A Supernatural Sale

This recent cartoon by JMP takes a bit of work to untangle, but as usual, it is well worth the effort to understand.

A woman enters an antiques shop, and sees two items. Aside the painting of a woman, a sign indicates it was drawn by Indra. (In Myanmar, the figure Thagyamin is based on the Hindu god Indra, and is known as the highest-ranking nat and considered as the king of Heaven) Then, near the harp, the sign indicates this musical piece came directly from the heavenly realm.

Upon seeing this, the woman remarks, "I don't believe that all these items are real!" To which the shopkeeper responds, "Well then if you don't believe in these items, why would you believe in 'lesser gods' at all?"

Continuing with his sharp commentary on contemporary Burmese Buddhist traditions and society, JMP is pointing out the pervasive faith shown towards nat and animist deities that contrast-- and in many cases conflict-- with the age-old teachings of the historical Buddha. Indeed, many believe that by offering the right nat at the right time some combination of money, alcohol, or other gifts, they will be able to gain some favor they are seeking in their life. So here, we see JMP contrasting the absurdity that the harp and painting could have come from celestial realms with the conventional belief within Myanmar that one can ward off misfortune and gain advantage by appealing to certain powerful, invisible beings.