Burmese Buddhism in the 20th century witnessed the rise of three broad based movements that were to have a profound impact on the religious life of the country: (1) the popularization of insight meditation among the masses; (2) the formation of esoteric cults dedicated to the attainment of supernormal powers and extraordinary long life; and (3) a re-invigoration of scholastic education at Burma’s elite monastic academies. Out of each of these there arose charisma cults devoted to the veneration of individuals who most embodied the ideals of their movements. This presentation will give a brief history of the origins of these movements with special attention given to the charisma cults they engendered and the sometimes contested spaces they occupy in the Buddhist landscape of contemporary Burma.

A reception will follow.