Locals were relaxing with their backs to the Buddha statues

Local people relaxing in front of Buddha statues — Temple located in downtown

As I walked through the central Yangon, I found myself in front of a Buddhist temple. The temple was built in a concrete building facing a busy boulevard, blending in with the hustle and bustle of the city. I didn't even realize there was a temple there until I came to the entrance.

I peeked inside and found a relaxing atmosphere. I took off my sandals and went inside. In the back of the hall on the ground floor of the building, several Buddha statues are enshrined. All of them were in glass cases, and looked a bit ostentatious. In front of each Buddha statue was a money-offering box. I don't know why, but the money box was also made of a glass case.

This is a place of worship, and although there are people from Myanmar who are said to be deeply religious, there was not a single person praying there. Most people were sitting on the floor with their backs to the golden Buddha statue. They seemed to be relaxing in this shady and spacious place rather than coming to pray. One boy was picking his nose with his back to the Buddha statue. Despite the situation, the Buddha statues continued to look at the people warmly, without frowning.

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