July 29

Alexis de Tocqueville was born in Paris in 1805 to an aristocratic family and trained as a magistrate before turning to political writing. Between 1831 and 1832, he traveled across the United States, observing social and political life. His landmark work, Democracy in America, examined the balance between liberty and equality and the strengths and weaknesses of American institutions. Tocqueville later authored The Old Regime and the Revolution, analyzing the roots of the French Revolution. He served in the French parliament and as a peer of France, influencing liberal thought across Europe. He died in 1859, leaving a profound impact on political science.

Mahasi Sayadaw was a renowned Burmese Theravada Buddhist monk known for popularizing vipassana meditation. He developed the 'Mahasi Method,' emphasizing moment-to-moment mindfulness practices. Sayadaw's teachings attracted students worldwide and led to the establishment of meditation centers across Asia and the West. He authored numerous manuals and commentaries on Buddhist scripture and meditation techniques. His clear and systematic approach made mindfulness practice accessible to laypeople and monastics alike. Mahasi Sayadaw's legacy endures in contemporary mindfulness movements and spiritual communities. He passed away in 1982, leaving a profound impact on modern Buddhist practice.