Theravada Buddhism began about two thousand years ago with Rahula’s inheritance ceremony, a son of Buddha who marked the beginning of the school. In order to embrace the Buddha’s legacy, every boy in Myanmar under the age of 20 must undergo the samanera ordination.
The ordination of their young boy into the Buddhist order of the Sangha is celebrated by the Burmese families in a traditional manner. This event, also known as Shinbyu, the Shangha-generating ritual, is a significant milestone in the lives of all Buddhist men in Burma. To gain this particular dispensation from the Buddha, households without male children typically look for an orphan boy or a boy from a very poor family, as doing so bestows upon them wonderful blessings and comfort in their life.
Before you can become a man, you must first become a monk.
This expression captures the importance of this day in the life of the Burmese people and is particularly common in Myanmar. With enlightenment—known in Buddhism as Nirvana—as the ultimate aim, the boy is trained to become a novice for a predetermined amount of time.
A novice is said to be able to increase his Karma (Merit) in achieving Nirvana in his next life by joining The Sangha in this life, according to the beliefs. The phase typically lasts at least seven days during which the novice learns the fundamental Buddhist precepts that are essential to becoming a good Buddhist.
The event, which begins with a procession to the monastery in the early morning, is incredibly dramatic and unique. The young boy appears to be a prince because of his colorful clothing and silks that have gold embroidery. The little youngster is astride a horse as traditional dancing and loud drum beats are playing in the background. The young boy always carries a golden umbrella to protect himself from sunburn. This rite commemorates Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who left the royal palace at the age of 29 in search of the Four Noble Truths, and his comfortable and opulent life with his family.
The women don’t fall behind in this low-key event either. The sisters stand out since they are both dressed like the princess and have gold needles piercing their ears. The honored family members also treat the visitor to a feast at the monastery. Soon later, the man gets his head shaved and dons a saffron robe in place of his princely attire.
Finally, the novice receives gifts from his parents including a palm-leaf fan and an alms dish. These Shinbyu, the Myanmar ritual for making Shanghas, moments are very emotive and equally brimming with joyful sentiments and somber thoughts.
