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.
