Burma has lost its third well-known writer this year as Nanda Thein Zan, who contributed writings on philosophy and Buddhism, passes away in Rangoon on Sunday evening aged 65 after suffering lung problems.
He is survived by his wife Khin Mar Mar.
Nanda Thein Zan was born in February 1947 in Paunde Township of Pegu Division. He started his writing life producing philosophical literature in 1963, while he also contributed to Thit Bawa Magazine under the pen name Thein Zan.
His first publication in 1969 was also considered one of his masterpieces. Definition and Truth of Life was his thesis paper during a master's degree in philosophy at the University of Rangoon.
From 1969 to 2011 he published at least 18 books related to philosophy and Buddhism. Among them was another widely acclaimed work called Ka Yaung Lan Ko Phyat Kyaw Chin (Passing Over Rough Ground) which was a collection of his lectures at the Workers' College in Rangoon.
Nanda Thein Zan also wrote books about Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu's economic and military strategies which were popular amongst Burmese readers.
“When public talks on literature were popular, Saya Nanda Thein Zan could explain philosophical terms so that both young and old people could understand easily,” said Pe Myint, writer and editor of People’s Era journal.
“His great ability was that he could make people understand his thoughts on philosophy during an hour talk,” he recalled, adding that Nanda Thein Zan's writing had similar strengths.
The writer’s other work was as a Burmese academic in philosophy. He joined the philosophy department at the University of Rangoon in 1970 as a tutor. Apart from his scholarly work in the former capital, he also served at the University of Moulmein, Tavoy College and Basein College from 1972 to 2003 as tutor, lecturer or assistant professor.
Nanda Thein Zan was then made professor and head of the University of Rangoon philosophy department in 2003. He remained in the post until his retirement in 2008.
He was Burma’s third writer to die in 2011 following Paragu, who introduced Burmese readers to alternative Buddhism in the past decades, and Nat Nwe, a well-known leftist writer and translator who helped Burmese readers connect with world literature. Paragu died in April and Nat Nwe passed away in May.
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