Burma, between Buddhism and occult beliefs

The different religions

You won't go too much time on your trip to Burma before realising that the country's main religion is Buddhism. Actually, according to the latest official figures, it's thought that 85% of the population is Buddhist. The remaining 15% is split between some Hindus, some Animists, around 3 or 4% Muslims and Protestants at around 6%. In Burma, the Buddhism practised is Theravada Buddhism. Monks are highly respected and the fervour displayed by the population is really very strong. In Burma everybody fulfils their duty by becoming a monk at least once in their life. For one week, for one month or for one year everybody shaves their head and puts on the orange robe. It's completely possible to go back and forth between secular life and monastic life.

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David Debrincat

Occult beliefs

More than in other country on the Asian continent, Burma is strongly marked by ancestral beliefs. Here they are described as the irrational sense and the power of the supernatural. According to these traditional beliefs the supernatural touches every element of life like time, space, water, air, fire, earth, nature, human beings and numbers. For every Burmese person, their date of birth is also essential as it will determine all future actions in their life. For the most important actions, Burmese people won't make any decision without previously consulting an astrologist. They will guide them with the help of their date of birth. Before getting married it's also very important to ask the opinion of the astrologist who will confirm to the couple, according to their respective dates of birth, if they are really made for each other or if the marriage should be cancelled. Every Burmese person attaches a lot of importance to all of these beliefs.