Nanda Thein Zan
Born(1947-02-21)21 February 1947
Paungde Township, Pegu Division, British Burma
Died14 August 2011(2011-08-14) (aged 64)
Yangon, Myanmar
NationalityBurmese
Alma materRangoon University
Occupation(s)Academic, writer
Known forPhilosophical writings
TitleMaha Thaddama Zawtika
AwardsSayawun Tin Shwe Award

Nanda Thein Zan (Burmese: နန္ဒာသိန်းဇံ; 21 February 1947 – 14 August 2011) was a well-known author from Burma who wrote on philosophy and Buddhism.

Zan was born on 21 February 1947 in Paungde Township of Pegu Division, the youngest of three siblings.[1] At an early age he began writing under the pen name "Thein Zan" in the Thit Bawa Magazine.[2] His first article was on Memory and Thought, appearing in the November 1963 issue. Later he changed his pen name to "Nandar Thein Zan" to avoid confusion with another writer publishing under the name "Thein Zan". He studied at the University of Rangoon, obtaining a BA degree in 1966 and a master's degree in philosophy in 1968. His master's thesis was on Definition and Truth of Life.[1]

Starting in 1969, Nanda Thein Zan published at least 18 books about philosophy and Buddhism. He had a talent for explaining philosophical concepts in easily understood terms. His work included a widely acclaimed collection of lectures he had given at the Rangoon Workers' College published under the title Passing Over Rough Ground.[2] This work was translated into English by the poet Moe Hein.[3] He also wrote well-received books on the economic and military strategies of Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu.[2]

In 1970 Zan obtained a position as a tutor in the philosophy department at the University of Rangoon. Between 1972 and 2003 he also served as a tutor, lecturer and assistant professor at the University of Mawlamyine, Dawei College and Pathein Degree College.[4] In the 1980s and 1990s his work had considerable influence on young people.[1] He was appointed professor and head of the University of Rangoon philosophy department in 2003, holding that position until he retired in 2008.[2] On 1 April 2004 he was honored with the title "Maha Thaddama Zawtika" by the government.[1] In May 2011 he received a Sayawun Tin Shwe Award for his work "Naung-ta-kin-ya-tho".[5]

Zan died in Rangoon on 14 August 2011 after suffering from lung problems. He was survived by his wife, Khin Mar Mar.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d SALAI HAN THAR SAN (15 August 2011). "Philosopher and writer Nandar Thein Zan dies". Burma News International. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Philosophy Writer Nanda Thein Zan Passes Away". The Irrawaddy. 15 August 2011. Archived from the original on 25 August 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  3. ^ Thae Thae Htwe (7–13 February 2011). "U Moe Hein's final poems published". Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  4. ^ "Philosophy Writer Nanda Thein Zan Passes Away". www2.irrawaddy.com. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  5. ^ "Literati and literary profession have great love of nation and people". The New Light of Myanmar. 2 May 2011. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
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