Senior General Than Shwe and the government of the Union of Myanmar, and make an arduous attempt to achieve the following aims and objectives of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University:-
1. To share the genuine Theravada Buddhism with the people of the world;
2. To study and comprehend the canonical texts of Theravada Pitaka as successively approved by the. Buddhist Councils;
3. To abstain from evil deeds and practice meritorious deeds;
4. To promote the four modes of sublime living (Brahmavihara), which will
lead to the establishment of peaceful and prosperous world; and5. To train more missionaries endowed with virtuous morality who are well-versed in Pitaka literature and meditations practices.
Then, the ceremony came to a close with reciting of Buddhasasanam Ciram Titthatu three times.
(2) Secretary-1 attends third Kathina robes offering ceremony of Bangladesh Kyaungtaik
YANGON, 12 Nov-The third Kathina robes offering of Bangladesh Kyaungtaik was held at the Kyaungtaik in Myittanyunt Ward of Tamway Township at 4 pm today, attended by secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.The Secretary-l and congregation received the Five Precepts from Mawlamyine Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriyabhivamsa.Then, members of the Sangha recited Parittas.Afterwards, the secretary-1 and well-wishers offered Kathina robes to the Sayadaws.
Next, the donation ceremony f.or Dattawshin pagoda built by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannajota in Ywadaw, Bangladesh, was held at the Kyaungtaik.The Secretary-l and ministers accepted the donations.
Then, six nuns and one member of the Sangha who passed the Pathamange Examination and one member of the Sangha who passed the Basic Primary Examination were presented K 20,000 each by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannajota and K 10,000 each by well-wishers U Win Naing. Members of the Sangha and nuns from Bangladesh are pursuing Buddhist Pariyatti literature here. Afterwards, Secretary of Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon relating to the Kathina.
Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara delivered a sermon. Then, Secretary-l and party and well-wishers shared merits gained.
After the donations ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver shower to mark successful completion of the ceremony.
(3)Secretary-2 meets President of CITIC Technology Co of China
YANGON, 12 Nov-Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo met President Mr Sun Xiaowen of CITIC Technology Co Ltd and party of the People's Republic of China, currently here to conduct matters relating to Mone and Thaphanseik Hydel Power Projects being implemented by the Ministry of Electric Power, as they called at the hall of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue at 3 pm today.
Also present at the call were Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials of the Ministry of Electric Power.
(4)Yangon Division Committee for Drug Abuse Control meets
YANGON, 12 Nov - A work coordination meeting of Yangon Division Committee for Drug Abuse Control was held in the Meeting Room of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Office this afternoon, addressed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than. In his address, the commander said it is necessary not only to expose drug dealers in Yangon Division but also to give treatment and education to drug-addicts; it is also needed to give education on evil consequences of drug abuse to those who do not use drugs; only when all the people regard this task as a national duty and cooperate in it will the work for elimination of narcotic drugs be successful.
He also added that narcotic drug eradication and prevention is designated as a national duty and poppy cultivation is being eliminated gradually by raising the standard of living of the national races in the border areas. Moreover, the three tactics such as supply elimination, demand reduction and law enforcement are being employed to eradicate and prevent narcotic drugs.
The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the commander.
(5) Deputy Prime Minister meets MD of Kinsho Corporation
YANGON, 12 Nov- Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Myanmar Investment Commission Vice Admiral Maung Maung Khin met Managing Director of Kinsho Corporation of Japan Mr Yoshinori Hamaura and party who called at his office at 4 pm today.They discussed conditions of the projects being carried out by Kinsho Corporation in Myanmar and investment matters.
(6) Minister for Industry-1 inspects factories
YANGON, 12 Nov - Minister for Industry-l U Aung Thaung, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and heads of departments, met with the factory manager and officials of the paint factory of Myanma Paper and Chemical Enterprise in Bahan Township this morning.The minister gave instructions on the operation of the factory and the marketing of products.The minister and party then inspected the match factory No 2 in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township.
(7) President of SEAMEC concludes visit
YANGON, 12 Nov - President of Education Ministers Council of South-East Asia (SEAMEC) and Minister of Education of Singapore Rear Admiral Teo Chee Hean and party left here for Singapore by air this afternoon.
They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Education U Than Aung, Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Education, Charge d' Affaires ai of Singapore Embassy Mr William Chik Kam Weng and officials of the embassy.
(8) Minister meets experts of MIT(JODC) of Japan
YANGON, 12 Nov-Under the arrangement of bilateral cooperation in Y2K Affairs between Myanmar National Supervisory Committee on Y2K Work Programme and MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) of Japan, Chairman of National Supervisory Committee on Y2K Work Programme Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin met experts on Y2K Affairs led by Mr Fumio Owaki of MITI (JODC ) who called a office this morning.
(9) Minister inspects construction of Rice Reprocessing Plant
YANGON, 12 Nov- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Managing Director U Saw Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, General Manager U Moe Paw and officials, arrived at the construction site of 360-ton Rice Reprocessing Plant in Hlinethaya this morning.
(10) Donations for Tatmadaw Obstetric, Gynecological and Pediatric Hospital
YANGON, 12 Nov- Upholding Our Three Main National Causes, a ceremony to donate hospital equipment for Special Intensive Care Unit for Children was held at Tatmadaw Obstetric, Gynecological and Pediatric Hospital (300-bed) in Mingaladon this morning.
Today' s donations included hospital equipment worth K 50,000 each by Major Thein Naing-wife Daw Khin Pyone Shwe, Major Than Naing Oo-Daw Myat Thida Win and U Myo Thant Daw Moe Moe. Commandant Lt-Col Thein Tan accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to well-wishers.
(11) Technical workshop on development of Myanmar women opened
YANGON, 12 Nov-The opening ceremony of Technical workshop on development of Myanmar women sponsored by education group of the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs was held at the meeting hall of Medical Research Department on Ziwaka Street in Dagon Township at 8 am today.
Present.on the occasion were Vice-Chairperson of the MNWCWA Professor Daw May May Yi, member of working committee Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and members, heads of working groups heads of departments, members of Yangon Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs, NGOs and guests.
Joint-Secretary of MNWCWA acted as master of ceremonies and read the agenda. Head of education group of MNWCWA Professor Daw Khin Aye Win made an opening speech. The workshop will be held from 12 to 14 November.
(12)Heroin, opium seized in Phakant
YANGON, 12 Nov A 35 year old woman and a 28-year old man were arrested in a case in which 0.495 kilo of heroin and 2.939 kilos of opium were found in their possession.
A combined force of Tatmadaw men of the local battalion and members of Defence Services Intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force acting on information at Janka village, Seikmu Villagetract, Phakant Township, Kachin State, on 18 October, found the two suspicious looking man and woman travelling on foot from Janka village to Whaykha village.
When the authorities made a search, they found the narcotic drugs in the possession of Ma Ah Phein, daughter of U Lauk Yan,of Ward 4,Whaykha village, Phakant Township, and Win Naing, son of U Kala.
Action has been taken against the two in accord with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
(13) 680 members resign from Ngaputaw Township NLD
YANGON, 12 Nov-A ceremony to present letters of resignation of 680 members of Ngaputaw Township National League for Democracy, Ayeyawady Division, was held at Wetkaw Village Basic Education Primary School in the township at 11 am on 29 August 1999.
Six hundred and eighty members of Ngaputaw Township NLD, Ayeyawady Division, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to the party concerned on 29 August 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.
Member of Ngaputaw Township NLD U San Hmyin, on behalf of the party members, explained resignation from the party and handed over the letters of resignation to Chairman of Htinchaung Village Peace and Development Council U Kyi.
Maximum temperature on Nov11 was 33.50C (91 F)
Minimum temperature on Nov11 was 23.5 C (74F)
To view with photos, please browse at - http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/