Page 67 - Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam

However, due to historical and recent events, both names carry political overtones. According
to the government, “Burma” is a colonial name that evokes British rule. Citing this reason,
they changed the name of the country to Myanmar in 1989. For those opposed to the current
government, the use of “Burma” shows a rejection of the current government’s legitimacy.

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of State and the BBC use “Burma”, while the United Nations, CNN, and New York Times use
“Myanmar”. Regardless, the nationality and language are still referred to by all as “Burmese”.

Ultimately, the best solution might be the one used by many local people themselves—it is
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documents or for dealings with the government. (In our materials, you will notice that
our usage mirrors this practice—“Burma” in this handbook, but “Myanmar” for your visa
application.)

Religion
Buddhism is the predominant religion in Burma, so an understanding of the religion will assist
your discoveries. Based on the teachings of the Indian prince Siddhartha Gautama, later known
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world to reach a union with the universe known as nirvana, or enlightenment. The region is
an ancient one, predating Christianity by at least 400-600 years. Over the many centuries
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Buddhism. Most of the Buddhists in Burma belong to the Theravada school, which is the oldest
surviving school. It is estimated that Theravadins number more than 100 million worldwide,
with large populations concentrated in southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

Theravada Buddhism holds critical or analytical thought in high esteem. The main idea is to
advance towards enlightenment through experience, reasoning, and studying the teachings of
the wise instead of blind faith alone. Like all Buddhists they believe that worldly attachments
impede spiritual growth, and that through rightful thoughts, deeds, and words, one can
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charity, moderation, and follow their school’s teachings.

In Burma, much of Buddhist religious life centers on the monasteries. Monks and nuns are
highly respected, and many parents send their children to the monasteries for religious
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monastery as a novice at about age 7. During the ceremony, the young novice reenacts the
Buddha’s journey from prince to prophet. It starts with a procession in princely attire to the
monastery, where he dons monastic robes and his head is shaved. Usually the boy stays with
the monks for a week or so, receiving religious instruction. When he 20 years or older, he can
chose to return to the monastery for upasampada, or ordination.

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