It's an understatement to say that Myanmar has a lot of Buddhist temples; it's hard to go a couple blocks without running into one. There are 3 important ones that stand-out as being the 3 most important sites in the country: Shwedagon in Yangon, Mahamuni in Mandalay, and Kyaitio in Mon State.
As local superstitions go, if you visit all three of these in one year, you will have good luck. Fortunately, in our time here we have been able to make it to all of them. So, from here on out, luck will be on our side, right? I guess I should start learning to BASE jump now...
Anyway, for those of you keeping score, here are some pictures and info about the temples in the "Myanmar Buddhist Trifecta". Note that each has some association with certain Buddhist 'relics' which are usually some artifact from Buddha's life.
Shwedagon Pagoda
Visible from most parts of Yangon, Shwedagon is most likely the first temple that most people will visit in Myanmar. Supposedly inside are relics of the last 4 Buddhas (there have been many Buddhas or "enlightened ones", with Gautama the historic Buddha being the most recent one). Some archeologists consider it to be the oldest pagoda in the world as it was built before Guatama died by two merchants carrying 8 hairs from the Buddha Gautama.
Regardless of the story, present-day Shwedagon is still a beautiful sight to behold; I pass it nearly every day and I'm still in awe of its glimmering beauty.
Mahamuni Pagoda
Located in Mandalay, Mahamuni pagoda doesn't inspire much awe from the casual traveler, but it is an important religious outpost for many Myanmar Buddhists. According to tradition there were only 5 images made of the Buddha while he was alive: 2 in India, 2 in heaven, and one that is now enshrined inside Mahamuni. The legend states that Buddha visited Arakan (now Rakhine State on the south-west coast of Myanmar) where the king asked for an image to be made of Buddha. The image resembled his likeness so much that Buddha decided to breathe on it and imbue the statue with his spiritual essence. We weren't able to get very close to see it well as there were so many local people crowded around bowing and praying.
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
Last, but not certainly least, we visitied Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon State, which is less than 100 miles away from the Thai border. As legend has it, the Golden Rock is said to resemble a hermit's head; the same hermit who gave a strand of Buddha's hair to the king. The rock itself came from the bottom of the sea and was carried by some sort of flying boat contraption. Did I mention the king had magical powers?
Anyway, we started out early in the morning, above the clouds as the sun was rising.
On the way were a couple of wandering monks and this old nun who was singing as she walked down the hill.
Our first glimpse of the rock in the early morning light.
Up close, you can see that the rock is perilously hanging on the edge of the cliff. The rock is said to be balanced by a precisely placed Buddha hair.
Our first glimpse of the rock in the early morning light.
Up close, you can see that the rock is perilously hanging on the edge of the cliff. The rock is said to be balanced by a precisely placed Buddha hair.
A monk places a sheet of gold onto the rock, as do many others.
Bessie pretending to get smashed by the rock. Don't worry, there's a Buddha hair balancing the whole thing!
Other than the morning and early afternoon, this is what the weather looked like. Still, there were people who were dedicated to praying and putting their flowers in front of the rock.
Other than the morning and early afternoon, this is what the weather looked like. Still, there were people who were dedicated to praying and putting their flowers in front of the rock.
We're silly and adventurous, computer geeks and yoga peeps.
November 03, 2011
Sheila Newton
November 03, 2011
Kim
November 04, 2011
mumsie
November 06, 2011
gotpassport family