On The Road In Mandalay...

Mandalay

il 31 ottobre

A morning flight to Mandalay and a first glimpse of Myanmar - roadside stands selling food and goods coupled with visits to the Mahamuni Pagoda and Mandalay Hill, site of the former royal palace; it was an introduction of contrasts and, in many ways, a reflection of what would follow in the days ahead. 

 Making Thanaka

This trip provided an entry into the life of the Buddha and a sense of Buddhism that I would not have had anywhere else. Being in a country where worship and the giving of alms is a shared everyday experience regardless of age, sex, economic and social standing was unlike anything I had ever experienced. To many, Buddhism is more a “way of life” than simply a religion. To lead a moral life, to be mindful of one’s thoughts and actions, to develop wisdom and an understanding of the cosmos is its foundation, guided by the law of karma (the key to Buddhist morality); the absolute realization that every thought we have and very action we take will have an effect for future happiness or suffering. Life is impermanent and what we have is the present; following the path to righteousness is there for all and meditation is at the heart of it. And, in Myanmar, this teaching begins with the young.

The Mahumuni Pagoda, built in 1785 by King Bodawpaya,  is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar as it is the home of the most highly revered Buddha image in the country. The “Great Image” is enshrined in a small chamber and weighs over six tons.To show their respect, male followers apply gold leaf to the image and, as the current layer is approximately 15 centimeters thick, its shape has been distorted over the years.

Mandalay Hill was the site of an original royal palace; however, what the visitor sees is a reconstruction done in the 1990’s. When the British took over the palace in 1885, they exiled the king to India and used his home as a base for its troops, looting many of the royal treasures and sending them to London. In World War II, the Japanese captured the palace and turned it into a supply depot. In retaliation, the Allies bombed the site, and, except for the Shwenandaw Monastery, completely built in teak, the watch tower and royal mint, everything else was destroyed.  Even so, as the last seat of Myanmar royalty and the pride of the city, the Mandalay Palace draws tourists from near and far and is well worth a visit.

King Thibaw and Queen Supayalat