For people growing up in Myanmar, many have heard Buddhist chants, visited pagodas during festivals like Thadingyut, offered alms, or attended grand donation ceremonies. Some of us may have even entered the monastery, if only for a short time, as part of a rite of passage. On the surface, Buddhism is everywhere.  

Yet, I often wonder—if someone asked the average Burmese what Buddhism truly is, could we answer? Despite being surrounded by it, many of us, especially younger generations, struggle to explain the core teachings, the meaning behind the chants, or the stories within the scriptures we’ve heard since childhood.  

It seems almost customary to recite, repeat, and memorize religious texts without genuinely comprehending them—locked away in ancient Pali language that feels distant from our daily lives, yet remains ever-present. But in a country so deeply shaped by Buddhism, this gap in understanding is perhaps concerning.  

Low religious literacy isn’t an issue unique to Myanmar. Around the world, organized religion is declining in popularity among Gen Z. Still, religious literacy remains important—especially in Myanmar’s context. Whether one appreciates it or not, Buddhism is deeply embedded in our laws, arts, literature, customs, and even politics. Yet, while our modern education system encourages critical thinking, these skills often stop at the temple door. We rarely ask *why* we do what we do.  

If we are to engage meaningfully in conversations about pluralism, religion, and identity—especially in Myanmar’s diverse society—we must first understand the very foundation on which many of our norms rest.  

That’s why we want to introduce the Dhamma Literacy App—a bilingual tool designed to make Buddhist teachings accessible and approachable. The app includes official Pali texts, phonetic guides for chanting, and explanations in both Burmese and English. For many young people—especially Burman youth in diaspora communities—having complementary English alongside Burmese could also help bridge understanding.

The goal is simple: to create a space where people can engage with Buddhism and Myanmar communities curiously and personally. Whether you are Buddhist, curious about your heritage, or simply eager to understand a tradition that shapes so much of Myanmar’s identity, the Dhamma Literacy App is a starting point.

May we always remember to treat each other with kindness.

Link to application (only available in Android): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lRaNS–BI5VuE3foywRPjiXWpRE4qDkK/view?usp=share_link

If you have any question or comment, please contact Dhamma Literacy at dhammaliteracy@gmail.com.