Religion and Beliefs in Myanmar Essay

Burma is a predominantly Theravada Buddhistic country. An appreciation of Buddhism and its history in Myanmar is a prerequisite for outsiders wishing to better escort the Burmese mind. there be no totally reliable demographic statistics from Burma, but the following is an presage of the religious small-arm of the country Buddhists 89%Animists 1%Christians 4%Muslims 4%Hindus 2%Most Myanmar are Buddhist of the Theravada stream. exchange to their religious beliefs is karma, the concept that good begets good and evil begets evils. The ultimate aim in life agree to Buddhist belief is to escape the cycle of rebirth and reach Nirvana. Meritorious whole kit and boodle that will assist a person to achieve Nirvana include giving donations (especially to monks) and abiding by the Five Precepts and practicing Bavana (meditation). any(prenominal)what Myanmar people, especially those from the rural areas, have many superstitions. Astrology, palmistry and clairvoyance are sometimes relie d upon to hasten primary(prenominal) decisions. These may include marriage, going into a business partnership, naming a baby, and others. To offset stinky luck, trusted meritorious deeds or yadaya may be performed such as setting melt some live birds or animals, building a footbridge, or mending a road. Religion and Beliefs in MyanmarBurma is a predominantly Theravada Buddhist country. An appreciation of Buddhism and its history in Myanmar is a prerequisite for outsiders wishing to better understand the Burmese mind.There are no totally reliable demographic statistics from Burma, but the following is an estimate of the religious composition of the countryBuddhists 89%Animists 1%Christians 4%Muslims 4%Hindus 2%Most Myanmar are Buddhist of the Theravada stream. Central to their religious beliefs is karma, the concept that good begets good and evil begets evils. The ultimate aim in life according to Buddhist belief is to escape the cycle of rebirth and reach Nirvana. Meritorious d eeds that will help a person to achieve Nirvana include giving donations (especially to monks) and abiding by the Five Precepts and practicing Bavana (meditation).Some Myanmar people, especiallythose from the rural areas, have many superstitions. Astrology, palmistry and clairvoyance are sometimes relied upon to make important decisions. These may include marriage, going into a business partnership, naming a baby, and others. To offset bad luck, certain meritorious deeds or yadaya may be performed such as setting free some live birds or animals, building a footbridge, or mending a road.http//asia.isp.msu.edu/wbwoa/southeast_asia/burma/history.htmhttp//asia.isp.msu.edu/wbwoa/southeast_asia/burma/history.htm