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Buddhism has been part of Cambodian life for almost a thousand years. Buddhism originated in Nepal and northern India and stemmed from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Indian prince and ‘first’ Buddha who achieved enlightenment around the late 6th Century B.C. By the early 5th Century B.C. the Buddha had already passed his knowledge to a growing number of disciples and the faith spread rapidly through south-east Asia. The two great faiths of Buddhism and Hinduism dominated Cambodian religious life for centuries and the ancient Khmer alternated between these faiths depending on the religious beliefs of the reigning monarch. An example of this was the conversion to Buddhism of the great Khmer king Jayavarman VII and the vast number of social and humanitarian projects his faith compelled him to undertake.

Mahayana Buddhism

Buddhism’s broad geographic scope led to differing interpretations of the faith. Initially Cambodian Buddhists practiced Mahayana Buddhism, a form of Buddhism that maintains other individuals besides the Buddha are capable of achieving enlightenment. It also led to the acceptance of certain texts that other forms of Buddhism do not recognise as the word of the Buddha. The principal focus of Mahayana Buddhism is on achieving perfected states of understanding and compassion in order to lead others to enlightenment.

Theravada Buddhism (Teaching of Elders)

Around the 13th Century A.D. Cambodia converted to a more conservative form of Buddhism known as Theravada. Theravada Buddhism adheres closely to the teachings (dharmas) prescribed by Siddhartha Gautama and places great emphasis on monasticism and meditation. It recognises different paths to enlightenment but maintains that the Buddha’s dharmas must be central to a follower’s spiritual development. Theravada Buddhism remains the dominant faith in Cambodia.

Buddhism in Modern Cambodia

The Khmer Rouge attempted to eradicate Buddhism from the country. A ban on religions of any kind was ruthlessly enforced by Pol Pot’s cadres, leading to the decimation of Wats and the murder of countless Buddhist monks. However, once Pol Pot had been overthrown Buddhism was quick to re-establish itself. Buddhism in Cambodia differs from Buddhism in other parts of Asia in that it is often linked to animistic or astrological beliefs. The moon is strongly linked to the Buddha in Cambodia and the principal Khmer festivals Bon Om Touk and Bon Phchom Ben reach their peak during major phases of the moon. Contrary to some Buddhist teaching, images of the Buddha are worshipped as idols.

Visitors are often perplexed by these rituals, or by the sight of monks with mobile phones. The priesthood is not always a life-long commitment and often young men enter a pagoda to benefit from the education provided. Cambodia’s Wats also assist poor communities with funerary rites. What is important to understand is that Buddhism is sincerely practiced in Cambodia by over 95% of the population. Buddhism is an essential support to people who continue to face huge economic and social obstacles. As a faith, Buddhism in Cambodia has proved as enduring as the Khmer people.