Burma, Land of Buddha
Published by Toby August 29th, 2006 in Burma.Known as the Golden Land, Burma (now known as Myanmar), can leave tourists in awe of its gorgeous landscapes, elegant Buddha images and majestic architectural structures. Under military junta rule since 1988, the country has virtually remained unscathed by tourism, and not surprisingly, prospective travelers are warned to take extra care when visiting.
Myanmar is one of the few places left in the world where time has stood still, where the cities have more trees than concrete, where the people are strikingly honest, and genuinely warm and friendly. If you can look past the poor infrastructure and somewhat stringent military restrictions such as curfews and the illegal use of a modem or fax machine (unbelievably punishable by prison), the country offers the fascinating experience of the beautiful and ancient culture of old Asia.
A tour of Myanmar usually begins in Rangoon, or Yangon, the capital city and gateway to the country. Here lies the Shwedagon Pagoda, which has been called Asia’s most beautiful temple, and justifiably so.
Other places worth visiting are the National Museum, the People’s Park and of course, the numerous pagodas or payas around town. Animal lovers might do well to avoid the city’s zoo as the chained elephants are a heart—wrenching sight. Also found in Yangon is the towering Chauk Htat Kyi Buddha, one of Burma’s largest Buddha images while the Koe Htat Kyi Pagoda in Bargayar Road also houses another seated Buddha soaring 72—feet high.
Heading 600 kilometers north of Yangon will bring you to Burma’s second largest city and cultural capital, Mandalay. Once home to Burma’s kings, the locals consider this city the country’s centre of arts, where the age—old traditions of tapestry and silk weaving, ivory, wood and stone carving, as well as silver and bronze—casting are still thriving today.
For an impressive and unusual sight, ’The biggest book in the world’, is actually a place covered with 729 small ’stupas’ or shrines, each part of a holy Buddhist book. To experience the ’Longest Teak Bridge in the World’, the 1.2 kilometer U—Bein Bridge is a mere hour away by rickshaw, and from here, glorious sunsets may be enjoyed.
Situated in Central Burma, the rich archeological town of Bagan is the pilgrimage center of the country and the birthplace of Myanmar civilization. With a massive and seemingly endless number of ancient Buddhist shrines, temples and structures dating from the 11th to 13th century, as well as tradesmen selling the country’s finest laquerware, this desert city by the Ayeyarwady River is a stunning sight.
The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda or the Pagoda on the Golden Rock is the most ancient of all pagodas in Burma, and easily one of the most amazing. Built on top of a rounded, gold—leaf encrusted boulder delicately balanced on a tabular rock, the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is seen by the locals as a powerful religious experience, forming a spiritual connection between nature and the devout Buddhist worshippers. The climb to the 1000 meter summit is a challenging 4 .5 hour trek, but fortunately for the faint—hearted, there are porters in ’upper camp’ who are happily willing to give rides perched on ’sedan chairs’. Definitely worth it, whichever way you choose, as the views on the top are spectacular.
For a more peaceful experience of Burma, the cool and scenic Inle Lake is worth seeing, with its calm and unpolluted waterways set behind mystical blue mountains. Getting to know the lake dwellers is also an interesting experience, as their livelihood centering on floating gardens, floating markets, and their floating homes are sure to make for interesting conversation. Also not to be missed is a demonstration of their famed leg rowing technique, which showcases an unprecedented method of fishing.
When visiting Burma, one of the most striking things a traveler would notice is the simplicity of its people and their passionate spiritual values. Fitting, I suppose, of a country still quite untouched by the complications of the western world, where the sheer number of temples lay testament to what means most to them — their ancient traditions, beliefs and oh, did I mention football?
0 Responses to “Burma, Land of Buddha”
Please Wait
Leave a Reply