From Ne Win to Min Aung Hlain: Astrology, Numerology and Apotropaic Rituals as a Part of Myanmar Military Elites Policy

Cover Page

Cite item

Full Text

Open Access Open Access
Restricted Access Access granted
Restricted Access Subscription or Fee Access

Abstract

The article raises the problem of public appeal to fortune-telling practices, such as astrology, numerology and special protective rituals (yadaya) by current military leaders of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. It is noteworthy to say that such practices are inextricably linked with traditional Buddhist concept of kammic kingship. Such model draws on the so-called kammic path: improving kamma through merit-making activities as well as building or renovating stupas or Buddhist monasteries. Esoteric practices (astrology and numerology) provide donors with precise information on favorable time and date for carrying out merit-making ceremonies according to private horoscope of a particular donor. As the yadaya ritual carries out a protective function it could be linked to the so-called apotropaic Buddhism, according to M.Spiro classification. In public life the appeal to such practices make possible to reduce bad forces impact on future events. The evidence of various divinatory practices and protective rituals usage are mentioned in written sources on precolonial history of Myanmar. In that case the public appeal to such practices today could be seen as a logical transformation of popular historical tradition.

About the authors

I. A Zaitsev

IMEMO

Email: kouaun6803@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-0883-059X
Junior Researcher Moscow, Russia

References

  1. Tambiah S. 1976. World conqueror and world renouncer. A Study of Buddhism and Polity in Thailand against a Historical Background. Cambridge: University Press.
  2. Matthews B. 1998. The Present Fortune of Tradition-Bound Authoritarianism in Myanmar. Pacific Affairs. Vol. 71. Pp. 7–23.
  3. Mendelson M. 1975. Sangha and State in Burma: a Study of Monastic Sectarianism and Leadership. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
  4. Leehey J. 2010. Open Secrets, Hidden meanings: censorship, esoteric power, and contested authority in Urban Burma in the 1990s. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of doctor of philosophy. University of Washington.
  5. Walton M. 2016. Buddhism, Politics, and Political Thought in Myanmar. New York: Cambridge University Press
  6. Gravers M. 1999. Nationalism as political paranoia in Burma: an essay on the historical practice of power. New York: Curzon University Press.
  7. Candier A., Ferguson J. 2008. Astrological and Divinatory Practices in Burma: Mapping the beidin Category. Journal of Burma Studies. Vol. 26. Pp. 147–159.
  8. Heine-Geldern R. Conceptions of State and kingship in Southeast Asia. Far Eastern Quarterly. Vol. 2. Pp. 15–30
  9. Lieberman V. 1987. Reinterpreting Burmese History. Comparative Studies in Society and History. Vol. 29. Pp. 162–194.
  10. Than Tun. 1960. The Influence of Occultism in Burmese History with Special Reference to Bodawphaya’s Reign. Bulletin of the Burma Historical Commission. Vol. 1. № 2. Pp. 117–145.
  11. Foxeus N. 2023. Buddhist Nationalist Sermons in Myanmar: Anti-Muslim Moral Panic, Conspiracy Theories, and Socio-Cultural Legacies. Journal of Contemporary Asia. Vol. 53. Pp. 423–449
  12. Spiro M. 1970. Buddhism and Society. A Great tradition and Its Burmese Vicissitudes. New York: Harper & Row Publishers
  13. Nakanishi Y. 2013. Strong Soldiers, Failed Revolution. The State and Military in Burma, 1962-88. Singapore: NUS Press.
  14. Taylor R. 2015. General Ne Win. A Political Biography. Singapore: ISEAS Publishing.
  15. Maung Mya. 1992. Totalitarianism in Burma: Prospects for Economic Development. New York: Paragon House.
  16. Schober J. 2011. Modern Buddhist Conjunctures in Myanmar: Cultural Narratives, Colonial Legacies, and Civil Society. Honululu: University of Hawaii Press.
  17. Salem-Gervais N., Zar Nie R. 2012. A Textbook Case of Nation-Building: The Evolution of History Curricula in Myanmar. Journal of Burma Studies. June, Vol. 16. № 1. Pp. 27–78.
  18. Engelkamp S. 2008. Moral Authority in Burmese Politics. ASIEN. The German Journal of Contemporary Asia. Vol. 109. Pp. 37–53
  19. Rogers B., Woodrum J. 2010. Than Shwe: Unmasking Burma’s Tyrant. Silkworm Books.
  20. Min Aung Hlaing uses military version of ‘democracy’ as tool to maintain power. Mizzima. News from Myanmar. 2024. April 14. https://eng.mizzima.com/2024/02/12/7086 (accessed 14.04.2024)

Supplementary files

Supplementary Files
Action
1. JATS XML
Download

Copyright (c) 2024 Russian Academy of Sciences