AWAY FROM THE HEAT

ABOUT BURMESE PEOPLE

Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is a country with numerous pagodas. Thus, among foreigners, is also known as THE LAND OF GOLDEN PAGODAS or GOLDEN LAND…  In the cities big or small, around the villages -near or far, along the roads or beside the small lanes; there always are pagodas and monasteries around.  Being a country filled with Buddhists and Buddhism’s establishment, everywhere we travel it is very common to view many religious edifices. Many Buddhists in Burma who are strong believers, regularly go and pay respect to pagodas and temples believing the concept of assisting to get to the Nirvāna in faster pace.  The Buddha described Nirvāna as free from craving, attachment, sad/anger and other afflicting state of mind and body; the ultimate place of peace and ultimately nothing will ever existed or reborn. It is in the culture itself that through out the history, Burmese people donate generously to all religious structures and pagodas which take key role in preservation of Buddhist Religion and culture. This wonderful tradition and culture have carried on for thousands of years to present time that Burmese people nowadays are still full of generosity in donation.  That’s the very reason the land of BAGAN is still embellished with thousands of  pagodas beaming along in the bright sunshine and cool blue sky.

Burma is sure enough to be one of the best travel places in Asia.  To the world, Burma is a place with many intact pure nature and ancient beauties.  To me, Burma, the land I was born, is the PRIDE of culture, religion, natural resources and many indescribable values. Yes, I am proud to be a Burmese.  Burma does not have MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) or Bullet Train.  You rarely see air-conditioned supermarkets and shopping arcades (except for the big cities like Rangoon and Mandalay).  Then what is very universal in Burma?  Trishaw, street vendors, local wet markets on the streets…  Yes!

In Burma, we still see numerous Street Vendors selling various kinds of food stuffs.  They travel around the town on foot, shouting under the severe heat and selling so called Traditional Food.  They travel around the towns for all day long?  Absolutely No! Burmese street vendors normally stop by those pagodas and temples.  They rest and refill energy under the shade of religion.  These people think that THE SHADE OF RELIGION is cool enough for them so much more than those air-conditioned hi class areas…  It is the coolness of eternity.  And it is away from THE HEAT (Troubles) of LIFE…

SHOOTING

It was in May, summer time in Burma.  For those who have been to Burma might know how hot Mandalay (Central Burma) is during summer.  It is simply burning.  I was in Mandalay for 4 days with my colleagues from company. We were having new product launch event.  As usual, I sneaked out for photo shooting.  With the help of a good company and friend, Nyi Min San (BaganNat); in very short time, I was able to see the whole Mandalay on his motorcycle.  I also went to KU THO DAW pagoda to shoot a documentary blog post.  And there, I saw these street vendors taking a rest at the hallway…  I can’t help it, as a photographer I have to record those meaningful clicks!!!

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Burmese street vendors normally stop by those pagodas and temples.  They rest and refill energy under the shade of religion…