Page 403 - The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

Glossary CONTEXTS 401
Glossary

Abhaya mudra “Have no fear” Buddhist mudra Hti The umbrella-like feature placed at the very top of
Amalaka Lotus-shaped feature found in some stupa a stupa spire
designs between the anda and spire In Lake
Anda The main, bell-shaped section of the stupa, Indra Hindu king of the gods
symbolizing the Buddha’s upturned alms bowl IWT Inland Water Transport Authority
(thabeik) Jataka Collection of popular folk tales describing the
Andaw Tooth relic 547 previous lives of the Buddha
Anyeint Traditional Burmese entertainment Kala Alternative name for kirthimukha (see p.391)
combining music, dancing and comedy Kalasa Decorative “nectar pots”, derived from Indian
Ari Buddhism Early, eclectic form of Burmese architecture and sometimes found adorning the
Buddhism corners of stupa terraces
ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations Kalpa The current world cycle in Buddhist
Avalokitesvara The Bodhisattva of universal cosmology
compassion Karaweik Mythical bird; also known as the karavika
Banana bud The slightly bulbous decorative feature Kirthimukha Mythical ogre-like creature
immediately below the topmost section of a stupa KNLA Karen National Liberation Army
spire Konagamana The second of the five Buddhas of the
Betel Popular snack mixing betel nut with other present world cycle
ingredients (see box, p.10) Kyaik Mon temple
Bodhi tree Type of fig tree (Ficus religiosa) beneath Kyaung Monastery
which the Buddha is said to have gained Kyi/gyi Suffix, meaning “big”
enlightenment; also known as the bo or peepal tree Kyun Island
Bodhisattva A future Buddha who, rather than Lokanat Burmese name for Avalokitesvara (see
passing into nibbana, has chosen to stay in the opposite)
world to improve the spiritual welfare of other, Longyi Sarong-like garment worn by the majority of
unenlightened, beings Burmese
BSPP Burma Socialist Programme Party Mahayana The later and more eclectic of the two
Burman Colonial-era name for Bamar main schools of Buddhism, centred on the cult of the
Chaung/gyaung Stream or small river Bodhisattva
Chinlone Popular Burmese “keepy-uppy” game using Maitreya The future Buddha Maitreya is predicted to
a rattan ball be the fifth and last of the five Buddhas of the current
Chinthe Mythical lion-like creature world cycle
Dana mudra Traditional Buddhist “offering” mudra; Mi-gyaung/kyam Traditional crocodile-shaped, three-
also known as the varada mudra string Burmese zither
Daw “Mrs” or “aunty” Mudras A series of canonical poses used in most visual
Deva Divine being or god representations of the Buddha (see box, p.392)
Dhamma The Buddha’s collected teachings Myo Town
Dharmachakra mudra Buddhist mudra symbolizing Naga Mythical serpent-like creature with divine
the “Gesture of the Turning of the Wheel of the Law” powers (although can also refer to the Naga people
Dhyani (samadhi) mudra Traditional mudra showing living in northwest Myanmar)
the Buddha seated in meditation Namaskara mudra Traditional Buddhist mudra showing
Ganesh The elephant-headed Hindu god of the Buddha or other figure in the act of praying
prosperity Nat Burmese spirits
Garuda Mythical bird-like creatures, sacred to both Nat kadaw Nat spirit medium
Buddhism and Hinduism Nat pwè Nat festival
Hamsa Sacred geese (or sometimes swan), and the Ngwe Silver
mount of the Hindu god Brahma. Also known as the Nibbana Nirvana
hintha Nikaya Monastic order
Harmika Relic chamber found at the base of the spire NLD National League for Democracy
in some stupas Paccaya Terrace at base of stupa
Hintha See “hamsa” Pagoda Temple

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