한국국제교류재단

COVER STORY

To have a comprehensive understanding of ASEAN
By _Choe Jae-hui, Ph.D. student in Oriental Studies,University of Yangon

To have a comprehensive understanding of ASEAN culture, one must not forget religion. Although many different religions coexist in ASEAN’s societies, they cannot be understood in depth without first learning about Islam and Buddhism. Among the ASEAN countries located on the continent, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam were heavily influenced by Buddhist culture. All except Viet Nam follow Theravada Buddhism.

In particular, temples have influenced the social cultures of these countries. In Myanmar, your parents who gave birth to you and your teachers who teach you are as highly respected as the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Together, the Three Jewels, parents, and teachers are called “Ananto Ananta Ngar Par,” which means “the Three Jewels, parents, and teachers with endless virtues and grace.”In Myanmar, people bow to parents and teachers when they want to show respect, just as they would bow to the Buddha and to Buddhist monks. This culture is called “Gado.”

The contents of all articles may differ from the editorial direction of the ASEAN Culture House Monthly.