The Karen people: culture, faith and history

The Karen people: culture, faith and history

Published by the Karen Buddhist Dhamma Dhutta Foundation

Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................1 About this book.............................................................................................2 The Karen people ? quick facts ..................................................................3 Burma or Myanmar? Karen or Kayin? .......................................................3 Karen culture ? do's and don't's .................................................................4 Who are the Karen people? .........................................................................5 How many Karen people are there? ...........................................................6 Where do the Karen people live?................................................................7 A very brief history of the Karen people ...................................................9 Case study - two Karen villages.................................................................12 Language and subgroups ............................................................................15 The Karen flag and clothing ......................................................................18 Names and birthdays ..................................................................................19 Karen Festivals ............................................................................................21 Food ..............................................................................................................23 Education .....................................................................................................24 Religion .........................................................................................................25 Power, authority and hierarchy..................................................................31 Marriage & families .....................................................................................32 Social life.......................................................................................................35 Gambling, alcohol and other drugs ..........................................................36 Life in refugee camps..................................................................................37 Employment.................................................................................................39 What does all this mean for resettlement? ...............................................40 Resources......................................................................................................46 Notes ............................................................................................................. 47

Published by the Karen Buddhist Dhamma Dhutta Foundation ? 2010 This publication can be downloaded from .au

Cover photo: A Karen Buddhist monk and two nuns who fled persecution by Burmese Army soldiers. Courtesy Karen Human Rights Group

Introduction

Since arriving in Australia as a refugee three years ago I have had many people ask me questions about Karen people and Karen culture. As I am a Buddhist monk, I am often asked questions about Karen Buddhist culture. This book answers many questions about Karen culture. This book recognises that the Karen people are very diverse. Among the Karen people there are different languages, different cultures, different religions, and different political groups. No one can claim to speak on behalf of all Karen people, or represent all Karen people. This small book has a lot of useful information about Karen people and culture. I would recommend you to read this book, but also try to meet many different Karen people and learn more about our people and culture. May all beings be happy and peaceful!

Venerable Ashin Moonieinda Abbott Karen Buddhist Monastery Bendigo

The Karen people ? culture, faith and history 1

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download