Cambodia Religion
The majority of Cambodian people (95%) follow the Theravada branch of Buddhism. Buddhism in Cambodia draws heavily on its predecessors incorporating many cultural traditions fro; Hinduism for ceremonies such qs birth, marriage and death, as well as genies and spirits, such as Neak Ta, which link back to a pre-indian animist past.
Under the Khmer Rouge, the majority of Cambodia's Buddhist monks were murdered and nearly all of the country's wats (more than 3000) were damaged or destroyed. In the late 1980s, Buddhism once again became the state religions.
Other religions found in Cambodia are Islam, practised by the hill tribes; and Christianity, which is making inroads via missionaries and Christian NGOs.
Under the Khmer Rouge, the majority of Cambodia's Buddhist monks were murdered and nearly all of the country's wats (more than 3000) were damaged or destroyed. In the late 1980s, Buddhism once again became the state religions.
Other religions found in Cambodia are Islam, practised by the hill tribes; and Christianity, which is making inroads via missionaries and Christian NGOs.
Thearavada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia which is practiced by 95 percent of the population-- just like that of Thailand , Burma , Sri Lanka . However, Christianity and Cham Muslim are being active and popular among a large number of population as well in the capital and provinces, showing a sign of growth. Daoism and Confuism are also commonly practiced among the Chinese people.
Buddhist monks are highly disciplined and must follow 227 rules in addition to the ten basic precepts of being a good Buddhist. Monks cannot take part in entertainment. They lead simple lives dedicated to Buddhism and the temple.
Buddhists see the universe and all life as part of a cycle of eternal change. They follow the teaching of Buddha, an Indian prince born in the sixth century B.C. Buddhists believe that a person is continually reborn, in human or nonhuman form, depending on his or her actions in a previous life. They are released from this cycle only when thy reach nirvana, which may be attained by achieving good karma through earning merit and following the Buddhist path of correct living.
Earning merit is an important of Buddhist life. Buddhists in Cambodia earn merit by giving money, goods, and labor to the temples, or by providing one of the two daily meals of the monks.
Children often look after the fruits trees and vegetable gardens inside their local wat, or temple. Boys can earn merit by becoming temple servants or novice monks for a short time. Most young men remain monks for less than a year.
Arts
The Khmer Rouge regime not only killed the living bearers of Khmer culture, it also destroyed cultural artifacts, statues, musical instrument, books, and anythings else that served as a reminder of a past it was trying to efface. The temples of Angkor were spared as a symbol of Khmer glory and empire, but little else survived.
Despite this, Cambodia is witnessing a resurgence of traditional arts and a growing interest in cross cultural fusion.
Cambodia's royal ballet is a tangible link with the glory of Angkor and includes a unique apsara dance. Cambodian music, too, goes back at least as far as Angkor.
To get so;e sense of the music that Jayavarman VII used to like, check out the basreliefs at Angkor Wat.
Despite this, Cambodia is witnessing a resurgence of traditional arts and a growing interest in cross cultural fusion.
Cambodia's royal ballet is a tangible link with the glory of Angkor and includes a unique apsara dance. Cambodian music, too, goes back at least as far as Angkor.
To get so;e sense of the music that Jayavarman VII used to like, check out the basreliefs at Angkor Wat.
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