Buddhism in Myanmar
From Buddhist Encyclopedia
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Buddhism by Regions China
Afganistan . Bangladesh
Southeast Asia |
Buddhism in Myanmar is predominantly of the Theravada sect intermingled with local beliefs, practised by 89% of the population, especially among the Bamar, Rakhine, Shan, Mon, and Chinese. Myanmar has a population of about 40 to 55 million. Myanmar is ethnically diverse. The Bamar form an estimated 68% of the population. 10% of the population are Shan. The Kayin make up 7% of the population. The Rakhine people constitute 4% of the population. Burmese Overseas Chinese form approximately 3% of the population. Mon, who form 2% of the population, are ethno-linguistically related to the Khmer. Overseas Indians comprise 2%. The remainder are Kachin, Chin, and other ethnic minorities.
Although a diverse range of indigenous cultures exist in Myanmar, the majority culture is primarily Buddhist and Bamar. Bamar culture has been influenced by the cultures of neighbouring countries. This is manifested in its language, cuisine, music, dance and theatre. The arts, particularly literature, have historically been influenced by the Burmese form of Theravada. Considered the national epic of Myanmar, the Yama Zatdaw, an adaptation of Ramayana, has been influenced greatly by Thai, Mon, and Indian versions of the play.
In a traditional Burmese village, the monastery is the centre of cultural life. Monks are venerated and supported by the lay people. A novitiation ceremony called shinbyu is the most important coming of age events for a boy when he enters the monastery for a short period of time.
Myanmar is home to 4 major linguistic families: Sino-Tibetan, Austronesian, Tai-Kadai, and Indo-European. Sino-Tibetan languages are most widely spoken. They include Burmese, Karen, Kachin, Chin, and Chinese. The primary Tai-Kadai language is Shan. Mon is the major Austronesian language spoken in 'Myanmar. The two major languages are Pali, the liturgical language of Theravada and English.
According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, Myanmar's official literacy rate as of 2000 was 89.9%. Historically, Myanmar has had high literacy rates.
British colonial rule also introduced Western elements of culture to Myanmar. Myanmar's educational system is modelled after that of the United Kingdom. Colonial architectural influences are most evident in major cities such as Yangon. Christianity is practised by 4% of the population, primarily among the Kachin, Chin and Kayin, and Eurasians because of missionary work in their respective areas. Most Christians are Protestants, in particular Baptists of the Myanmar Baptist Convention. Catholicism is practised by the remaining 1%. 4% of the population practises Islam, mainly of the Sunni sect. Muslims are divided amongst Indians, Indo-Burmese, Persians, Arabs, Panthays, and Rohingyas. Small segments of the population practise Hinduism.
Organizations and Monasteries
See Category:Myanmar for list of organizations and monasteries in Myanmar.
