Mingalar Examinations: YMBA holds Mingalar Examinations Nationwide

Organized by Yangon Region Young Men’s Buddhist Association- YMBA (Central) in commemorating 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Independence Day, 38 blessings and the chronicle of the Buddha (Buddhavamsa) examinations were held. 

With the motto “To Welcome Independence with Mingalar (Blessings)”, since gaining the independence in 1948, YMBA has been holding the Mingalar Examinations yearly across the country. In case of COVID-19 outbreak, it has stopped for two years. But this year on 27th December, the examinations are resumed again nationwide. 

With the collaborative efforts between district/township level associations, Sayadaws, members of Sanghas and Buddhist devotees, it was held nationwide at the same time.

General Secretary, YMBA (Central), Than Win, said " The 38 blessings and the chronicle of the Buddha (Buddhavamsa) examinations which have been held by our association have turned 73rd time by this year since from the beginning. It is more interested in by many year by year."

Regional Secretary, YMBA (Yangon), Htin Kyaw Myo, said " Based on the national spirit, strenuous efforts were made to gain the independence. When we gain the independence in 1948 on 4th January, our YMBA has been organizing the examinations nationwide targeting race, religion and education based on the national spirit as we wish to welcome Independence with blessings. In 2019 and 2020, we couldn’t able to hold the examinations."

He continued that 38 blessings which can build up ourselves, and next step-support our surroundings and the nation building with the noble way. At far sighting to the future, this is kind of training the young ones since 12 years of age. 

Examinee, Zwe Yan Paing, said " Before we are sitting the examinations, we have attended the YMBA classes memorizing 38 blessings. We couldn’t answer without the guidance of our teachers. I have planned to sit for the exam more as well as to take part in the contests."

For the examinations, it is divided into three levels. First level is for 12 years of age, and 12 to 16 years of age for second level as well as 16 years and above for third level respectively. The questions mainly go about 38 blessings taught by the Buddha, and the chronicle of the Buddha (Buddhavamsa).

In Yangon Region, there are 48 examination centers and 4816 examinees in total and for the whole country, there are 300 examination centers with over 20,000 examinees, it’s reported.