The Shwedagon Pagoda, a Sudden Hope in the Dark Night of the Soul

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The Shwedagon rose superb, glistening with its gold, like a sudden hope in the dark night of the soul of which the mystics write, glistening against the fog and smoke of the thriving city. (W. Somerset Maugham) The Shwedagon Pagoda is a 99 metres (325 ft) gilded pagoda and stupa located in Yangon, Burma. According to tradition, it has existed for more than 2,500 years, making it the oldest historical pagoda in Burma and the world. According to some historians and archaeologists, however, the pagoda was built by the Mon people between the 6th and 10th centuries CE.

TEXT FROM WIKIPEDIA, cba SOME RIGHTS RESERVED.

Published: 2012-04-07 23:31:06 UTC

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The Most Sacred Buddhist Pagoda

The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined within, namely the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Koṇāgamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight strands of hair of Gautama, the historical Buddha.

TEXT FROM WIKIPEDIA, cba SOME RIGHTS RESERVED. PHOTO BY Jean-Marie Hullot, cb Some rights reserved

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Golden Stupa

The gold seen on the stupa is made of genuine gold plates, covering the brick structure and attached by traditional rivets. Myanmar people all over the country, as well as monarchs in its history, have donated gold to the pagoda to maintain it. The practice continues to this day after being started in the 15th century by the Mon Queen Shin Sawbu, who gave her weight in gold.

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Offerings

The pilgrim, on his way up the steps of the pagoda, buys flowers, candles, coloured flags and streamers. They are to be offered in honour of the great stupa wherein are enshrined the relics of Buddha. This act is the act of dana, or giving, an important aspect of Buddhist teaching.

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Circumbulation

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.

TEXT FROM WIKIPEDIA, cba SOME RIGHTS RESERVED. PHOTO BY Jean-Marie Hullot, cbn Some rights reserved

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Prayers

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.

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Close to the Arhats

Arhat, in Buddhism, signifies a spiritual practitioner who has realized certain high stages of attainment. The implications of the term vary based on the respective schools and traditions.

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Barefoot

The "shoe question" on the pagoda has always been a sensitive issue to the Burmese people since colonial times. The Burmese people had always removed shoes at all Buddhist pagodas. After the annexation of lower Burma, European visitors as well as troops posted at the pagoda openly flouted the tradition. It was not until 1919 that the British authorities finally issued a regulation prohibiting footwear in the precincts of the pagoda. However, they put in an exception that employees of the government on official business were allowed footwear. The regulation and its exception clause moved to stir up the people and played a role in the beginnings of the nationalist movement. Today, no footwear or socks are allowed on the pagoda.

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Devotees Sweeping the Floor at Shwedagon Pagoda

An act of mindfulness.

PHOTO BY Jean-Marie Hullot, cb Some rights reserved