Seven Angels
"JO PHAY NAN PHAY".
U Chit Sein (15th generation) explained;
The Seven Angels statue "weight" in Burmese we say, “JO PHAY NAN PHAY”. It's meaning is good is more strong than bad, so “bad luck can be changed to good.”In ancient times even before Burma, Sanskrit, and Pali language says angels (nats) are second God (devata or diety). They’re divine nature spirits who control earth, air, water, and guard four directions of the sky, the sun, moon, stars, and all things. Pāli says “Devaputra,” they are sons of the gods.
Many creatures of nature become angels to care for the lives of Buddha. Angel Naga always will protect the Buddha, even from the rain or sun. The Angel Rat always has answers and never tired. Angel Guinea Pig always gives love, devoted, takes care of Buddha, and finds medicine in jungle. Angel elephant has power strong for war or peace, nothing is impossible. Angel Tiger is so intelligent, knows enemy, if someone looks at tigers teeth or hears roar they must be afraid, so can protect even without a fight. Angel Garuda inspires, stands loyal and brave. The Angel Lion is a noble king, all honor, respect and follow. Since before the Buddha period, the belief is these 7 angels are the most perfect and powerful of angels.
One Mon "Pyin Yarshi" believed so strong in the Buddha way, he also followed the ancient belief in angels. This Mon "Pyin Yarshi" had a dream. In this dream, he saw King Swa Saw Ke and all Ava people surrounding their King, then 7 angels fell from the sky and stood with their king. When everyone saw King Swa Saw Ke and 7 angels together, they were so happy, but not a sound was heard, not even birds, animals, or anything on the ground. Everyone and all things were overcome with peace. The roads were like gold; also the water was like flowing rivers of gold. Finally, their silence changed to laughter and excitement, for the people all knew the angels chose the king to rule the kingdom with these seven angels.
Following the dream, the Mon "Pyin Yarshi" made one weight with all seven angels for the king. He explained all seven angels together control everything, the earth, the sky, water, and air. This Angel Weight will bring good luck, protection, wisdom, strength, courage, devotion, love, and respect to King Swa Saw Ke and Ava Kingdom. Mon "Pyin Yarshi" told their king if royal doctors use medicine tree with Seven Angels Weight, and put natural herbs on other side for medicine, all the power from the seven angels will go into herbs to make medicine. Even if the sick can be made strong, the good from seven angels will protect them from harm. After hearing the Mon "Pyin Yarshi" , King Swa Saw Ke was very happy and decreed this royal weight is made only for the king and royal family, also for royal doctors to use for medicine for the royal family. The Seven Angel was the second weight King Swa Saw Ke gave royal approval in 1st kingdom of Ava. The royal "Pyin Yarshis" continued to make other Seven Angel Weights for their royal family.
In Ava, the Buddha period believed seven guardian angels care for all people, everyone has an angel for their life. If your born on Monday then your angel is a Tiger, Tuesday angel is Lion, Wednesday is Elephant, Thursday is Rat, Friday is Guinea pig, Saturday is Naga, and Sunday angel is Garuda. These seven angels take care of the world and all people. King can have many guardian angels, but people only have one guardian angel. They must pray to that angel for everything in their life. Burma believed like this since ancient times before Pagan, so every temple has these seven angel animals. The Burmese calendar says what they can do for their life. People believed their marriage, work, or anything must be in harmony with the angel. If angels are angry, they can bring bad luck not good to their life. Burmese people believe these are the most perfect and powerful angel animals, so people can pray to them everyday.
U Chit Sein explained further ....
Kings and all Burmese people pray to these seven Angel animals, give gifts of flowers, candles, joss stick, water, then ask for their bad luck to be changed to good luck.
If give water will cause positive changes.
If you give music it has meaning of wisdom for the mind also a gift for the ears of the Buddhas.
If you give light it having meaning to take away darkness of not knowing, so you can gain wisdom understand the Buddha way. Light can remove afflictions, selfishness, pride, and sickness. Light means beauty and mind is pure.
If give incense means you are strong to do good.
If give flowers it means your heart is open and pure
If give saffron or sandalwood it means you have joy to do good.
If give food you open your life to receive.
Give these gifts then pour water with music and saffron.
Ava Kingdom's
Royal Angel Weights