The Burman Newspaper
Myanmar’s First Interscholastic Student-Run Newspaper
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Protecting Inle Lake: Can Myanmar Save Its Iconic Waters?
At dawn, the waters of Inle Lake once shimmered like polished silver, mirroring the sky as fishermen balanced gracefully on their narrow canoes, silhouetted by the sun’s golden rays. Floating gardens drifted between villages raised on stilts, and the rhythmic splash of oars was a lullaby to a region steeped in harmony with nature. However…
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Myanmar Myths: The Tale of Ma Phae Wah
(Author’s note on cover page- I figured that a picture of Ma Phae Wah would be inappropriate for the cover image) In Burmese folklore, “ma phae wah” (often translated as mythical or legendary creatures) plays a significant role in storytelling and cultural traditions. She is the spirit that watches over Myanmar’s cemeteries and graveyards. Ma…
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To You whom I Carry
Dear Younger Me, I carry you with me every day – your memories, your experiences, your preferences, your dreams, your thoughts, and your expectations for me. I carry your love for noodles, Korean dramas, flowers, and manhwas, though maybe not with the same intensity. I still share your hatred for worms too–perhaps even more than…
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The Stringed Souls: Daw Ma Ma Naing and the Revival of Burmese Marionette
Behind the dimly lit backdrop, Ma Ma Naing stands with her troupe, fingers deftly maneuvering the near-invisible strings. The wooden figures – each decorated differently in lavish clothes and facial expressions — came to life, gliding across the stage in perfect harmony with melodies from the Hsaing Waring orchestra. For centuries, the Burmese marionette (Yoke…
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Introducing Therigatha Mindfulness Journal: A Reflection by Buddhist Women
You might have seen thilashins walking slowly, heads bowed under the midday sun. Unlike the monks, they collect alms not at dawn but later, when the streets grow busy and alms less prepared. Some laypeople give rice, some shyly turn away. These nuns are not fully ordained bhikkhunis. In Myanmar, full ordination for women is…
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Introducing Dhamma Literacy App for More Interfaith Discussions
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…
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Thanaka
Thanaka is a natural paste that has been part of Myanmar’s identity for centuries. Derived from the bark of the Limonia acidissima tree, thanaka symbolizes beauty, tradition, and practicality. Cherished for its cooling effect, skincare benefits, and deep cultural significance, it unites generations and people from all across Myanmar. What is Thanaka? Thanaka is a…
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Prion Disease
Understanding Prion Diseases: Prion diseases are a unique and devastating group of rare but deadly brain disorders caused by misfolded proteins known as prions. These diseases, while rare, pose significant challenges due to their fatal nature and the lack of effective treatments. Prion diseases happen when normal proteins in the brain change shape and form…
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