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The Shwezigon Paya was built in the 11th century by King Anawrahta (r.1044-1077), a recent convert to Theravada Buddhism. Anawrahta was Theravada Buddhism's first major advocate in Myanmar and the first of the great builders of Bagan. The king had completed three terraces of the Paya when he was killed by a wild buffalo in 1077

The golden Shwezigon Paya in Bagan is one of the most significant religious buildings in Myanmar, for it served as a prototype for later stupas built throughout the country and marked an important development in the relationship between traditional Burmese religion and Theravada Buddhism

One of the many pavillons that surround the main Shwezigon Pagoda, covered with wood-carvings. The scenes represent stories from Myanmar folklore, the Jatakas and from the Life of the Buddha - a couple of scenes are unidentified as the plaque which identifies them is missing.

The Shrine

The Shrine

One of the arts to decorate

wood, lacquer ware or metal in

Myanmar is quite unique.

Glass mosaics or gems

embedded in the gilding of the

ware. Pieces of mirror or

coloured glass are cut into

different geometrical

shapes. They are then inlaid on the surface using a special lacquer as an

adhesive.

Myanmar is situated in Southeast Asia and is bordered on the north and northeast by China, on the east and southeast by Laos and Thailand, on the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Bangladesh and India

The country covers an area of 678,500 square kilometers, ranging 936 kilometers (581 miles) from east to west and 2,051 kilometers (1,275 miles) from north to south, It is a land of hills and valleys and is rimmed in the north, east and west by mountain ranges forming a giant horseshoe.

Enclosed within the mountains barriers are the flat lands of Ayeyarwaddy, Chindwin and Sittaung River valleys where most of the country's agricultural land and population are concentrated. As a whole, the location and topography of the country generated a diversity of climate conditions. The bordering countries are Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, and Thailand 1,800 km.

Myanmar has a long history and its greatness dates back to the early 11th Century when King Anawrahta unified the country and founded the First Myanmar Empire in Bagan more than 20 years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

The Bagan Empire encompassed the areas of the present day Myanmar and the entire Menam Valley in Thailand and lasted two centuries. The Second Myanmar Empire was founded in 16th Century by King Bayinnaung styled Branginoco by the Portuguese. King Alaungpaya founded the last Myanmar Dynasty in 1752 and it was during the zenith of this Empire that the British moved into Myanmar Wars in 1825.

In 1885, King Thibaw, Queen Supaya Latt and the royal family were taken to Ratanagiri, India and Myanmar fell under the British Rule. Myanmar became a British Colony from 1885 until 1948. Myanmar becomes a sovereign independent state in January 1948 after more than 100 years of colonial administration.

Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic races, with their own languages. The main national races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Population of the country is estimated at 60 million. People speak 111 languages in Myanmar. The major language is Myanmar (Burmese), but minority ethnic groups have their own languages. English is widely spoken and understood.

The main religions of the country are Buddhism (89.2%), Christianity (5.0%), Islam (3.8%), Hinduism (0.5%), Spiritualism (1.2%) and others (0.2%). Religious intolerance or discrimination on grounds of religion is nonexistent in the Union of Myanmar throughout its long history

Some Myanmar's culture along with an observance of animism, or the worship of ancestors (nat). In this culture, there are many festivals and celebrations held that correlate with nat. Nat also has influence on the practice of traditional medicine.

Buddhism has great influence on daily life of the Myanmar. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmars are contented and cheerful even in the face of adversities and known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.

Sound: Saung Zaw Win Maung - The beginning time of matrimony

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

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda