In early July of 2009th Riga was honored by visit of a very special man, a native from Myanmar. It has long wanted to write about him, but laziness and a deep reflection (read - intellectual laziness) cause the inability so far to do so. Latvia has seen a lot of different leaders and prominences visits, including visits of world spiritual leaders. It has always been associated with great scurry and worry. It were already at the both royal persons and presidents and even the Pope and the Dalai Lama visits. This time the man who attended the Latvia was a quiet, almost imperceptible, without power and media attention but outstanding and important to those people who know about Myanmar, its history and Theravada Buddhism. There at Myanmar is the monastery - Pa-Auk Forest Monastery, or just Forest Monastery, who in the last century became to one of the global Theravadas Buddhist Centre. This happened thanks to our guest - Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw, who also is the head of the convent formally informal and father. Author of this article were in a real joy and incredible opportunity to live close to this personality and even to serve and talk to him!

At all other charms and beauty which accelerates the eyes everywhere in Myanmar firstly and mostly should be placed Buddhism. I'll try to explain this through the prism of my own perceptions. Already it seems I've mentioned here and there that this country is the citadel of Buddhism. Of course the ethnic diversity represents here also other religions but in minor scale. Myanmar however are subject of Theravada Buddhism predominant rule. Remembering my walks through Yangon and the communication of its residents and visits to monasteries, I still not stopping wondering and delighting of the infinitely deep of Buddhist tradition that is rooted in society whole and each individual separately. Yangon is full of monasteries, pagodas and stupas - absolutely in the strict sense. Of course all place is across the majestic columns of Shwe Dagon pagoda. But this all are only external expression of the organic and not minor, manifestations. Read more...

We are Latvia - Myanmar Friendship Association - non government organization established by Latvia citizens with idea to promote an information about Myanmar and to contribute Latvia's and other countries interest about Myanmar, to inform public about what is going there, Myanmar's history and culture. Association will take steps to promote people contacts of both countries at the social, culture, education, science and other fields. In the area of possibility Association will provide roadmap and support to any economic contacts and activities betwen countries. Association will provide publicly acesible informative resources to every one in Latvia who will travel to Myanmar, support for optimal trip plans places to stay, will give advices on possible extremal situations at Myanmar, specific of Myanmar and minimal behaviour requisites at the time of trip. Asociation will make the best to develop and promote political contacts between Latvia and Myanmar and will promote that kind of contacts in European Union. Asociation members is volunteers because us joints fascination and admiration about Myanmar. We are welcome to every one who share this admiration and reverence to Myanmar. We will be happy to see individuals and companies to join us and together work for self and others!