The Air in Burma

“You could say there is something in the air that that is different in Burma than it is in a Western country when you practice. It's this general understanding that the practice of the Dhamma is the most valuable thing you can do with your life.”

Ariya Baumann's spiritual journey began in Switzerland, where she questioned the existence of a loving God amidst world suffering. Intrigued by Buddhism, she discovered the power of meditation and embraced the practice. After a trip around the world and various retreats, she encountered U Janaka, a Mahasi tradition teacher, whose teachings deepened her meditation and transformed her life. Ariya decided to ordain as a temporary nun and experienced profound happiness and satisfaction, leading her to remain in Burma for years, and then decades. As time passed, she became fluent in Burmese, taught meditation, and connected with local practitioners. Despite challenges along the way, she appreciated the transformative simplicity of the practice. Ariya now supports Myanmar amidst its turmoil and encourages engaged Buddhism and humanitarian projects as acts of giving back.

This particular quote highlights the stark contrast for Western practitioners like Ariya, transitioning from more materialistic backgrounds to rural Buddhist society like Burma, where renunciation is valued and in fact fully supported for those who go down that path. Western culture, on the other hand, often prioritizes external achievements and material possessions, leaving little space for introspection and spiritual growth. In Burma, however, at least according to Ariya... the air is different. Here she found a community where the practice of the Dhamma was regarded as the most valuable pursuit in life! Free from societal pressures of rank and income, Ariya found she could explore meditation, intensify her practice, and cultivate mindfulness. Ariya's journey into greater renunciation and spiritual pursuit in Burma provided her with a unique space to embrace the profound value of the Dhamma.