A Socio-cultural Analysis of the Burmese Shin pyu Ceremony

In this article we will analyse the temporary admission of young monks to the Burmese Buddhist monastic order, together with the ritual ceremony that frames this important act, and the socio-cultural context in which it is set. In order to circumscribe the Theravâda Buddhist context, we will make connections to the ancient Pâli texts that still govern the Burmese Buddhist tradition and we will also, from time to time, draw parallels with surrounding societies, Singhalese, Khmer and Thai.