Religious Beliefs in Burma

In Burma almost ninety percent of the people are Buddhists. Burmese are the majority and the proportion is higher among them. Burmese follow one special form of Buddhism and that is the Theravada form. This is also known as Hinayana Buddhism. In Theravada Buddhism, each can think individually to seek salvation and achieve nirvana. It is believed that Buddhism has been introduced to Burma by missionaries. Indian emperor Asoka sent them in the third century. Buddhism is also followed by many non-Burmese ethnic groups in Burma.

Most of the groups follow Theravada Buddhism. Some differences are there between the practices and in beliefs of those of the Burmese. Animistic elements are included in Buddhist beliefs. All total three percent of the population adheres solely to animistic religious beliefs. Another four percent of the population is Christian. Out of which three percent is Baptist and one percent is Catholic. Among the total population four percent is Hindu, four percent is Muslim, and one percent is animist.

In the nineteenth century the Christian missionaries began working in Burma. They had little success among Buddhists but successfully converted many among the minority groups.

Buddhists have different beliefs about death and rebirth. They think that those who die are reborn in a form that they accumulated while alive. The cycle of rebirth and death is believed to continue till ignorance and craving remain. Personal wisdom and elimination of desire can break this cycle. Cremation and burial are the usual way of funerals. In this ceremony a procession of mourners and monks included. The coffin is accompanied to the cemetery or crematorium, with the monks performing rites and chanting. Funerals for monks are usually organized as elaborated one. On the other hand, those who have died a violent death usually are hurriedly buried with little ceremony. This is done as their spirits are believed to linger as malicious ghosts.