Myanmar (Burma): Eyes of Control

Quietly speaking in a lunch-time restaurant, a Burmese man takes a subtle peak around the room to ensure that he is not overheard. Sitting in an internet café with frustration, a young man attempts to inconspicuously bypass the blocked website and view his internet-based Yahoo! Mail. He can’t; it is blocked. In rural Burma, a Christian missionary knows that he is an unwelcome visitor. In fact, he is unknown by the government. Desiring to grow his business, a middle-aged man only ends up in frustration as heavy taxes are imposed on him to limit his entrepreneurship. This is life in Burma.

Militarily controlled, Burmese citizens are restricted. They have no freedom. Having led democratic movements within the last two decades, the Burmese have seen daylight. However, that has been quickly darkened by the dictatorship that maintains control. Democratic elections have determined a leader that the dictatorial government was to relinquish control to. Didn’t happen.

Yangon (Rangoon). Cruising the town on the first day, Dan and I received our first taste of Burma. Staring down upon us, an exceptionally large reclining Buddha rested peacefully. Sitting upright, individuals searched for enlightenment at a school of meditation. They would mediate for nine more hours that day. Walking the streets, we soaked in the energy of the city as we passed through the outdoor markets.

Rural Burma. Climbing hundreds of stairs, I had finally reached the monastery atop a large hill! Looking out over the countryside, numerous stupas could be seen. Seemingly like a large genie’s bottle, the gold-faced stupas rose from the ground in honor of the Buddha. Such a monument is of great sacredness to the Burmese people. Later, as I strolled through the small town that was one hour outside of Mandalay, hundreds of eyes hit me in what appeared to be moderate confusion. Checking into the hotel, the host told me that I was the 20th American that he had ever met. Few foreigners seem to venture to the small town.

Mandalay. A large city, Mandalay maintains its beautiful elements. Again, climbing hundreds of steps, I was led atop a hill to another monastery. Guiding me up was the son of the Methodist pastor that I had met by chance. The views of the city were beautiful! My hours in the larger city were limited.

Inle Lake. Children hop into their family’s small canoe and paddle to their friends' house just across the water. Yes, water. With stilted villages, these establishments must make Inle Lake one of the most unique lakes in the world; yet, it remains unknown about by most of the world (as is Burma)! Transportation is by canoe only. Markets are a floating barrage of canoes trading in a small area.

Though oppressed, the people of Burma seemed to radiate with smiles! Indeed, love is universal! Often times, we forget this truth and focus rather on economic, political, or social standing in disregard of the love that is within all people. Indeed, we are all the same intrinsically. Simply, we must learn to place our complete focus on this beauty, bypassing all else. We wonder our purpose here on earth. Love, this is our first and forth most purpose.