prior to his literary career, the mandalay-born myint swe had led a private practice in yangon since 1952. he served as a principal physician with the title of "mahabhisaka" at the sixth buddhist council (1954–56), and regularly volunteered at the main hospital for monks until 1976. for his services to the country, myint swe was awarded the title of wunna kyawhtin, and the order of independence (third class) by the burmese government.