Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GLOSSARY
abhaya mudra
“Have no fear” Buddhist mudra
amalaka
lotus-shaped feature found in some stupa designs between the
anda
and spire
anda
the main, bell-shaped section of the stupa, symbolizing the Buddha's upturned alms bowl (
thabeik
)
andaw
Tooth relic
anyeint
traditional Burmese entertainment combining music, dancing and comedy
Ari Buddhism
early, eclectic form of Burmese Buddhism
ASEAN
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Avalokitesvara
the Boddhisattva of universal compassion
banana bud
the slightly bulbous decorative feature immediately below the topmost section of a stupa spire
betel
popular snack mixing betel nut with other ingredients
bodhi tree
type of fig tree (
Ficus religiosa
) beneath which the Buddha is said to have gained enlightenment; also
known as the bo or peepal tree
Bodhisattva
a future Buddha who, rather than passing into
nibbana
, has chosen to stay in the world to improve the
spiritual welfare of other, unenlightened, being
BSPP
Burma Socialist Programme Party
Burman
colonial-era name for Bamar
chaung/gyaung
stream or small river
chinlone
popular Burmese “keepy-uppy” game using a rattan ball
chinthe
mythical lion-like creature
dana mudra
traditional Buddhist “offering” mudra; also known as the
varada
mudra
daw
“Mrs” or “aunty”
deva
divine being or god
Dhamma
the Buddha's collected teachings
dharmachakra mudra
Buddhist mudra symbolizing the “Gesture of the Turning of the Wheel of the Law”
dhyani (samadhi) mudra
traditional mudra showing the Buddha seated in meditation
Ganesh
the elephant-headed Hindu god of prosperity
garuda
mythical bird-like creatures, sacred to both Buddhism and Hinduism
hamsa
sacred geese (or sometimes swan), and the mount of the Hindu god Brahma. Also known as the
hintha
harmika
relic chamber found at the base of the spire in some stupas
hintha
see “hamsa”
hti
the umbrella-like feature placed at the very top of a stupa spire
in
lake
Indra
Hindu king of the gods
IWT
Inland Water Transport Authority
Jataka
collection of popular folk tales describing the 547 previous lives of the Buddha
kala
alternative name for
kirthimukha
