Myanmar Buddhism of the pagan period (AD 1000-1300)

Abstract

Although primarily Theravada Buddhists, the religion of Pagan was also characterised by Mahayanist, Hindu and pre-Buddhist beliefs including naga and spirit worship. This unorthodox nature of Buddhism in Pagan was the result of multiple external influences and internal factors. Sri Lanka's contact with Pagan was mainly through monks and this is visible when one examines the Sangha and the nature of faith. Pagan's contact with India was mainly though slaves and labourers, and more noticeable in art and architecture. This, however, does not mean that all the changes are due to these contacts. First, Pagan had contacts with other regions but more importantly, local preferences must have played a far greater role than any foreign influence, though there is no way to trace them directly.