A weizza or weikza (Burmese: ဝိဇ္ဇာ, Pali: vijjādhara[1]) is a mystic in Burmese Buddhism commonly associated with esoteric and heterodox practices such as recitation of spells, samatha, and alchemy. The goal of this practice is to achieve immortality and await the appearance of the future Buddha, Metteya.[2]
Weikza practices are less common than merit-making practices or vipassanā meditation. During the socialist era from 1962 to 1988, Ne Win banned secret weizza associations, weizza magazines and literature, and portrayals of weizza from films and other media,[3] but the concept has made a resurgence since 1988, particularly following the abolition of the national censorship board in 2012.[3] Burmese pagodas often house weizza shrines, where they are venerated for their spiritual purity and their devotion to those in need.[3] Weizza teachers have also amassed hundreds of thousands of followers using social media.[3]
- ^ Lammerts 2010, p. 231.
- ^ Ferguson & Mendelson 1981, pp. 62–4.
- ^ a b c d "Magical spells are a booming business in Myanmar". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 2020-06-29.