Rite of passage: Children set to become temporarily ordained taking part in the Shinbyu parade in Hlegu township, outside of Yangon. — AP
HUNDREDS of people in a village in Hlegu township took part in a grand procession to celebrate Shinbyu, a revered Theravada Buddhist tradition.
About 50 young boys and girls, dressed in regal attire, rode on decorated horses and colourful bullock carts at the procession, embodying the festive spirit of the centuries-old ceremony. With schools closed for summer, Shinbyu ceremonies were being held across the country.
From bustling cities like Yangon to rural villages, families continued to uphold the long-standing tradition. Passed down through generations, Shinbyu remains a significant rite of passage for boys under 20, marking their temporary initiation into monastic life.
“This is not just a tradition. It’s our way of preserving the teachings of the Buddha for future generations,” said U Min Min Htwe, 53, the main donor for the event.
For families across Myanmar, Shinbyu is one of the greatest merit-making acts for families, reflecting values such as generosity, selflessness, mindfulness and compassion.
“Shinbyu is not just about our children. It’s about keeping our traditions alive,” Htwe, who is also the head of a shoe factory in Yangon, said.
Shinbyu is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage. Its origins date back to ancient times when Buddhism first took root in Myanmar, becoming an integral part of the cultural and spiritual fabric of the society.
Seated atop a decorated horse and shielded from the sun by a golden umbrella, Thuta Aung, 15, was accompanied by family members, musicians, and dancers in a vibrant display of devotion.
“I am very happy to be a novice,” said Aung, who was in his fourth Shinbyu.
“I will stay as a novice for 11 days this time. I will practise meditation and learn the teachings.”
For parents like U Tint Wai, 59, the ceremony holds deep significance. “This is the first time I am initiating my son into monastic life,” he said proudly. “It is an important Buddhist tradition that I also experienced as a child. Now, I am passing it down to my son.”
Preparations for Shinbyu often begin weeks in advance, with families arranging everything from elaborate attire to grand feasts offered at the monastery.
“Parents are not just fulfilling a duty,” Wai explained. “They are inheriting and preserving the teachings of the Buddha,” he said.
Shinbyu ceremony for young boys typically involves three main parts, hair shaving, donning monastic robes, and taking refuge in the Triple Gems.
Shinbyu often includes parallel ceremonies for young girls, such as ear-piercing or temporary ordination as nuns. At the same event in Hlegu township, eight-year-old Nan Htike Shwe Sin was preparing to be ordained as a nun for three days.
Dressed in golden princess-like attire, she said, “This is my second time.” Her mother, Zeyar Win, 35, beamed with pride. “I want her to experience monastic life.” — Xinhua
