Burma was an absolute honor to visit. After so many years of oppression, control
and confinement the country is entering a new world of freedom. Like a baby bird pecking its way out of its
shell, its wet wings coiled awkwardly, it squints as it sees the sun for the
first time. Burma, in many ways, is
beyond description with words. Even as I
write this, my heart shakes with excitement and wonder recalling our time
there. I have written a short essay, a
poem, a song…all erased…simply not enough.
Here is a list of words that will, hopefully, provide a look-inside this
powerful experience:
Open, pleasant, bewildering, juxtaposed, filthy, spotless,
poor, rich, spiritual, heartful, loving, admirable, iconic, hilarious,
miserable, smiling, screaming, exotic, crying, unfathomable, unimaginable,
religious, spiritual, magical, extreme, playful, loyal, communal, SPECIAL,
present, accepting, trusting, devoted, committed, contradictory, amazing,
shocked, adorable, beautiful, refreshing, bleeding, needing, wanting, hoping,
hoping, hoping, historic, ancient, important, honorable, spiritual, defiant,
gentle, friendly, smooth, hot, dusty, embracing, connected, lazy, restful,
excited, juvenile, forgiving, spiritual, stirring, emotional, bright, happy,
vibrating, shaky, sturdy, elated, tearful, dewy, fragrant, clever, astute,
shameful, obedient, resilient, private, personal…Spiritual.
The story of Burma and her people have been hanging by a
string for over one thousand years…literally.
Traditional Burmese Marionette Puppetry has deep, important roots in
Burma. The intricate process of bringing
the puppets to “life” is centuries old and handed down through
generations. Theses “voices” of Burma
are in the DNA of the families who continue this traditional form of theater
with every cell of their bodies. There
are 4-year university puppet degree programs in Burma, but it is the fast track
to a process that prides itself on one track—history. The puppets can say what the people of Burma
could not…for so long. The puppets are
the “media” of Burma sharing more than just evenings of entertainment
(traditional shows lasted from sun down to sunrise); they also share the news, politics,
ideas and thoughts that make up the people of this amazing country. I was fortunate to bring my students to one of
the true puppet masters of Burma. I
found immediate and great inner peace witnessing the “birthing” of a new
puppet, a new life, a new country. Here
is the story as covered by the amazing communications team aboard the ship:
As we walked through the streets of Yangon (where the ship
docked) we found amazing people, food, shops and….above all…Pagodas! These are the numerous ornate temples the
country is populated with…one amazing golden structure after another. Buddhism is more than a religion in Burma, it
is a universally accepted way of life.
There are countries we have visited who practice Buddhism—Burma lives
Buddhism. Here are pictures of
Shwedegon Pagoda--the largest in Burma, and one of the largest in the
world.
We took a short plane ride to what seemed like the center of
the spiritual universe: Bagan. At first glance this looks like a movie set
for a mystical, fictional, magical film that takes place on another planet. It is indeed one of the most miraculous
places I have ever seen…a true wonder of the world. Bagan is a huge expanse of land populating
over 2,000 (originally 4,000) temples.
Over one thousand years old, these temples were built one after another
in praise of Buddha. To say this is a
“holy” place would be a vast understatement….it is a stirring testament to the
unlimited spirit and devotion of this country. It was a MAGICAL experience. Even when we were there it seemed
unbelievable…could it be real? Where we
really seeing what we were seeing? Our
faces hurt from so much awe-inspired smiles.
Here are photos from land and air (we splurged for the hot air balloon
and now can’t imagine not doing it—it really was the only way to see the
entirety of Bagan).
Every moment brought increased peace…tears….peace.
And, because we hadn’t experienced enough peace yetJ we visited two monasteries
where we were treated to a Darma talk by an elderly monk on the benefits of
meditation and provided alms for young monks during their lunch break. For a country that is so “new” to knowing,
they seem to KNOW a great deal. Grow
slowly and wisely Burma…we love you.
