In Burmese Buddhist society, to be respectful to elders is a strict religious code and it is also the mark of a well-bred man. Any youngster lacking this manner is regarded as “someone who lacks parental guidance,” which is an unflattering reflection on the parents. The Burmese preoccupation with age and seniority is evident in language; for example, there is no equivalent to the word “brother”; there are two Burmese words, nyi, a-ko, but no word for just “brother.” A Burmese Buddhist is anxious to do good deeds so that he will be attended by comfort and happiness in all the lives to come as he makes a steady progress along the spiritual path. Activities in a Burmese Buddhist community in many ways promote amicable relations between the young and the seniors. What with the year-round festivals and still more festivals in honor of the local pagodas and family celebrations community life is a busy one.
