Sīvalī

In this Burmese name, Shin is an honorific.
A wooden carving of Shin Thiwali.

Sīvalī (Pali: Sīvalī; Burmese: ရှင်သီဝလိ pronounced: [ʃɪ̀ɴ θìwəlḭ]; Thai: พระสีวลี) is an arhat widely venerated among Theravada Buddhists. He is the guardian saint of travel and is believed to ward off misfortunes at home such as fire or theft.[1] His veneration predates the introduction of Theravada Buddhism into Burma.

Sīvalī is typically depicted standing upright and carrying a walking staff, an alms bowl and Buddhist prayer beads.[2] Born to Queen Suppavasa, Sīvalī is believed to have remained in his mother's womb for seven years because of past karma.[2] After a week in labor, Sīvalī's mother gave birth to a precocious boy who could immediately speak. Thereafter, Gautama Buddha's chief disciple, Sariputta, admitted Sīvalī into the Sangha.[3] The Burmese believe that he is still living, that he can be invoked to come by a special incantation and that his mere invisible presence will bring them prosperity and good fortune.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Cooler, Richard M. "Chapter III The Pagan Period: Burma's Classic Age - 11th To 14th Centuries". The Art and Culture of Burma. Northern Illinois University. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  2. 1 2 Paw, Maung. "Maha Sivali Thera" (PDF). Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  3. 1 2 Maung Htin Aung (2 October 2008). "Shin Thiwali". Folk Elements in Burmese Buddhism. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
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