The Buddhist Church in Burma During the Pagan Period A.D. 1044-1287

The Buddhist Church in Burma During the Pagan Period examines Buddhism's role in Myanmar from 1044 to 1287 CE, focusing on religious institutions and their relationship to the Pagan Dynasty. The book draws on archaeological evidence, inscriptions, and historical records to document this critical period in Burmese Buddhist history. Than Tun analyzes the organization and administration of Buddhist monasteries, the development of religious architecture, and the economic foundations that supported the sangha. The text includes translations of key inscriptions and detailed descriptions of temple complexes and monastic regulations. The work explores interactions between the Buddhist hierarchy and Pagan royalty, including land grants, patronage systems, and the role of monks in state affairs. The author traces shifts in doctrine and practice as Buddhism evolved from earlier forms into the distinctive Burmese expression of the faith. The book stands as a foundational academic study on the institutionalization of Buddhism in medieval Burma, illuminating how religious and political power structures shaped each other during a formative period of Burmese history.

Unable to find reader reviews or ratings for this book on Goodreads, Amazon, or other major book review platforms. This academic text from 1959 appears to be a specialized historical study with limited circulation, primarily referenced in scholarly works about Burmese Buddhist history. The book originated as Than Tun's PhD thesis at the University of London. While it is cited in academic papers and bibliographies about Myanmar's religious history, public reviews and reader feedback are not readily available online.

Buddhism in Medieval Burma by Michael Aung-Thwin This study examines the political economy and patronage systems of Buddhist institutions in medieval Burma through archaeological and epigraphic evidence.

Early Buddhism and Its Origins by Vishwanath Prasad Varma The text traces Buddhism's development from India to Southeast Asia with focus on architectural remains and religious transformations.

Pagan: Art and Architecture of Old Burma by Paul Strachan The work documents the temples, monasteries, and religious art of Pagan through detailed architectural analysis and historical records.

The Glass Palace Chronicle of the Kings of Burma by Pe Maung Tin, G. H. Luce This translation of the Burmese royal chronicles provides primary source material on the relationship between monarchy and Buddhism during the Pagan period.

Ancient Pagan by Donald M. Stadtner The book presents archaeological findings and epigraphic sources to reconstruct the religious and social life of Pagan's Buddhist community.

🏛️ Than Tun was one of Burma's most prominent historians and earned his Ph.D. from the University of London in 1956 with this book as his dissertation. 🛕 The book reveals how Burmese Buddhism during the Pagan period was heavily influenced by both Sri Lankan Theravada traditions and local nat (spirit) worship. 👑 During this period, Burmese kings built over 10,000 temples in Pagan, with King Kyansittha (r. 1084-1113) being particularly noted for his religious patronage and temple construction. 📜 The text draws extensively from original stone inscriptions found at Pagan temples, many of which were being translated and analyzed for the first time in this academic work. 🌏 The Pagan period marked Burma's first unification as a kingdom and established Buddhism as the dominant religion, creating cultural patterns that continue to influence Myanmar today.