The Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies

Impressions of Buddhism in southern Burma

by Sarah Shaw

Before going to the conference in Thailand in May I visited Southern Burma. Here are some impressions of our trip from Rangoon, south to Moulmein, the farthest south tourists are permitted.

The Mon area was the first part of the region to attract Buddhism and for centuries acted as a kind of reception area for the various forms of Sanskrit and Pali Buddhism that came from Eastern India, until, in the thirteenth century, Mogul invasions of Bengal reinforced already ancient links with Sri Lanka and a stronger connection with the kind of Buddhism practised there. The region reveals a Buddhism and Buddhist culture that is less well-known. If you go to this region you will be very glad of this decision, as it means real contact with Burmese people, who are friendly to visitors, and a chance to see Buddhist practice ‘on the ground’ with few Western influences.

To read the full article by, complete with more beautiful pictures from Burma please click here