 The Legend of the Sacred Cat of Burma |
| History of the Birman Breed |
| Hindu-Buddhist infulance on todays Temple |
| Geography of Burma |
Many centuries ago by a sparkling lake, in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains, the temple of Lao-Tsun was guarded by 100 yellow-eyed white cats with long silken hair. The temple housed a beautiful golden goddess with sapphire blue eyes who watched over the transmutation of souls. The head monk, Mun-ha, whose beard had been braided with gold by the enlighten one, often knelt in meditation before the golden goddess,Tsun-Kyan-Kse. At his side was his faithful and beloved companion, a beautiful temple cat named Sinh. Sinh would always shared in his master's meditation. As the monk meditated, Sinh would gaze steadily at the golden goddess beautiful sapphire blue eyes.
One night as the moon rose, Mun-ha was in communion with the sacred goddess, Tsun-Kyan-Kse. He was deep in a transcendental state. So deep was his devotion, that he suffered no pain when the temple was attacked by marauders and Mun-ha was killed. At the moment of his masters death, Sinh placed his paws upon the monk's flowing robes and faced the golden goddess. Instantly, an amazing transformation took place. The hairs of Sinh's white fur were as though misted with a golden glow which radiated from the beautiful golden goddess. Her deep sapphire blue eyes became Sinh very own. His face, ears, legs and tail became the velvety brown color of rich earth, but his four paws resting gently on his master, remained perfect white, a symbol of purity. The next morning the temple radiated with the transformation of the remaining ninety-nine white cats which with Sinh reflected the golden hue of a hundred brilliant sunrises. Sinh did not move from his place He stayed on the spot of his masters death, and gazed fervently into the sapphire eyes of the goddess. Exactly seven days later Sinh died carrying with him into Nirvana the soul of his beloved master,the monk Mun-ha.
A veil of mystery surrounding this initial background of the Birmans. According to the explorer, Auguste Pavie who made a study of this subject stated the pointed cats of all colors, some mitted and some not, can be seen in todays temples. He believes that because the numerous wars waged in Northern Burma by the Siamese and the Annamites through out history, that it is very likely that the origin of the Birman evolved from a cross between the Siamese cat and the Annamites cats. But as with all legends there is am element of truth. How much truth only the Birman knows and that is a secret that will be eternally theirs. ... BIRMAN
Near the beginning of this century, in a similar incidence that had occurred in the legend, the sacred temple was once again attacked. Major Gordon Russell an officer in the English army serving in Burma came to the aid of the monks. As a gesture of gratitude the monks sent Auguste Pavie then living in France, a pair of Sacred Temple Cats wearing "Nine Silver Bells. Unfortunately, the male did not survive the ocean trip but the female was pregnant thus, providing the foundation of the Birman Breed. In 1925 the Birman made it show debut in France.
Once more misfortune struck. During World War II the breed was reduced to only a single pair. Through careful out crossing the Birman once again came back. In the early 1960s the Birman had made its appearance in Britain where Mrs. Else Fisher imported the first Birmans. Since then the breed has been gaining in popularity. In he United States CFA (the Cat Fanciers Association) accepted the Birman Breed for championship in 1967.
The name Birman is from the French spelling for Burma. "Birmanie." American Breeders follow an old French tradition. of naming kittens alphabetically by the year they are born in. For example, 1990 was the letter "K", 1992 was "O" and so on. For 1993. the letter is P. By following this tradition it is easy to tell a cat's age just from its name.
This is one of the oldest pictures of a Birman; breeder Madame Vaudalle. The other picture of a Colorpoint 13b is one of the first Himmys. GCCF excepted the Colorpoints in 1955 this book was published in 1959. A reprint was made in 1960 or 61. I purchased both books and gave the later to Richard Mayo. Its an interesting contrast between two breeds. ...BIRMAN
By Grace Pond ©
Frederick Warne & Co.
LTD. London England 1959
The Birman legend is derived from a Hindu-Buddhist mix. The Hinduism encompasses many religions similar to the way Christianity encompassing Protestant, Catholic Lutheran etc. Hinduism is a dynamic religion having many gods and goddesses. These deities may take animal forms possibly even a "cat god." In the geographical areas under a Hindu-Buddhist influence, every village has the own god and every person has their personal god. In this environment a potential for a cat god exists now and for new ones in the future.
The Buddha is not a god but is the "Enlighten one." All Buddhist aspire to be Enlighten. People who follow the teachings of The Buddha venerate the Buddha like a god because he represents everything they strive for. When you obtaining "Enlightment" one breaks away from the constant cycle of rebirth (reincarnation) and take their place in Nirvana You can be a Buddhist and not believe in any god or believe in many gods. So it is possible that a village could have its gods (animal, sun, human, etc.) and still practice the teachings of the Buddha.
The Sacred Cat of Burma is surrounded in mystery and legend. The legend tells of a temple in northern Burma that practices a Hindu-Buddhist mix and it is from this temple that the legend was born. Major Gordon Russell, an officer in the English, army then serving in Burma, and explorer Augusta Pavie of France, received a pair of Sacred Temple Cats as a gift in appreciation for their valiant efforts at defending the temple from an invasion. This pair was the foundation of the Birman breed. (Sacred Cat of Burma)...BIRMAN
One should know a little about the country that gave birth to the Birman breed and its legend. Its a country of mystery and enchantment. And unfortunately, suffering. Here are some links on the country of Burma:
MYANMAR Geography, History and Culture LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODAS This site has a map of Burma. WELCOME TO FREE BURMA "Free Burma" is a collection of software, hardware, documentation, and volunteers, who's objective is the replacement of the current military government (who tortures its citizens) with one chosen by the people who live there. Free Tibet The Birman Cat has expanded my interest in find out more of Burma and Buddhism. I have discovered that the country of Tibet has a common bond with the Burmese people. Two of these bonds are; Tibet-Burmese language family and the fight for a nation and its people to preserve they culture. This link is my small contribution to help the plight of these people.
In the Region:
Cats of Bangkok Notice the Lynx Point! ...BIRMAN
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