Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda3

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When Myanmar Buddhists go to the pagoda, they know in their hearts that they are treading the noble path to that state where the best of human nature will have a fair chance to manifest itself in deeds of generosity, loving kindness and compassion for one's fellow beings.Visits to pagodas are important to Myanmar Buddhists. The guiding force is faith in the efficacy of one's own karmic deeds. For example, contemplation of the infinite compassion of Buddha, as one makes one's way to Shwedagon's great stupa, is a good karmic deed.The pilgrim, on his way up the steps of the pagoda, buys flowers, candles, coloured flags and streamers.

Western Devotional Hall

Western Devotional Hall

Western Devotional Hall

Western Devotional Hall

Western Devotional Hall

Victory Ground

Traditionally the Victory Ground is the ground where kings, princes, generals and solders of ancient Hansawaddi Mon kingdom come and pray for success before they leave for war. In recent years, this place is associated with student political movements as student activists usually use this ground for launching their anti government activities. Not surprisingly, this place is one of the most closely watched places in Shwedagon. Just in front of the Victory Ground is the Eleven Shrine Cluster. This is a cluster of eleven shrines with a standing Buddha in the middle at the top of the cluster.

The Eleven Shrine Cluster. This is a cluster of eleven shrines with a standing Buddha in the middle at the top of the cluster.

The planetary posts on the terrace, indicate to the devotees where they may make their devotions and offer flowers and water.

The planet of a man's birthday will be the main guardian of his fate, but at each particular period of a man's life a particular planet throws upon him its baneful or its beneficial influence.

Maha Ganda BellSingu Min Bellbetween 1775 and 1779 Maha Ganda Bell is known locally as the Singu Min Bell. It was donated in 1779 by King Singu (1776 - 1781), the fourth king of Konbaung Dynasty. The official Pali name of the bell is Maha Gandha, which means "Great Bell".

Singu's Bell is associated with an interesting history. In 1825, British attempted to steal it from Shwedagon Pagoda. However, the ship that carried the bell to India sank in Rangoon River together with the bell. After several unsuccessful attempts to salvage the bell, British finally gave up.

Then, a group of Burmese people successfully raised the bell from the river bed without using any modern techniques. The bell was then restored to its original position in Shwedagon pagoda

Sandawdwin Pagoda The Hair Relics Well is said to be fed by the Ayeyarwady River. The Buddha's hairs were washed in this well before being enshrined in the main stupa. There are screen carvings on the wall which depict, among the foliage and flowers, the two merchant brothers receiving the sacred hair of Gautama Buddha.

Sandawdwin Pagoda A brick shrine was built in 1879 over the spring in which sacred hair were washed. Later, the shrine was decorated with glass mosaic work. The spring is said to be fed by water from Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River.

Ma Kyee Kyee's Hall

Northern Adoration Hall

Northern Adoration Hall

The nats are spirits worshipped in Burma in conjunction with Buddhism. They are divided between the 37 Great Nats and all the rest (i.e., spirits of trees, water, etc).

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu & InternetCopyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound Sein Bo Tint - Burmese Traditional Orchestra leader