The article employs an anthropological approach to examine the Tai or Shan group in Burma. The word “Shan” is used by the Burmese to refer to all Tai-speaking groups who have been under Burmese cultural and political influence due to historical connections. The author focused on two religious issues of Burmanization, namely the animistic modifications to Buddhism carried out by the Tai and the inclusion of various Buddhist sects into the State Sangha.
The animistic roots of the Tai have been more burmanized through the homage to Ko Myo Shin, a spirit highly revered by the Burmese. Moreover, the government has gathered all Theravada Buddhist sects by registering them into nine official sects. Zawti, an old sect of the Shan, is included in the State Sangha with Thudhamma Gaing, which is one of the official sects. Other local sects other than the nine are forbidden or have disappeared.