It never fails to amaze me: the internet is so vast.
During another late night troll through its offerings (actually, I was googling 'All about Shan Studies' to see if it would pop up - it, eventually, did), I came across a unique site - it was unique because, in all my Shan research and searches, I have never come across this topic before.
The Ceylon Journey is a site devoted to the "journey of academic studies embarked on by the Shan / Tai Sangha from the Shan State, China's Yunnan Province, Thailand and elsewhere [in relation to historical] and cultural relationships between the Shan Sangha and (Ceylon) Sri Lanka - past and present." In short, it acts as an All about Shan Studies for the transmission of Buddhist teachings from their earlier origins in modern-day Sri Lanka worldwide, but particularly to the Shan State.
The site is teeming with information on Shan State Buddhism and its history, including special sections on Buddhism in Keng Tung and a short biography of a leading Shan Buddhist figure, Venerable Dr. Khammai Dhammasamis, including articles by him. Furthermore, this site will be of particular interest to Buddhist scholars and historians, especially those interested in the icons of early Shan Buddhist studies and teachings: Sao Jarng Khun Aik, a brother of King Sur Khan Fa and considered one of the first Shan Buddhist monks, as well as Venerable PannyabhogaMongShu) (link is in Tai only). Even today, many young Shan Buddhist monks make the long journey to Sri Lanka to study Buddhism, largely through the assistance of Dr. Khammai Dhammasamis. His efforts, in all areas, are greatly appreciated.
Enjoy the site and remember: all nets, however ancient, can be cast quite far.
Mai soong kha,
Naw Liang
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