There are many countries where
Buddhism is predominant. These countries are mostly from eastern as well western
Asian Countries such as
Burma,
Thailand,
Korea,
China,
Japan,
Bhutan etc. If we talk about the total population who follows Buddhism, then Burma is number one. Around 89% of total population in Burma follows Buddhism, especially
Theravada Buddhism. Burma can also be considered as the most religious country in terms of the total population of
Buddhist monks and economy spent on religions. If we talk about Burma economy, most of it came from the Tourism which flourished due to the attraction of cultural heritage resided in Burma. According to Tourism statistics,
Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most visited
Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.
Buddhism in day to day Life
Theravada Buddhism has played an important role in the daily life of Burmese People. In the morning, many devotees visit
monasteries,
stupa,
pagoda,
Buddha statues and started praying. The senior monks in the monasteries,
Buddhist temples started their day by cleaning the temple, whereas junior monks start their day by reading
Theravada Buddhist sutra either in Pali language or translated. In
Burma, even small children are sent to study Buddhism so, despite the nature of weather, they study their sutras and translation outside the monastery.
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| Bagan - View of Burmese Buddhism |
The tourism is one of the most influential businesses in Burma. Many people live their life as a guide to help the tourists to visit them around the Burma. There are around 2200
Buddha stupa,
Buddha images, monasteries, pagoda in Burma. Burma is also known in the world for its excellent Buddhist art and craft. Many craftsmen are all busy crafting and
casting Buddha Statues.
Buddha Statues are quite famous inside and outside the Burma.
History of Buddhism in Burma
Around
3rd Century CE, when
Great Emperor Ashoka was reigning over
India, Burma had a good trade relationship with India. And after Emperor Ashoka became
Buddhist devout, he sent many messengers and Buddhist monks to spread Buddhism all around the Asia and Europe. According to Burmese History, one of the main trade hub of Burma, increased the contact with the traders of India, thus religious beliefs begin to prosper in Burma. After the success of Buddhist missionaries from India, the influence began to increase among the royalty. And people started to practice the mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism.
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| Local Craftsman crafting Buddha Statues |
In
11th Century AD,
King Anawrahta strongly supported Theravada Buddhism and cast out the
Tantric Buddhism that resided in Burma. A Large number of Buddhist monks and Buddhist sutras are brought to Burma from the island of
Sri Lanka. Many early cities of Burma (or
Myanmar) such as
Mandalay,
Arakan,
Shan was influenced by Buddhism and
Pagan was considered as the centre of
Theravada Buddhist art and culture. Pagan in the present, is known by the name
Bagan, is one of the most visited cities in the world. These cities later discovered their own style and culture, such as
Mandalay style,
Shan Style and
Arakan style.
Buddhist Culture in Burma
The religious and cultural aspect of Burma is greatly influenced by Buddhism and the people following the Theravada Buddhism. Burmese culture is quite rich in itself since it bends the faiths of ancient Hindu beliefs, Buddhist beliefs, and other early religious beliefs. One of the popular Buddhist festivals in Burma is
Burmese Water Festival, which is believed to have originated from the Hindu traditions. Burma is also known in the world for its unique history of religions and cultures, and the sheer beautifulness of Burmese art. Burmese Art has greatly made the Burma the stronghold of Theravada Buddhism.
