National Religion of Cambodia
The motto of Cambodia is “Nation, Religion, King,” which highlights the significant role that Buddhism, the country’s national religion, plays in its cultural and social fabric.
Approximately 95% of Cambodia’s population identifies as Buddhist. The principles of Buddhism influence nearly every facet of Cambodian culture, making it challenging to distinguish between religious practices and cultural customs. While the older generation tends to adhere more closely to Buddhist rituals, major festivals are widely celebrated across the entire population.
History
The Khmer Empire was predominantly influenced by Hinduism for many years, with only a few Buddhist monarchs in power. Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu temple globally, is dedicated to Vishnu. Buddhism made its way to Cambodia as early as the 5th century AD, largely due to the interactions with Hindu traders and the Mon kingdoms. For an extended period, Hinduism and Buddhism coexisted harmoniously in Cambodia. When Jayavarman VII declared Buddhism the national religion, it naturally incorporated Hindu symbols and traditions.
Jayavarman reinforced Buddhism’s role in Cambodia by sending his son to study Theravada Buddhism and to be ordained as a monk. This transition from Hinduism to Buddhism marked a shift from the concept of the god-king to the reverence of monks. Consequently, the focus on constructing grand temples to honor kings diminished, giving way to the establishment of libraries, hospitals, and educational institutions aimed at enhancing the well-being of the populace rather than solely venerating deities. This may help to elucidate the rapid transformation in religious beliefs among the Khmer people within a relatively brief period.
Buddhism in Everyday Life.
The pagoda serves as the central element of Cambodian life, with numerous villages, towns, and cities emerging around particularly vibrant pagodas. Historically, the pagoda functioned as an educational institution for boys, and many young Cambodian men, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, continue to spend a period ranging from one to ten years there to take advantage of the educational opportunities available.
Buddhism imparts teachings on reincarnation and karma, positing that virtuous actions yield positive outcomes and a higher status in future life cycles, while negative actions can lead to adverse consequences and a diminished status. This belief may elucidate the often dismissive attitudes towards impoverished or disabled individuals within Cambodian society, as many perceive their hardships as a result of past life actions.
- Buddhism outlines five fundamental precepts that guide individuals in their conduct to foster a fulfilling life:
1. To abstain from taking life.
2. To refrain from stealing.
3. To avoid sexual misconduct.
4. To avoid falsehood.
5. To abstain from intoxicants that impair mindfulness.
Buddhist monks typically adhere to additional precepts, including celibacy, refraining from eating after noon, and forgoing entertainment and personal possessions.
Many Buddhist teachings advocate for the alleviation of suffering, anxiety, and dissatisfaction, which are regarded as universal human experiences. The cessation of such feelings is considered a goal for all individuals. This fundamental belief is evident in broader Cambodian culture, where maintaining harmony is prioritized over the pursuit of justice or independence. Individuals who exhibit loud or aggressive behavior are often viewed as impolite or disrespectful, and confrontations are generally avoided.
Celebrations
Many of the prominent annual festivals in Cambodia are closely associated with Buddhist traditions. The Khmer New Year festivities in April involve the veneration of Buddha statues and the presentation of offerings at pagodas. Pchum Ben, or the festival of the ancestors, takes place in October, marking the conclusion of the traditional three-month retreat for Buddhist monks.
Monks and nuns officiate at weddings and funerals, and it is customary for monks to bless new homes, properties, or acquisitions to ensure good fortune. Water blessings are a prevalent practice, during which individuals, and occasionally their belongings, are thoroughly drenched in consecrated water to bestow good luck and protection.
Buddhism and the supernatural
Numerous beliefs associated with Buddhism in Cambodia are, in fact, rooted in concepts and practices that are more aligned with animism and the spirit realm than with Buddhism itself. In rural areas, there exists a profound belief in ghosts and spirits. Most properties feature spirit houses—small wooden structures where incense and offerings are presented to appease the spirits of the land that may be disturbed by human activity.
This belief in spirits also influences various traditional medicinal and healing practices, which are occasionally connected to monks and Buddhism. Many Cambodians prefer to seek help from monks or traditional healers when they are unwell, rather than consulting medical doctors. Additionally, there is a significant belief in fortune-telling and clairvoyance, with specialists in these fields frequently consulted for guidance on crucial decisions, such as real estate investments, long journeys, or issues related to marriage and family.
Other religious minorities
Hinduism, once the predominant religion in Cambodia for many years, has largely diminished in presence today. The most significant minority faith is Islam, primarily practiced by the Cham Muslims, a tribal minority group in the country. Currently, there are around 200,000 Cham Muslims in Cambodia, a number that has significantly decreased due to severe persecution during the Khmer Rouge regime.
Christianity was introduced to Cambodia centuries ago; however, it struggled to gain a foothold due to the deep-seated loyalty of the populace to their King and his faith. The establishment of the French Protectorate did not significantly enhance the growth of Christianity or Catholicism throughout the 20th century. Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge, the arrival of faith-based non-governmental organizations may have contributed to a modest increase in the awareness of Christianity. A notable trend is the growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the Mormons), which has established 31 congregations over the past 15 years.
Aside from the Khmer Rouge period, during which all religious practices were prohibited, Cambodia has historically exhibited a tolerant attitude towards various religions. Religion is generally kept separate from political affairs, and instances of monk involvement in politics have been rare and contentious. Over the years, Buddhism, Hinduism, animism, and superstition have intertwined, reflecting the traditional rhythms of Cambodian life and contributing to the national identity. One of the many atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge was the dismantling of this identity, resulting in a disoriented and vulnerable populace. As the younger generation increasingly turns away from traditional practices in favor of capitalism, globalization, and consumerism, the older generation expresses concern over the potential loss of the beliefs that have historically defined their identity and nation.