At its head is the Thathanabaing[1]; under him in succession gaing-ók, gaing-dauk, and heads of monasteries. Monks, of whom there are perhaps a quarter of a million, are supported by voluntary offerings of the faithful, and are bound by vows of poverty and chastity, which are not irrevocable but may be renounced at any time. They exercise no sacerdotal functions; there is no such person as a Buddhist priest. They spend their lives in meditation, in the study and exposition of the scriptures, and in teaching young boys. Buddhist nuns are equally respectable but less numerous and conspicuous. They dwell apart in isolation, not in convents. While ordinary Burmans are buried, monks of special sanctity are cremated with much ceremony.
Every small Burman boy passes some time in a monastery even if he has no intention of becoming a monk. There he is taught to read and write and do simple sums; he also receives religious and moral instruction. The initiation of a boy as a neophyte is celebrated with such splendour as his family can afford, in a manner practised without material change for many centuries.
In theory Buddhism seems a gloomy religion. Every year nearly three months from July to October are set aside as Wa or Lent, when monks and laymen are expected to practise special abstinence and austerity. Every eighth day throughout the year is a day of rest and meditation when monasteries and pagoda platforms are crowded and sermons are preached by fervent monks. A Buddhist is not an idolater. He worships neither the pagoda nor the image of Buddha. These merely help to fix his mind on the Buddha, the Law, and the Assembly. Telling the beads of his rosary, he recites the formula, change, pain, illusion. But he does not pray to any sentient or personal Deity. The ethics of Buddhism are as high and pure as those of any philosophy or creed.
- ↑ His jurisdiction at present extends only over Upper Burma.
