A Buddhist's Life in Myanmar

A Buddhist's Life
Buddhism plays an influential part in the life of most Myanmar people from the cradle to the grave. A Buddhist child may wake up each day to the sound of his parents or grandparents at prayer at the break of day, offering a meal to the Buddha through His image, reciting scriptures in His honour and sharing merits. The mother may cook rice and other dishes first thing in the morning to offer to the monks on their alms rounds. Long lines of monks in yellowish brown robes, holding their alms bowls and keeping their heads bowed, humbly receive whatever food is offered for their sustenance in order that they may help lay people on their way to Nibbana (Nirvana). Tours Indochina Myanmar
In the evening, children must pay respects to the Triple Gems, or the Buddhist Trinity, as well as to their parents according to the teachings of the Buddha.
A Myanmar boy will become a novice during the school holidays for periods ranging from a week or longer when he reaches his teens, or sometimes earlier. He will have his hair shaved, wear a robe, and stay in a monastery learning as much scripture as he can. Parents and grandparents take pride in sponsoring the novitiation ceremony for their children, normally associated with a feast. Many girls, too, will join meditation centres or have their hair shaved and become young nuns in a nunnery during their school holidays. Myanmar holidays

When the boy comes of age and gets married, a feast may again be held for the monks as a meritorious deed. Another feast for the monks may be held each time a new-born child is named or on any special occasion, be it social or religious. As the person gets older, he may spend most of his time reading religious books, listening to sermons, keeping fast on Sabbath days, joining meditation centres or doing the practice at home, to make the most of his life. And when he finally dies, there will be many offerings, including meals, made to the monks who in turn recite scriptures in a solemn ceremony meant to help the deceased on his way to another existence
Monk Cremation Ceremony (Phone Gyi Pyan)
A monk's funeral rite is one of the most important religious occasions among Myanmar Buddhists because the highly revered monks have taken an influential role in society since the time of royal monarchs. They set disciplines and examples for the lay people and help them in the areas such as education, organization, welfare and counseling in addition to religious services. Consequently, when the chief monk of a monastery passes away, the whole community mourns, takes part in his funeral rites, and celebrates on a grand scale in his honour.
The origin of the Buddhist cremation ceremonies can be traced back to Indian customs. In fact, all the Buddhist monks and laities follow the example of the Buddha, who had His remains cremated after his demise and whose relics were subsequently distributed and enshrined in many parts of the world.
In a typical Myanmar funeral, when the incumbent of a monastery dies, the body is usually embalmed so as to extend the time for final tribute while preparations are made for the funeral. The coffin, covered with a decorative and richly embroidered piece of velvet, is placed on a stately bier with royal ensigns at the four corners. On the day of the funeral, the coffin is placed on a hearse that is either a motor vehicle or a trailer drawn by the cortege. People from far and near throng to attend the funeral procession. In rural areas, some form of entertainment usually accompanies the occasion in order to attract or please the visitors. When the bier has reached the cemetery, the coffin is placed on top of the catafalque which has been filled with combustibles and sandalwood. Finally, the pyre is ignited from a distance by means of rockets, creating a spectacular fiery experience for the mournful onlookers.