The phrase that has recently gone viral and spread like wildfire across social media platforms is, "You can't do that on the pagoda platform, Ko Ko!" (Ko Ko is an affectionate term for an older brother or boyfriend).
The incident involved a couple on the platform of the Shwedagon Pagoda—a national icon. When the boy attempted to *** the girl, she quickly pulled back, saying, "You can't do that on the pagoda platform, Ko Ko!" This sweet yet humorous exchange instantly captured the public's attention. Humorous videos based on their loving gesture also followed the original incident.
Indeed. A pagoda or stupa is a place of deep religious and cultural reverence, making all impulsive physical contact strictly prohibited and avoided. Connecting this event with broader customs, MY Yangon wants to share what Burmese people can do on the pagoda grounds, even though that kind of activity is off-limits.
What Couples and Families Can Do Together on the Pagoda Platform
The pagoda platform is the ultimate sanctuary for finding peace and clarity of mind. Here are some serene and joyful activities you can share with your loved ones or family:
1. Devote Time to Peaceful Meditation and Dhamma Practice
Take a brief escape from the clamor of Yangon city life and discover tranquility on the pagoda platform.
• Meditation: A couple or family can sit together for a short session of meditation to reduce stress and share a sense of mental well-being with each other.
• Bead Recitation (Pate Seik): In a quiet corner, focus on the virtues of the Buddha and recite prayers on a mala (rosary), accumulating pure merit together.
2. Accumulate Merit According to Traditional Customs
The pilgrimage rituals deeply rooted in Burmese culture are always beautiful and heart-warming.
• Offering Donations: On auspicious days, couples can place offerings like flowers, fresh water, oil lamps, and candles with deep devotion and faith.
• Circumambulation (Hand-Right): Reverently walk around the stupa clockwise (following the sun), bowing and honoring the Buddha.
3. Make Vows and Honest Wishes
Couples can focus on the Lord Buddha and make positive wishes related to their loving commitment.
• Pledge Vows: Pray together for the increase of loving-kindness (Metta) and compassion (Karuna), and for the continuation of a harmonious relationship, setting good intentions for their future together.
• Sharing Merit (Ahmya Peway): By jointly sharing the merit of their good deeds with all beings, they reinforce their empathy and good intentions toward each other.
4. Serve the Pagoda (Wai-Yar-Vicca)
The donation of effort, or service (Loba Dana), is a significant form of charity.
• Cleaning Service: Joyfully perform acts of service (Wai-Yar-Vicca) with your partner, such as picking up trash or cleaning the surrounding area, which contributes to the spiritual environment.
MY Yangon has shared what couples can do on the pagoda platforms. Whether you are a loving couple or a family, when you visit the pagoda, remember that building your love not through words and gestures, but through Faith (Saddha) and Merit (Kusala), will truly make your journey together more meaningful and blessed.
