By AUGUSTIN

 

“CONNECTING on the Universal Dance of Words” high­lights the shared rhythm of language, fostering uni­ty, understanding, and the beauty of communication worldwide.

 

yd#uwf tdk;uGJ

/pi.ta.kat-ui:kwai:/

 

• A Broken Piece of Trip­itaka-Pot

½Sif;vif;csuf-

 

• okwf? 0denf;? tbd"r®m [laomyd#uwfoHk;yHkonf jref rmyd#uwfrsm;ESifh ywfoufí toHk;rsm;aom a0g[m&wpf ckjzpfonf/

 

• Sutra is a collection of teachings and rules given by the Buddha. Vinaya is a set of guidelines for monastic life and discipline. Abhidhamma explains the deeper meanings of the mind and phenomena.

 

•taemufwdkif; ynm&SifwdkYu yd#uwf[laom yk'fudk Ak'¨\ w&m;awmfrsm; odkavSmif&m &wemodkuf[k t"dyÜm,f

aumuf,lzGifhqdkMuonf/

 

•ynm&yfwpfckudk t[kwftrSef rwwfbJ wwfcsifa,mif aqmifaomolrsm;udk oa&mf onfhtcg yd#uwftdk;uGJ[k oHk;onf/ yd#uwftdk;\qefY usifzuftoHk;tEIef;jzpfonf/

 

•rif;&JUom; yd#uwftdk;uGJ olY­ta':tysKdKBuD;udk oGm;tmae­jyefNyD...

 

A person who is knowledge­able about Buddhist scriptures is referred to as a pot or reposi­tory for the Tripitaka. However, someone who pretends to be knowledgeable despite having little understanding is ironically called a broken piece of the Trip­itaka pot.

 

This Myanmar idiom high­lights the difference between genuine knowledge and superfi­cial understanding. In Buddhist culture, the Tripitaka represents a vast reservoir of wisdom and teachings. A person who truly em­bodies the teachings is seen as a valuable vessel, akin to a pot that holds precious contents.

 

In contrast, someone who feigns knowledge but lacks depth is compared to a broken pot — useless and unable to serve its intended purpose.

 

This me t a p h o r serves as a cautionary reminder about t h e importance of sincerity in learning and sharing knowledge. It en­courages individuals to seek true understanding rather than merely presenting a façade of wisdom.

 

Ultimately, the idiom em­phasizes that true knowledge is more valuable than the ap­pearance of knowledge.

 

USAGES:

All hat and no cattle

Definition: Someone who boasts about their abilities or knowledge but lacks the sub­stance to back it up.

 

Example: He claims to be an expert in finance, but he’s just all hat and no cattle when it comes to making real investments.

 

A jack of all trades, but a mas­ter of none

Definition: A person who is skilled in many areas but not an expert in any.

Example: She can fix a car, paint a house, and cook a meal, but she’s really just a jack of all trades, but a master of none.

 

Fake it till you make it

Definition: To pretend to be competent or confident in a skill until achieving actual proficiency.

Example: He didn’t know how to lead a team at first, but he decided to fake it till he made it, and now he’s a confident manager.

 

Putting on airs

Definition: To act as if one is more important or knowledgeable than one actually is.

Example: She’s always put­ting on airs, pretending she knows everything about art, but she can’t even name a famous painter.

 

Know enough to be dangerous

Definition: To have a su­perficial knowledge of a subject, leading to mistakes or poor advice.

Example: He knows enough to be dangerous when it comes to com­puter programming; he often breaks things without know­i n g how to fix them.

 

Playing the part

Definition: To act as if one has certain skills or knowledge, often without the actual expertise.

Example: She’s been play­ing the part of a tech expert, but when asked technical questions, she struggles to provide clear answers.

 

ycHk;ajymif;

/pa.hkum:praung:/

• To shift from one shoulder to another

wm0efvTJajymif;onf/

EdkifiHhwm0efrsm;udk ycHk;ajymif; xrf;aqmifEdkifonfh vlawmfvl aumif;rsm;jzpfap&ef...

vli,fvl&G,frsm;onf wd­kif;jynf\tem*wftwGuf acgif;aqmif aumif;rsm; Ed­kifiHawmf\wm0efrsm;udk ycHk;a­jymif;wm0ef xrf;aqmifMurnfY olrsm;jzpf onf...

ycHk;ajymif;xrf;zdkYtvSnfYus ...

When a person carrying a heavy load feels pain in their shoulder due to the weight and friction, they will shift the load to the other shoulder.

 

This act of transferring the weight is not merely a physical response; it serves as a meta­phor for a broader concept. The phrase "shifting from one shoul­der to another" can be interpret­ed as a way of handing over one’s own responsibilities to anoth­er person.

 

This idiom serves as a remind­er to members of a community about the importance of sharing responsi­bilities. It encourages individuals to take their turn in shouldering the collective burdens of the group.

 

By doing so, they contribute to achieving common goals and benefits that serve the interests of the entire community.

 

Ultimately, this shared sense of responsibility fosters cooperation, unity, and a spirit of collaboration, which are essential for the overall well-being and suc­cess of the community as a whole.

 

USAGES:

Many hands make light work

Definition: Tasks become easier and quicker to accomplish when many people work together.

Example: If we all pitch in to clean the park, many hands make light work, and we’ll finish in no time.

 

United we stand, divided we fall

Definition: A group is stronger and more successful when united but weaker and prone to failure when divided.

Example: The team must remember that united we stand, divided we fall; we need to sup­port each other to achieve our goals.

 

Shouldering the burden

Definition: To take on re­sponsibilities or challenges that others may avoid.

Example: During the pro­ject, she didn’t hesitate to shoul­der the burden when her team­mates were overwhelmed with other tasks.

 

It takes a village

Definition: Emphasizes the importance of collective effort in raising or supporting individuals.

Example: Raising children is a team effort; it takes a village to ensure they grow up happy and healthy.

 

Pulling together

Definition: To work collab­oratively and cooperatively to­wards a shared goal.

Example: If we’re going to finish this project on time, we need to start pulling together and coordinating our efforts.

 

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link

Definition: The strength of a group depends on the strength of each member; one failure can impact the whole.

Example: We must support each other in our roles; remem­ber, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

 

Teamwork makes the dream work

Definition: Success is more achievable when individuals col­laborate effectively as a team.

Example: Let’s brainstorm ideas together; teamwork makes the dream work, and we’ll come up with something great.

 

yDavmyif ywfusdwuf

/ pe lawpin pat kyai tat/

 

• The slug ascending a slip­pery Pilaw plant

½Sif;vif;csuf-

 

yufusdwpfaumifonf acsm aomtyifudkwufaomtcg­wGif ydkíyifacsmvmonf/ xdkY aMumifh pum; ajym&mwGif tvGef acsmarGUaeoludk yDavmyifwuf aeonfh ywfusdESifhcdkif;EdIif;onf/

 

pum;ajym&mwGif tvGefacsmarGU aeoludk yDavmyif(Corchoros capsularis) wufaeonfhyuf usdESifh cdkif;EIdkif;onf/

 

þtoHk;tEIef;onftjcm;olrsm; udk vSnfYzsm;&ef tm0ZÆef;toHk;­jyKolrsm;udk owday;xm;onf/

 

The pilaw plant (Corchorus capsularis) releases a greasy juice when boiled, making it slippery.

 

Therefore, when a slug climbs this slippery plant, it be­comes even more slippery. Thus, a person who is excessively smooth in speech is likened to the slug ascending the pilaw plant.

 

This Myanmar idiom illus­trates the concept of smoothness in communication, particularly when it borders on deceitfulness or manipulation.

 

The pilaw plant's natural slip­periness symbolizes the ease with which someone can navigate conversations, especially when they are overly charming or persuasive.

 

The slug's ascent adds a lay­er of complexity, suggesting that such smoothness can amplify the risk of slipping into dishonesty or insincerity.

 

This idiom warns against in­dividuals who use their eloquence to sway others without genuine intent.

 

It serves as a reminder to be cautious of those who may use flattery or smooth talk to achieve their goals, as their in­tentions may not align with the truth. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of authenticity in communication.

 

USAGES:

All that glitters is not gold

Definition: Not everything that appears valuable or attrac­tive is genuinely so; appearances can be deceiving.

Example: She seemed very charming and helpful, but re­member, all that glitters is not gold; be cautious before trusting her completely.

 

Smooth talker

Definition: Someone who uses persuasive and flattering language to manipulate others, often for per­sonal gain.

Exam­ple: H e’s such a smooth talker; don’t be fooled by his compliments – he’s just trying to get what he wants.

 

Lip service

Definition: Insincere ex­pressions of support or agree­ment, often without genuine commitment.

Example: The politician gave lip service to the commu­nity’s needs, but his actions showed he had no real intention of helping.

 

Empty promises

Definition: Promises made without the intention or ability to fulfil them; insincere assur­ances.

Example: Be wary of his empty promises; he often says what people want to hear but never delivers.

 

Crocodile tears

Definition: Insincere ex­pressions of sorrow or sympa­thy, often used to manipulate others.

Example: Don’t fall for her crocodile tears; she’s just trying to gain sympathy after getting caught in her lies.

 

Sugarcoat the truth

Defi­n i t i o n : To make s o m e ­t h i n g unpleas­ant seem more ac­ceptable or pleasant than it really is.

Example: He tends to sugarcoat the truth about his failures, making them sound far less serious than they are.