Chak, Thet in Myanmar (Burma)

Introduction / History

The Chak people of western Myanmar and neighboring areas of southeast Bangladesh comprise one of the least known small Buddhist ethnic groups in the world. More than 1,200 Chak live in the Blue Mountains of Rakhine State in Myanmar. They are isolated from outside influence, inhabiting small villages in a tropical rain forest. The Chak are not officially recognized by the Myanmar government, who acknowledge the existence of just seven tribal peoples in Rakhine State. The Chak rely on simple agriculture and hunting to survive. They rarely venture outside their communities. Because of the political instability in this part of the world, the Chak have sometimes found it wiser to stay detached and isolated.

There has been very little research done on the Chak people. The Chak language may disappear in the next few decades as only about five thousand people speak Chak their native tongue. Some young Chak people are moving to cities in hope of a better life.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The main occupation of the Chak people is agriculture. Rice is their staple food. They also fish, hunt and work in the logging industry. Along with rice they cultivate vegetables, tropical fruits, coconuts, and palm trees. The Chak trade their surplus rice and fish to buy things they cannot make for themselves. Many Chak villages do not have electricity and indoor plumping.

Life for the Chak revolves around their villages. Elders make judicial decisions and deal with outsiders. Marriage to one spouse is the norm. Life expectancy is low and child mortality is high. Families and young people choose their mates. The Chak people marry among themselves. Adult sons have the responsibility of taking care of their parents.

The Chak are primarily an oral culture. Illiteracy is high especially among the girls and women. Some isolated villages do not have elementary schools for the children. Children who do have access to schools, often quit after a few years to help their families make a living.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Chak identify with being Buddhists. Their brand of Buddhism is heavily influences by folk religion and animism. Buddhism made an impact on all people groups in this area as a cultural way of life as much as a religious one. Small tribes such as the Chak, Dainet and Thet have remained strong Buddhists to this day.

Buddhism is the major world religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha, who lived in the 6th and 5th century BC in ancient India. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths by which one can gain spiritual knowledge and escape the endless cycles of reincarnation. Theravada, one of the two major branches of Buddhism, declares that by following the Noble Eightfold Path of right intentions and right actions that a Buddhist can achieve nirvana or a state of freedom and salvation.

To most Buddhists, however, these things have far less meaning than their traditional beliefs, which are usually animistic. In animism, evil spirits must be appeased through prayers, sacrifices and rituals. Buddhism allows people to mix Buddhist teachings with traditional religion.

Two of the important Buddhist yearly holidays are Vesak, the Buddha's birthday celebrated in May or June and Bodhi Day, the holiday in December or January which commemorates the day that the historical Buddha experienced enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chak would benefit by having access to modern medicine and electricity. Teams of believers can bring these two things to the Chak. Teachers can establish schools in the more isolated Chak villages. Most of all, the Chak people need to hear and respond to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and free them from their fear of evil spirits.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Chak of Myanmar.

Pray that resources to be translated into the Chak language.

Pray that Chak elders and leaders would be interested in hearing about the Savior.

Pray the Lord raises up a growing, biblical church planting movement among the Chak people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project