Khün Literature

Khün is the language of eastern Shan State in Myanmar with the center at Kyaingtone (Kengtung). The language and its script are closely related to Northern Thai (Kam Mueang, Lanna) in Thailand and Lü in Xixuangbanna, China. Although spoken in Shan State, the language is closer to Thai and easily mutually intelligible with Northern Thai, but not with Shan.

Traditional Khün literature consists mostly of Buddhist texts, both translations of the Pali canon and commentaries, and localized tales based on Buddhist stories. Especially the Jataka tales of the Buddhas former lives have been used as a rich source of literary activity in the Lanna-Khün-Lü language area.

The story "Kannakavatti - the jewel rain" is a typical example of non-canonical Buddhist literature in the Khün tradition.