Traditional Theme
Traditional Belief & Customs of Myanmar (Burma)

      Myanmar customs are in fact firmly shaped by religious beliefs the Theravada Buddhism. And also are influenced by the Hinduism and Indian Culture because Buddhism was born on the soil of Indian civilization and under the light of Hinduism. Anyhow, Myanmar culture and customs are unique in its own characteristics and it has its own value. So our country is the best place for traveling to study Buddhism.

One must always keep the superiors and noble things on one’s right side. The right side represents the good (noble) and the left side represents the bad (evil). By doing so, there is no room for the inferior being the female between the scared pagoda and the superior being the male. She must be always on his left side. In the shrine halls in the pavilions in the platform and also in front of the red posts the pilgrims are offering flowers, candles, incense, sticks, streamers, banners and colored flags umbrellas, bells, gold-leave water and food. Some are putting the cash and coins in the donation boxes. Some are pouring the water on the Buddha Statues. Believe that each offertory has its own unique effect on the well being of the donor. These acts and effect is Kamma. That means doing good deed will give the good martin. If donate more and more will possess more and more wealth and prosperity in the near future and in the next existence.

Some worshippers are paying homage. Some are reciting Dhamma. Some are telling the beads. And some are meditating. From long time experience, Buddhist people accept that by reciting Dhamma and telling the beads, one can concentrate one’s mind and get the peace and tranquility of one’s mind. By meditating one can rightly watch and analyze one-self one’s mind and one’s body. Good act, good speech and good will bring the good existence during the cycle of rebirths and one can gradually attain the spiritual purification and perfection, until to Nirvana, the ultimate goal of the real Buddhism. The fundamental essential belief of all Buddhist is that there are only three one can take refuge.

These are:
Buddha (the founder of the four noble truths)
Dhamma (the teachings of Buddha) and Sanga (the fellow-monks of Lord Buddha).
Go to the pagoda to overcome problems, to prevent misfortune to fulfil wishes to purify and pacify mind at last but not least to attain the cessation of suffering, Nirvana. These are traditional habits, and customs, which are motivated by deep beliefs on religion.

The essences of Myanmar Belief and Cultures...
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