Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air) holds fifth collective ordination and novitiation ceremony

The ordination ceremony of families of Office of Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air) in progress.

Nay Pyi Taw April 11

Families of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air) held the fifth collective ordination and novitiation ceremony in Anawrahta Hall of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) this morning attended by members of the Sangha led by Presiding Patron Sayadaw of Maha Wizitayon Monastery of Mandalay Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Vicarindabhivamsa.

Present on the occasion were Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander- in-Chief (Army) Vice- Senior General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe and wife, Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Sein Win and wife, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Ye Aung and wife, Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) General Mya Tun Oo and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San and wife,  Commanderin- Chief (Air) General Khin Aung Myint and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) and their wives, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command and wife, and officers, other ranks and families of offices and departments of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air).

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and congregation take Metta Sutta delivered by members of the Sangha.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Vice-Senior General Soe Win offer meals to members of the Sangha

Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe offer alms to a member of the Sangha.

Frist, the congregation led by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services donated offertories to 18 monks led by Mandalay Maha Wizitayon Monastery Presiding Patron Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Vicarindabhivamsa, 247 temporary monks and 39 novices at the facade of the Office of the Commander-in- Chief (Army). Afterwards, the Senior General offered flowers, water and oil lights to the Buddha image in Anawrahta Hall.

After that, the Senior General and the congregation offered day meal to the monks and novices.

Afterwards, 18 monks led by the Maha Wizitayon Monastery Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vicarindabhivamsa of Mandalay attended the 5th collective ordination and novitiation ceremony of the families of the Office of the Commanderin- Chief (Army, Navy and Air). At the ceremony, the congregation led by the Senior General took Nine Precepts from Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vilasa, who won Sasanadhaja Dhammacariya, of KanU Monastery in Zeyathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw. Then, members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta for the congregation. Next, the Senior General donated offertories to Maha Wizitayon Sayadaw.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe offered alms to Presiding Patron of Mingalazeyon Pali Tekkatho Monastery from Pyinmana, Nay Pyi Taw, Agga Maha  Pandita Bhaddanta Vimalabuddhi. 

Next, Union ministers and senior military officers from the Office of the Commanderin- Chief donated offertories to members of the Sangha. 

After that, the Senior General and congregation took Anumodana Desana from the Sayadaw of Mingalazeyon Pali Tekkatho Monastery and shared merits gained for meritorious deeds before successfully ending the ceremony. 

After the ceremony, the Senior General performed the rituals of golden and silver showers in commemoration of the successful completion of the 5th collective ordination and novitiation ceremony of the families of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air).

At the ceremony, a total of 286 monk-to-be and noviceto- be were conveyed round the family housings from Nawade Hall in the compound of the Office of the Commander-in- Chief (Army, Navy and Air) by car on 9 April morning. Then, they were sent to Upatasanti Pagoda and went round there three times clockwise on a grand scale.

Next, monks-to-be and novices-to-be were sent to KanU Monastery, Mingalazeyon Pali Tekkatho Monastery and Yadanasan Pariyatti Monastery. They were initiated into the novicehood and monkhood under the religious processes.

The Myawady Daily 

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing views progress of building Thiri Mingala Maha Sasana Beikman

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing gives instructions to officials on construction of Thiri Mingala Maha Sasana Beikman.

Photo shows front elevation and left side elevation of Thiri Mingala Maha Sasana Beikman.

Nay Pyi Taw March 30

Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander- in-Chief (Army) Vice- Senior General Soe Win, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San, Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Khin Aung Myint, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in- Chief (Army), the commander of Yangon Command and officials, this afternoon viewed construction of Thiri Mingala Maha Sasana Beikman with the donations of families of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and well-wishers in the precinct of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township.

At the briefing hall, an official reported on progress in construction of the Sasana Beikman. The Senior General instructed officials to systematically grow fl owery plants, shade trees and windbreaks for cleaning and beautifying the environment, carry out construction of the car park, public toilets, ensuring proper flow of water and drainage system in coordination with the Pagoda Board of Trustees and complete all construction tasks decorated with Myanmar handicrafts on schedule.

Afterwards, the Senior General and party together with members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees viewed progress of earthworks. The stake-driving ceremony of the Thiri Mingala Maha Sasana Beikman took place there on 9 March. It will be a 186 feet by 72 feet two-storey Beikman. Upon completion of construction, the Sasana Beikman will be a venue to hold the religious examinations for members of the Sangha and religious ceremonies in Yangon North District.

The Myawady Daily

Ko Mauk sunset viewing platform opens in Bagan

Tourists waiting to see the sunset from the top of Shwesandaw Pagoda in Bagan.

Yangon February 21 

Ko Mauk sunset viewing platform, one of the five sites being implemented for sunset viewers in Bagan, was opend as from 18 February, according to the NyaungU Genernal Administration Office.

“Ten-ft Ko Mauk Bank was raised from 10 feet to 17 feet under two steps at a cost of over Ks-50 million,” said U Soe Tint, general administrator of NyaungU District.

As using ancient pagodas as sunset viewing spots for local and foreign visitors can damage the invaluable heritages, region government has been creating man-made higher grounds for this purpose. 

“To reduce the sunset viewers atop the pagodas, free-of-charge sunset viewing platforms have been being built at east O Htain Taung, west O Htain Taung, Nyaung Lat Phat Lake, Thuhtay Lake  and Ko Mauk Lake. At present, the construction process at Ko Mauk Lake has been finished and it was opened for the local and foreign visitors,” said U Soe Tint.

“Our main purpose is to reduce sunset viewing upon the pagodas. After the construction processes are finished, we will make discussions whether the visitors will be allowed to view sunset upon pagodas or not,” he added. As driving of motor vehicles near the pagodas in Bagan can damage the ancient monuments and generate traffic congestion during the tour season, officials are planning to build separate parking spaces at five pagodas, according to the NyaungU District Administration Office.

“After the parking places are built, car driving near or around pagodas will be banned,” said U Soe Tint.

The Myawady Daily

Bagan ancient heritage zone boundary to be re-established

Foreign visitors seen at an ancient pagoda in Bagan region

Yangon February 13

A combined group comprising members of Myanmar Police Force, Development Committee members and Hotels and Tourism Department personnel will conduct a surprise check on all hotels and motels in Ayeyawady Region day and night on 14 February, according to the Region Government.

‘‘Any unmarried couple or person without holding national registration card or a local staying at a hotel or a guest house is found, both the owner and the guest will meet with punishment,” said Development Affairs Minister U Kyaw Myint.

“We have already warned hotels and guest houses not to accept any unmarried couples as guests. There is the rule in connection with the matter,” he said, adding, “It will be a surprise check. So we cannot say which one will be the first or in which serial order the check will be conducted.”

But a guest house manager said, “We cannot ask any couple to take together with them the documents certifying their marriage. If they both can show their national registration cards, we will have to accept them as guests.”

At the fourth regular session of the Region Hluttaw held on 10 February, MP of Wakhema Constituency Daw Myint Myint San asked whether any legal measures will be taken against unmarried couples staying at the hotels or guest houses on 14 February.

The Myawady Daily

Man Shwe Set Taw pagoda to open all the year round

Yangon February 8

The Man Shwe Set Taw (the Golden Footprints) Pagoda Board of Trustees said the auction will be put up for the construction of a bridge heading to the pagoda in Minbu-Saku Township in Magway Region.

The move aims to enable people make pilgrimage trips to the pagoda all the year round. The board has received suggestion letters for the auction, according to its official.

Currently, the normal route is about three miles from the Mone creek in the lower Settawyar. Pilgrims use temporary bridges during the festival period.

"Most of tourists usually take a boat trip on the Ayeyawady River, visit Shwe Set Taw Pagoda, Magway Myathalon Pagoda and blacksmiths works in Magway and take trishaws around the city," said an offi cial of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

The Myawady Daily

Tourist number doubles from Mandalay Port to Mingun region in December 2016

Mandalay January 2

Although tourist arrival this month doubles the number of last month from Mandalay Port to Mingun region of Sagaing, no one very important tourist arrives there, said an official of foreigner water transport association (Mandalay).

During the period from October to December yearly is the prime time for the most arrival of globetrotters from Gawwein Port, Mayanchan Port and Chaw Port in Mandalay to Mingun Region of Sagaing Township.

Number of tourists increased to more than 400 per day this month from about 150 per day last month but there was no VIP tourist.

The majority of tourists pay visits to Pahtodawgyi, Myatheindan Pagoda and Mingun Bell in Mingun region in addition to observing pottery industries, bamboo hat industries and wooden slipper industries.

Moreover, they observe watching Irrawaddy dolphins and fishermen in the protection area from Mandalay to Kyaukmyaung region.

In December 2016, a larger number of tourists came from France, followed by Germany, the Netherlands and China.

Yadanarpon Daily

Mann Shwe Set Taw pagoda festival to start next Feb

Yangon December 22

The annual Mann Shwe Set Taw pagoda festival will kick off on February 1 next year, according to Magway Region Government.

The pagoda festival will be held for 76 days from February 1 to April 17, and the region government is adopting regulations and will also reform the new pagoda board of trustees.

“In this year’s festival, arbitrary donations will not be collected in tender process,” said the pagoda board of trustees. Previously, the region government collected donations for regional development tasks.

And the region government also plans to make the tender process transparent and cancel tenders for some services.

“We won’t invite tenders for some services which pose burden to pilgrims. Mainly, there will no longer be tolls, parking fees and so on. And our board will supply electricity,” said U Myint Thein, chairman of the pagoda board of trustees.

The festival is the longest pagoda festival in the country and usually draws large number of festival goers, but there are also criticisms over high prices of accommodation, meals and so on.

The Myawady Daily

Trailers banned at Alaungdaw Kathapa Pagoda

Alaungdaw Kathapa Pagoda

Yangon December 6

Alaungdaw Kathapa Pagoda Board of Trustees said it will ban the transportation of pilgrims with the use of trailers in Sagaing Region beginning this year.

An official from the board said: “We have designated the number of pilgrims based on the types of cars for the safety of pilgrims. We have fixed 45 passengers for a big express, 35 for a small express, 25 for a Dyna, 12 each for a Hilux and a light truck and six each for a jeep and a Sunny. The board willnot allow overloaded vehicles to go ahead. We have totally banned the transport of passengers with the use of trailers.”

Alaungdaw Kathapa Pagoda Festival will be launched in Sagaing Region in January. Kapaing camp will open at 4 am and close at 5 pm for the cars. A team comprising a police officer, a member from the board and a monk will supervise the opening and closing of the gate on a monthly and rotation basis.

Sagaing Region Parliament MP U Tun Tun Win representing Kani Township Constituency said: “A monk and a board member will supervise road repairs and safety measures. A plan is under way to upgrade the nine-mile-long Alaungdaw Kathapa road into a tarred or concrete one and to build a suspension bridge, under the guidance of the Popa Monastery Sayadaw. In addition, the board of trustees decided to buy a medium backhoe and repair the loader at the coordination meeting held on November 4.

The Myawady Daily

Maha Muni Buddha Image Pujaniya Festival to take place on grand scale

Photo shows magnificent scene of temple where Maha Muni Buddha Image is kept.

Mandalay December 5

Buddha Pujaniya Festival of the Mandalay’s famed Maha Muni Buddha Image is planned to take place in Mandalay City on a grand scale, according to the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

“Magic shows, circus show and boxing contest will include in this year’s event,” said U Than Lwin, a member of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, adding that a famous dance troupe orgnaised by Tin Maung San Min Win, the main performer of the troupe, and other two Anyaint troupes will perform traditional songs and dances at the 10-day festival.

The Buddha Pujaniya festival is scheduled to be held starting from the 14th waxing day of Tabodwe to 8th waning day of the same month.

The event organizers plan to donate Htamane, famous seasonal food of Myanmar people, to all participants in the event each day, with plans to offer day meal and rice to 1,000 local monks on the closing day of the event.

A big day meal will also be donated to the Maha Muni Buddha Image on the fullmoon day of Tabodwe.

Yadanarpon Daily

Shwesigon Pagoda to be gilded

NyaungU December 2

Shwesigon Pagoda, a famous pagoda in NyaungU Township, will be offered gold plates and gold foils, according to the Shwesigon Pagoda Board of Trustees.

Inverted lotus flower, spreading lotus flower and ring of spherical bosses will be offered with 1,635 gold plates and the remaining parts will be offered with gold foils. It will be cost a total of Ks-3,000 million. 

The value of a gold plate, which has the weight of one and a half tickles, is Ks-1,200,000.

At present, 21 winners, who tendered for the job at a price of Ks-38,000 per gold foil, have been chosen to offer gold foils to the ovolo mouldings and bell-like part.

Shwesigon Pagoda was last offered gold foils in 2008.

Shwesigon Pagoda was built to enshrine one of the four replicas of the Buddha tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and it was to mark the northern edge of the city. The other three tooth replicas were enshrined in other three more pagodas: Lawkananda Pagoda, Tan Kyi Taung Pagoda and Tu Yuan Taung Pagoda. (447)

The Myawady Daily

Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation pays homage to sacred tooth relic of Buddha at Ling Guang Si Buddhist Temple

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing meets with Abbot of Ling Guang Si Buddhist Temple Chang Zang.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing holds talks with Chariman of CETC Company Mr. Fan Youshan.

Nay Pyi Taw November 1

The Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation led by Commanderin- Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who is on the goodwill visit to China paid homage to the sacred tooth relic of Buddha at Ling Guang Si Buddhist Temple in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, yesterday morning.

First, the Senior General and party donated robe and offertories to Abbot of Ling Guang Si Buddhist Temple Chang Zang and paid homage to the sacred tooth relic of Buddha.

Then, the Senior General and party visited CETC company. Officials of the company extended greetings and conducted the Senior General and party around the showrooms. Next, Chairman of the company Mr. Fan Youshan extended greetings to the Myanmar delegation at the meeting room. After hearing the processes of the company explained by officials, the Senior General asked what he wanted to know.

Later, they posed for documentary photo after exchanging gifts.

The Myawady Daily

Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing pays homage to Buddha Image at Famen temple in Shan Xi Province

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing poses for documentary photo together with abbots in front of Fa Man Si.

Nay Pyi Taw October 31

The Myanmar Tatmadaw goodwill delegation led by Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who is on a goodwill visit to China visited Fa Man Si (Famen temple) in Bao Ji in Shan Xi Province, China yesterday morning.

First, the Senior General and party looked round the temple compound by buggies. Then, they paid homage to the Buddha image and the sacred bone relic of the Buddha in the temple, and the Senior General donated cash to the abbot.

Afterwards, the Senior General and party posed for documentary photo in front of the temple and then visited the old temple where the finger bone relic of lord Buddha was previously housed. 

The Senior General donated money and had documentary photo taken with the abbots there.

According to the explanations of officials, the finger bone relic in the Famen temple is the middle finger of the left hand of the Buddha. The bone relic has been conserved since about 1800 years. The old temple was built in 1987 and the new temple, in 2009.

The Myawady Daily

The future Ashin Bãvita guesses

Yin Nwe Ko (Linn)

Ashin Bãvita has been awake since he heard the sound of the logalarm. However, he does not get up but keeps tossing and turning on bed. He is not familiar with the activities of this monastery yet as he entered the short-timed monkhood there only yesterday afternoon. While tossing on the bed, he listens to the movement of monks and novices, for a short time till he hears another sound of the strikes of iron-piece. It is the alarm for monks and novices to gather a place from which they start their daily alms round. Only then, Ashin Bãvita gets up from bed. While making the bed, a monk asks him whether he would come along with them.

“Sorry Sir, I may not join you because of my poor health,” he humbly and politely declines the offer. Unfortunately, his poor health denies him from going round the town for alms food like other monks do.

As he is unable to go for alms round, he decides to stay at the monastery doing the sundry chores of the Buddha Chambers and the monastery. However, he feels somewhat self-doubting when his mind recalls the counsel given by the presiding monk at yesterday evening’s ordination ceremony about the benefits of making daily alms round anywhere from the religious point of view.

Firstly, he enters the chamber where the Buddha image is in and sweeps all the dust and rubbish away and cleans the walls. After offering lights and fragrance to the Buddha images, he recites the Parittas as much as he can, shares merit and sends loving-kindness. The chamber where Ashin Bãvita is doing the sanitary activities is in a large hall for performing religious deeds. Its space is rather wide, occupying  an area which can accommodate about six normal houses. As he has finished cleaning the chamber, Ashin Bãvita starts sweeping the floor. As the surface area of the floor is so wide he cannot finish the work in a short time. While sweeping the floor, monks and novices who were on their alms round arrive back to the monastery. It is about 6:30 a.m.

At that moment, Ashin Bãvita  takes notice a certain movement in his stomach. He knows that it is the warning signal of his empty stomach. However, it is too early as the monks have just arrived back from their round. He throws a piece of cake into his mouth and quickly swallows it with the help of a cup of drinking water.

At about 7 a.m, there is the sound of iron-piece from the refectory. When he gets there, he finds monks and novices having their breakfast. He takes seat at the table where Ashin Agga is having his meal. There are just three dishes of curry – the snake gourd curry which was prepared by the monastery, the hotchpotch which is the constant dish of the monastery and the mixture of boiled pea and fried asparagus bean. However, he finds the meals delicious. Although Ashin Agga has been in monkhood for over two years, he is quite familiar with the monastery. They are old close friends as they have known each other very well since they were laymen. Ashin Agga is now over seventy years but he can devour a lot more than him.

The hotchpotch, the main and constant curry, is very delicious. It in fact is a collection of breakfast and lunch leftovers boiled in a big pot. Very often it is added with vegetables and other edible ingredients to improve its taste. At every dish is always warm and delicious.

Although it is so named as the dawn meal, it normally ends at about 7:30 a.m. After meal, Ashin Bãvita takes a short rest. Then he restarts sweeping. After he has finished it, he listens to the eleven Parittas recorded in his hand phone.

While listening to them, he hears novices in the adjacent building studying their religious lessons. At about 9 a.m, the learning stops as they start taking bath before going homes that invite them for lunch i.e. day-meal. Again Ashin Bãvita stays at the monastery doing sundry chores as he is not invited. Only the residing monk and other two or three monks who are in ill-health like him are left at the monastery.

At about 11 a.m, there is an alarm of iron-piece to have day-meal. According to the sitting plan of the dawn-meal, monks and novices take their places and have the meal. Unlike breakfast meat and fish is served at the day-meal. However, Ashin Bãvita does not know whether such dishes of curry are included at the table of novices. It is the rule that nice dishes of curry must be offered to the monks in favour. He has already heard that the tables of the novices are finished up with ordinary or side dishes.

After day-meal or lunch, the monks take a nap. At about 1 p.m, the voice of the studying novices is heard again. The learners take rest at about 4 p.m. At that moment the sundry chores of the monastery is done by some monks and novices. After doing it, some novices play various games but some stay quiet facing with their phone screens. At about 6:30 p.m, there is an alarm of log to pay mass obeisance to the Lord Buddha. All monks and novices gather on the upstairs of the two-storeyed building and pay mass obeisance to the Lord Buddha in unison. They recite Parittas. 

As some Parittas are ones which Ashin Bãvita learnt by heart, he can follow the reciting but some are not and he has to stay silent.

After paying obeisance to Buddha, all listen to the admonishment of the residing monk. Then he thinks that all of them must take rest for the night at their respective buildings after listening to the admonishment but soon, he hears again the voices of the student novices learning their lessons. At about 9 p.m, the voice ceases. Ashin Bãvita tries to sleep appeasing the noise in his stomach with a cup of drinking water. But he cannot sleep, but remembering the words a presiding monk told him a few days ago.

He said, “The role of the studying novices and the teacher monks is greatly essential for the perpetuation of the Buddha Dhamma. Although there were over fifty Sanghãs in this monastery during the previous rainy season, there are only about forty Sanghãs in this Buddhist lent. Some novices leave the Order. They want to use the hand phones like others. It is a Pariyatti monastery and so novices must study their lessons day and night or else they will fail in their exam. Many novices are only interested in using facebook and want to spend most of their time on it. Their will on studying the Pariyatti hard further dwindles. In the end they leave the Order and go to the cities such as Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw to get any kind of work including carpentry and masonry. They join any occupation within their reach just to buy the hand phones with a unit prize of Ks- 100,000. As the number of such dropouts increases, the number of novice Pariyatti students at monasteries decreases. This phenomenon is happening in all Pariyatti monasteries across Myanmar. If this continues, the future of the Sasana will be in a worrisome situation. Ashin Bãvita hears the clock strikes twelve, but is still lost in thoughts while foreseeing the importance of nurturing the novices as they are the vital sources for the perpetuation of the Sasana.

The Myawady Daily

Kyaukpadaung Tsp needs funds for repair of quake-damaged pagodas

Kyaukpadaung September 23

Kyaukpadaung Township needs financial contributions for repair of pagodas and stupas damaged by the powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake in August.

A total of 116 pagodas and stupas were damaged by the earthquake in 32 village-tracts in the township and so far only Ks-3.1 million has been received in donation for repair of damaged religious edifices.

“I have solicited donations from friends in Nay Pyi Taw, Taunggyi, Yangon and Mandalay and received Ks-3.1 million. We have to repair 116 pagodas and stupas and if Ks-3.1 million is divided by 116, the amount is just over 80,000 for each pagoda. And because of the rain, we can’t start the repair. We will be able to start the repair only after October,” said administrator U Aung Zaw Htet of Kyaukpadaung Township.

Yay Sone Village was hit hardest by the earthquake as around 20 of over 70 religious edifices were damaged there.

“Though Bagan has received hundreds of millions of cash donations as it is the national level cultural heritage site, we have not received contributions for pagodas in Kayukpadaung,” said the township administrator.

Donations for the repair of pagodas and stupas in Kyaukpadaung Township can be made at township administrator U Aung Zaw Htet at Tel: 09-43006258, regional lawmaker U Aye Khaing at 09-798811777, and regional lawmaker U Myo Swe at 09-792704262.

The Myawady Daily

Families of offices of Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air) donate Waso robes to members of the Sangha for 2016

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla offer Waso robe and alms to Chairman of SSMNC Bhamo Sayadaw Dr. Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa

Nay Pyi Taw July 18

Families of the offices of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air) held a Waso robe offering ceremony for 2016 at Anawrahta Hall of the Office of the Commanderin- Chief (Army), here, at 9.30 am today, attended by Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla who donated Waso robe and offertories to members of the Sangha.

Also present at the ceremony were Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee(SSMNC ) Abbot of Bhamo Monastery of Mandalay Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Dr. Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa and members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Sayadaws, Ovadaçariya Sayadaws of Uppatasanti Pagoda, invited venerable Sayadaws, totaling 63, Deputy Commander- in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Sein Win and wife, Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Ye Aung and wife, Joint Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) Commanderin- Chief (Air) General Khin Aung Myint and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command and wife, deputy ministers, officers, other ranks and families of the offices and departments of the offices of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air).

Before the ceremony, the Senior General and wife offered meals with the emerald alms-bowl, fruits, flowers and water to the Buddha image at the Anawrahta Hall and paid homage to the Buddha image.

After that, the Waso robe offering ceremony was opened with threetime recitation of Namo Tassa. The congregation led by the Senior General and wife took the Nine Precepts from the Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Bhamo Sayadaw.

Next, members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta.

Afterwards, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla offered Waso robe and offertories to the Chairman Sayadaw.

Then, Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe donated Waso robe and alms to the Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abbot of Thanlyin Minkyaung Monastery. 

Union Minister Lt-Gen Sein Win and wife, Union Minister Lt-Gen Ye Aung and wife, Joint Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy andAir) Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Khin Aung Myint and wife, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San and wife and those present donated Waso robes and offertories to members of the Sangha.

Next, Secretary of the Committee Presiding Nayaka of Minkyaung Pahtamabyan Monastery of Thanlyin Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Çadimabhivamsa delivered a sermon. The congregation shared merits gained and concluded the ceremony by reciting Buddha Sasanam Çiram Titthatu three times.

Later, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla together with attendees offered day meals to members of the Sangha.

The Myawady Daily

Shwedagon Pagoda welcomes nearly 10,000 foreigners everyday

Yangon June 6

Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous pagoda in Myanmar, is visited by approximately 10,000 foreign tourists per day amidst the annually increasing number of arrivals, said an official of the pagoda board of trustees.

During the first four months of 2016, more than 200,000 tourists visited the pagoda that earned over Ks-8 million from entrance fees per day. Entrance fee to Shwedagon Pagoda is Ks-8,000 per tourist. 

The yearly increase in the arrivals to the pagoda is a result of Myanmar’s greater transparency in international relations and the global interest in Buddhism.

The pagoda board of trustees is promoting security and historical presentations alongside the increasing visitor population. Similarly, visitors are not allowed to wear blouse with wide and deep hives, short pants and skirts while visiting the pagoda.

The pagoda board of trustees is hiring decent clothes and longyi free of charge for the convenience of the visitors.

A total of 517,488 tourists visited Shwedagon Pagoda in 2015. Being an ancient religious edifice much revered by Buddhists, the pagoda is a must for many foreigners to visit when they are in Myanmar.

The largest number of foreign visitors comes in the cold season. The number declines normally in summer and rainy seasons.

The Myawady Daily

Buddha images consecrated, water poured at Bodhi trees in commemoration of 60th Anniversary of 6th Buddhist Synod and Fullmoon Day of Kason

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife and Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife pouring water at Bodhi tree at Lawkachantha Hsutaungpyae Athinn Pagoda.

A ceremony of pouring water at Bodhi trees being held at a command.

Nay Pyi Taw May 22

The Fullmoon Day of Kason is a significant day in 1378 Myanmar Era as well as 2560 Sasana Era coincided with the day of preordainment, the birthday, the day of enlightenment and the day of Parinibbana of the Lord Buddha. On the Fullmoon Day of Kason in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Successful Completion of Sixth Buddhist Synod, the Buddhist people enjoyed the Buddha Pujaniya occasions and water-pouring ceremony at Bodhi trees across Myanmar. Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla together with families of offices of the Commander-in-Chief (Army, Navy and Air) poured water at Bodhi trees at Lawkachantha Hsutaungpyae Athinn Pagoda in front of Zeyathiri Department Store in Zeyathiri Township, here, yesterday afternoon.

First, the Senior General and wife offered flowers, oil lights and water to the pagoda.

Officers, other ranks and families led by the Senior General and wife took the positions to water the Bodhi trees at the pagoda. They then poured water at the Bodhi trees and sprinkled scented water there. 

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commanderin- Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, the Union Minister for Home Affairs and wife, the Union Minister for Defence and wife, the Union Minister for Border Affairs and wife, the Joint Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) Commander-in-Chief (Air) and wife, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy) and wife, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command and wife, officers, other ranks and families of offices and departments. Next, they poured water at the Bodhi trees.

As today’s Fullmoon Day of Kason coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Sixth Buddhist Council, the families of the offices of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) held a consecration ceremony at Nawaday Hall this morning. Kan- U Pariyatti Sathintaik Sayadaw Sasana Dhaja Dhamma Cariya Maha Gantha Vacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vilasa and members of the Sangha graced the ceremony, at which 414 Buddha statues were consecrated. Next, Camp Commandant Maj- Gen Win Thein of the Commander- in-Chief (Army)’s Office and Tatmadaw men and their families received the Nine Precepts from members of Sangha who also recited Parittas. Then, the alms and meals were offered to the members of the Sangha.

Similar ceremonies were held at the various military commands yesterday. They were Nay Pyi Taw Command, Northern Command, North-East Command, Eastern Command, Central East Command, Triangle Region Command, South- East Command, Coastal Region Command, Yangon Command, South-West Command, Western Command, North-West Command, Central Command and Southern Command. (100)

The Myawady Daily

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing offers rice and alms to venerable Buddhist monks in Kengtung

 

The congregation led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing takes Five Precepts from the abbot of Kengyin Monastery.

Nay Pyi Taw April 10

A ceremony to donate rice and offertories to members of the Sangha led by Abbot of Kengyin Monastery Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Khemaçara took place at Pyi Nyein Aye Hall of the Triangle Region Command Headquarters in Kengtung yesterday morning.

Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Joint Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) Commanderin- Chief (Air) General Khin Aung Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San, senior military officers of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Aung Zaw Aye and officials attended the ceremony .

The abbot of Kengyin Monastery delivered the Five Precepts.

The Senior General and party offered 110 bags of rice, 220 viss of cooking oil, cash for nine prerequisites and alms to members of the Sangha.Abbot of Sasana Wepulla Monastery Bhaddanta Vijaya delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. (100)

The Myawady Daily

Merits shared for successful donation of Thantithadda Mahaganda Peace Bell in precinct of Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife cut the ribbon to open Thantithadda Mahaganda Peace Bell.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife ring the bell nine times.

Nay Pyi Taw March 21

A ceremony to share merits for successful donation of Thantithadda Mahaganda Peace Bell dedicated to ensure eternal peace for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and the World took place at the precinct of Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda in Pobbathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, at 7 am yesterday.

Before the ceremony, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla offered the meals with the emerald almsbowl, fruits, flowers and water to the Maha Bawdi Yokshindaw Buddha Image.

The merit-sharing ceremony was attended by Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Maha Withutayama Zaygon Monastery of Pyinmana in Nay Pyi Taw State Ovadacariya Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Kavisara and members of the Sangha, Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Soe Win and wife, Joint Chief of the General Staff (Army, Navy and Air) Commander-in-Chief (Air) General Khin Aung Myint and wife, senior military officers of the office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, the commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command and wife, and guests.

The congregation led by the Senior General took the Nine Precepts from the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Maha Withutayama Zaygon Monastery. The members of the Sangha recited Parittas.

The Senior General and party offered the bell and offertories to the Sayadaw. The congregation donated offertories to members of the Sangha.

Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Mingala Zayyon Pali Tekkatho Monastery of Pyinmana in Nay Pyi Taw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Vimalabuddhi delivered a sermon.

The Senior General and wife cut the ribbon to open the bell and rang the bell nine times. They then sprinkled scented water on the bell and performed the rituals of golden and silver showers in commemoration of the successful completion of the ceremony.

The bell weighing 612 viss of bronze kept in the eastern corner of the precinct of Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda in Pobbathiri Township is five feet in height and 4 feet and one inch in diameter. (100)

The Myawady Daily

No climbing on top Bagan pagodas, please

 

This photo shows Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan.

Nyaung Oo February 23

Following the spread of a video clip and photos of a staff of a certain medicine company performing indecent dances and songs at Pyathatgyi Temple in Bagan on the social media, Ministry of Culture said it considered declaring all flat-tops of religious buildings of the archaeological zone visitorfree areas.

Two days after the spread of the video clip and photos showing the group performing offensive acts to the accompaniment of amplified songs and music on the online media on 17 of this month, the ministry announced its plan to ban visitors from climbing onto all religious buildings especially those with the flat-top roofs.

Previously, the ministry permitted the use of five religious edifices as scenery observation points of the archaeological zone depending on their degree of durability. But such indecent actions have prompted it to announce the ban on climbing onto the top of all pagodas and temples in Bagan.

Currently, Bagan pagodas under the gleaming setting or rising sun are a not-to-be-missed view for all visitors, especially for foreign tourists.

The Myawady Daily