President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by Union Ministers U Khin Maung Yi, General Ko Ko Oo, U Tin Oo Lwin and U Myo Thant, the Yangon Region chief minister, the commander of the Yangon Command, deputy ministers, yesterday morning inspected the maintenance and renovation work being carried out to ensure the long-term sustainability and structural durability of the Maha Pasana Cave in Mayangon Township, Yangon Region.
The
President viewed the maintenance work in the cave where the Sixth Buddhist
Synod was held and gave necessary guidance to officials.
The
Union Minister for Religious Affairs and officials reported to the President on
the exhibits in the Buddha Museum, which was arranged to mark the 70th
anniversary of the successful holding of the Sixth Buddhist Synod, include
galleries featuring the life of the Buddha; the First, Second and Third
Buddhist Synods; the Fourth Buddhist Synod during which Buddhist scriptures
were inscribed on palm leaves; and the Fifth Buddhist Synod, during which the
scriptures were inscribed on stone slabs under the reign of King Mindon; other
galleries displaying documentary records of the construction of the Maha Pasana
Cave and nine associated buildings for the convening of the Sixth Buddhist
Synod, as well as photographs documenting the Synod’s opening and proceedings.
The museum also features statues of six Sangharajas from five Theravada
Buddhist countries and 24 venerable members of the Sangha who served as leading
participants in the Sixth Buddhist Synod, along with statues of the Nyaungyan
Sayadaw, Masoyein Sayadaw, Mahasi Sayadaw and Mingun Sayadaw; the busts of
donor U Nu and Sir U Thwin; seals and other items used during the Sixth
Buddhist Synod; objects donated by foreign countries; and galleries displaying
antique printing presses, metal type pieces and original printed editions of
Pitaka scriptures.
Moreover,
they explained matters related to the galleries documenting the publication of
the Tipitaka scriptures and Atthakatha copies, as recited at the Sixth Buddhist
Synod, in computer-typeset editions, as well as their translation into English;
and galleries showcasing pagodas, stupas, temples and religious buildings
constructed and established across Myanmar as symbols of the continued
flourishing and perpetuation of the Buddha Sasana. Like ancestors who built the
country’s historic heritage structures, everyone has a duty to preserve them
for future generations.
In
response, the President stressed the need to engage experts to restore,
preserve and display the historical archival photographs exhibited in the
museum using modern technology, while maintaining their original appearance and
ensuring that they are presented with clarity and high resolution. Efforts
should also be made to ensure that a complete collection of documentary
photographs showing the construction of the Maha Pasana Cave, where the
historic Sixth Buddhist Synod was held, is maintained.
Furthermore,
measures should be taken to preserve the historical antiques and Pitaka
scriptures displayed in the galleries against deterioration and damage. Efforts
should also be made to display archival photographs of ancient historical and
prominent Buddha images, pagodas, stupas and grand temples in the country.
The
President also inspected the maintenance of the Aparagoyana guest hall among
four guest halls out of nine buildings associated with the Maha Pasana Cave to
accommodate members of the Sangha at home and abroad to be able to participate
in religious ceremonies.
At
the Buddha Sasana Sangha Hospital, which is one of nine buildings associated
with the Maha Pasana Cave, the President observed the arrangements to provide
healthcare services to members of the Sangha at home and abroad to attend
religious ceremonies at the cave and gave necessary guidance to officials.
After
viewing the maintenance of buildings, the President offered alms, flowers and
water to the Buddha image in the Maha Ordination Hall and instructed officials
to conduct necessary maintenance for the ordination hall.
At
the Pitaka Chamber on Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill, the President looked into
the preservation and storage of Pitaka scriptures, religious literature and
materials related to the propagation and flourishing of Buddhism inside the
main building of the Pitaka Library; the preservation of Pitaka scriptures and
exhibits related to the propagation of Buddhism in the Cambodia Hall and Sri
Lanka Hall; and the preservation of exhibits on the propagation of Buddhism,
ancient cultural and artistic works, and historical artefacts inside the
Buddhist Cultural Museum building.
In
giving guidance, the President said that as ancient artefacts, historical
records and documentary evidence are invaluable national and ethnic heritage
that cannot be assessed in monetary terms, special care and attention must be
given to their preservation to ensure their long-term sustainability and
prevent deterioration and damage. Scale models displayed in the museum should
also be renovated and updated in line with modern standards.
Furthermore,
the President noted that explanatory descriptions accompanying exhibits on the
propagation and promotion of Buddhism, ancient cultural and artistic works,
palm-leaf manuscripts, Parabaik folding books and historical artefacts should
be written clearly and accurately, with correct Myanmar spelling and usage.
Information should also be provided about ancient artefacts, pagodas, stupas
and Buddha images, including relevant historical details, Buddha mudras (hand
gestures and postures), years, eras and ages, so that visitors can easily
understand and learn about them.
The
President also inspected the functions of the Printing Press of the Publishing
Branch of the Religious Affairs Department and gave necessary instructions to
officials. He also observed the documentary photos of the metal-type press used
to print the Pitaka scriptures for the Sixth Buddhist Synod, as well as
documentary photographs recording the maintenance of the printing press.
MNA/TTA
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