First of all I very grateful indeed to Ashin Indavamsa who acted as my guide to the History and Culture of Myanmar - his invaluable knowledge and patience in sharing it solved many an enigma that would have eluded me otherwise. Besides acting as a field guide he also made many ad hoc translations, questioned locals with more knowledge of the subject and in many ways facilitated the trip.

I am also greatly indebted to Mr. Lim Poh Aing who acted as our kappiya - a more willing helper it would be hard to imagine: ever-ready to get up and go when it was necessary and able to switch off when there was nothing much to do. He is also one of the most hardy men I have come across, and even long and hard work trips never once brought a complaint from him.

When in Mandalay we were the guests of Sayadaw U Sagara, and in Bagan of his Uncle Sayadaw U Samvara - two kinder hosts it would be hard to imagine; they provided accomodation and meals while we explored the respective regions; while in Yangon we stayed with my friend Sayadaw U Sumana, who similarly went out of his way to help us with any need that arose.

I owe a very big sadhu to Maw Maw Aung who runs the Bagan House Laquerware Shop, and who arranged for us to stay with her relatives the Sayadaws in Mandalay and Bagan, very kindly provided transport and a guide so we could get around the temples and pagodas in Bagan, and supplied us with books, maps and other useful information.