Myanmar

Myanmar’s spirit world is full of supernatural beings, mixing nature spirit beliefs with Buddhist ideas. Nat spirits (temperamental beings that need worship) control nature and human life. In the Shan hills, stories tell of the man-eating kasu (spirits of violent deaths). Thick jungles have taw gyi (forest ogres that eat humans). Nāga (powerful snake spirits) guard old treasures in sacred waters. City legends speak of zawgyi (wizard-like people who can fly and do magic). In Bagan, whispers tell of guardian spirits protecting old temples. The weiza (immortal wizard-saints) and bilus (very strong ogre-like creatures) add to Myanmar’s rich spirit world. From misty mountains to busy cities, these beliefs shape the country’s culture and spiritual life, keeping old fears alive today.