The majority of Shans are devout Theravada Buddhists. As is the case for almost all groups of people in South East Asia, the religion practiced by the Shan is their own distinct type of Theravada Buddhism. The practiced religion is a combination of Buddhist philosophy, folk practices, and animism [see footnote] within a Theravada Buddhist framework.

Buddhist philosophy serves to inform the theoretical and abstract thought of the Shan people. This aspect of the belief system provides the firm foundations of Dhamma, Karma, Reincarnation, Enlightenment, Heaven, Hell, and Nirvana.

Folk practices generally centre around the sacred temple rituals, a very strong element of the Shan belief system. The temple serves the felt needs of the Shan community by providing tradition and instruction concerning monks, merit, novices, Poy Sang Long, Buddhist Lent, life extension and funerals.

Their practices are associated with spirits, spirit houses, territorial spirits, spirit doctors, spirit shelves, tattoos, amulets, Ja Rey, astrology and dreams.

Shans have natural affinity , respect and understanding of nature, such as all living beings, spirits of nature including plants, trees, the earth, the sky, the mountains, the rivers, the lakes, temples and houses. Because of their deep respect of life, they regard all aspects of life as sacred. Astrology, spiritual healing, healing the 'soul', Shan medicine, and messages through dreams have always served as an important part of being a Shan.

In a sense, Shans are comfortable in their spiritual faith which goes hand-in-hand with Theravada Buddhism. Their religious ceremonies and sacred rituals represent their way of life and who and what they are. These practices are in harmony with many of the world’s indigenous peoples’ spiritual belief systems, such as the Native American Indians, the Celtic people, the South Americans, Australia’s Aboriginals, and the Chinese Taoists.

 

Temple

 

The temple is the core of Shan religion. Much of Shan religion and community revolves around the temple.   Many people visit the temple daily to make merit, receive teaching, and get their fortunes told. Those who are more serious about seeking the benefits of Buddhism enter the temple life. There are three types of temples used by the Shan people:

1.  Thai style, which is characterized by horns sticking off every corner of the roof, called the "cho fa."  
2.  Burmese style, which has a conical appearance.
3.  Lanna style, which is characterized by a tiered roof structure and silver filigree lining the base of each roof tier.   This style is used specifically for Shan temples.  

 

Monks

 

Traditionally, monks are guardians and purveyors of Buddhist teaching and Shan culture, performing services ranging from exorcisms of evil spirits to funerals. Today, monks are also consulted for their purported abilities to read the stars. Information ranging from a profile of a thief to winning lottery numbers can be sought from a monk who is believed to have astrological fortunes at his fingertips. This is just one of many practices monks perform day to day which provide evidence that even Shan monks have incorporated animistic and occult beliefs into Buddhist teaching and practices.

Many Shan parents give their sons to be monks at a very early age and then again at the age of twenty.   This is described as the practice of repayment.   "You become a monk when you are small to thank your mother for giving you the milk from one of her breasts and then when you are 20 you become a monk for 7 days to thank your mother for the milk from the other breast."  This teaching of repayment is ingrained in Shan culture.

Apart from repayment, men become monks at all different ages for many different reason.   Some become monks because their lives are empty and they want to do something they see as significant.   Some boys become monks because their parents have died and they have no where to go.   Many become monks for basic provision.  

Once in the priesthood one becomes an integral part of the societal framework in the Shan village. Their main responsibility is to teach people about Buddhism. They can also be hired to help people ward off evil spirits. One cannot enter the priesthood until the age of 20. They are not to be touched by women. They can be noticed mainly by their bright saffron robes and have to follow 227 laws. In Shan society, the monk is revered and respected.  

There are different levels within the monkhood. After entering the priesthood at the age of 20, a higher position can be attained called the prasawati, or an abbot. Additionally, there are the positions of pratsawami and prakrubha. The highest position that is currently filled by Khemacari, the most venerable monk in the Shan state, is called somdet achayatam, or "Master of Dharma." Although there is a higher position beyond this, it is currently unoccupied because a monk must reach the age of 80 in order to qualify for that position.

 

Merit

 

In order to atone for wrongs done, a person must participate in merit-building activities . These merit building activities can be suffering penance for evil deeds or doing good deeds such as giving alms to monks. Although giving to monks is practiced widely , merit can be gained by giving to anybody. Suppressing desire is another way to earn merit. The amount of merit earned determines where one goes when he or she dies. Nobody knows exactly where this merit comes from but it is a necessity of life within the Shan belief system. Something unique to Shan Buddhism includes the ability to make merit for others.

 

Novices

 

It's customary for Shan boys around 12 years old to enter the monkhood for a short period of time. Later, some re-enter the temple for a longer period. The temple, practically speaking, is not a bad place for a young Shan boy to grow up. The novice monk is fed, educated and looked after by his peers and elders. A novice refers to anyone that serves in the temple and is under the age of 20. Novices help out in the temple during meal preparation and cleanup. They are not full-fledged monks and are only responsible for keeping 5 laws or precepts. The novices spend much of their time in the temple learning the teachings and rules of Buddhism. They also receive much of their education at the temple including subjects like English.

 

Poi Sang Long

 

This is a celebration prior to entry into manhood when boys dress up like princes. Poi Sang Long serves as one way for young boys to earn merit for their parents. The boy enters the temple for a time of service of learning about Buddhism and its scriptures. In Shan culture this is one of the most important rites of passage for boys.   The society counts boys who do not participate in Poi Sang Long to be ungrateful children.  

 

Buddhist Lent

 

This festival represents a time of focused worship also known as "Khao Pen Saa". It is a certain period where the monks are to stay on temple grounds and others can come to sleep in the temple as a way of earning merit.

More about Buddhist Lent

 

Life Extension

 

Another service monks provide is a ceremony believed to extend one's life. The monk spreads rice on the floor in the shape of the person seeking the service. The person then lies down on top of the rice and is covered with four pieces of cloth. The monk proceeds to chant over the person

 

Spirits

 

The Shan also believe in phi or spirits. These spirits are believed to have power to cause good or evil in a person's life and must be appeased. The two types of evil spirits : Phi, which are good and evil, and Puh, which are evil seeking to harm people. Spirits can be avoided by gaining merit, making continual offerings to them, having tattoos, and wearing amulets. People who suffer bad deaths are reborn as evil spirits. Not all spirits are bad and when their advice is followed people often get results.   A folk tale tells of two spirits that visited earth, ate, and then did not have the strength to return so they became man and woman. Once a year a certain man gets possessed by the village spirit and then warns the villagers of coming dangers. He also instructs them on how to have happiness and peace.

 

Spirit Houses

 

These are ornamental miniature homes that stand outside mainly Thai Buddhist homes, but have been adopted by some Shan that live in Thailand. It is hoped that spirits will live in these houses instead of the homes of people. Offerings to appease the spirits are made at these houses.

 

Territorial Spirits

 

The Shan mainly believe in sprits that take on more "mobile" and "territorial" characteristics. Belief in territorial spirits predates Buddhism among the Shan. These spirits can roam anywhere they please and therefore require different methods to appease or ward them off. These different methods include tying a string around a house, hanging a dried flower arrangement over doorways, putting a basket of rice along with a dessert in a certain part of a house, and tying these same baskets to the central pillar of a house while it is being built. When trouble comes, house owners can go to that original pillar and ask the spirit for help. There is also a special way of appeasing the spirits that only happens once a year.   The Shan boil rice, flour and salt together.   When the mixture floats to the surface, it is offered to the spirits.

 

Spirit Doctors

 

The spirit doctor is an individual that has the ability to speak to spirits. This person is thought to have earned a lot of merit and have good Karma. The main responsibility of the spirit doctor is to help villagers ward off evil sprits. One way this is done is by means of tattoos. Their power is passed down from other spirit doctors. People also visit them when they are sick or want to know the future, which is done through astrology.

 

Shrines or Spirit Shelves

 

Shrines or Spirit Shelves are an essential and sacred part of the Shan's way of life; for Buddhas and spirits to receive offerings of fresh flowers, fruit, rice and other food, water and lighted candles. They are also for family and friends as a focus for prayers, worship and protection. Some shrine shelves have pictures of previous Buddhist teachers. The shrine is the most important part of a Shan home.

see article on Buddhist Puja

 

Tattoos

 

Tattoos are extremely prevalent in Shan society. In fact, it has been said that this practice existed prior to Buddhism. Tattoos are known for their ability to bring prosperity, to attain victory over evil spirits, to protect from gunshots, knives and other weapons, and to extend one's life.

It is believed that tattoos gain their power when they are being applied. The person applying the tattoo, primarily a spirit doctor, blows a spell into a tattoo while simultaneously making a clicking noise. Tattoos are usually written in Shan script because it is believed that spirits cannot read. In addition, it is thought that when a spirit comes close to a tattoo the spirit gets hot and goes away.

Different tattoos cost different prices depending on the power that is needed, i.e. protection from being killed costs more than being healed. The most difficult tattoos to get include those that bring honor, high position and wisdom.
Many civilian men who believe in the supernatural power of tattoos tell both legendary and personal stories of being untouched in battle because of the powers afforded by tattoos. The tattoo has in many cases, transcended its practicality. Today many use tattoos to serve as promises not to do certain evil acts.

 

Amulets

 

In the same way tattoos provide protection, amulets are also believed to affect the same power. Many Shan children can be seen wearing necklaces with amulets, given to them by their parents as protection from harm and to ward off evil spirits and sickness.

 

Ja Rey

 

The "JA Rey" or the scribe holds an important role in Shan society. He is responsible for teaching young men how to read. He also recites specially prepared poems on important occasions and knows powerful spells that can be used to help those who seek out his services and harm those he is paid to curse.

 

Dreams

 

Dreams are also an integral part of the Shan belief system.   Dream interpretation can be viewed as a form of entertainment.   Some Shan keep books full of symbols that help them understand the meaning of their dreams. The village spiritual leader can be known to have the ability to interpret dreams.   Many people come to him to ask the meaning of their dreams.

 

This article uses material from: http://surehope.net/about_the_shan/animism.asp