Buddhism in Cambodia

The importance of religion in Cambodia is attested by the country's motto: "Nation – Religion – King." Introduced by Jayavarman VII (1181-1218) in the Khmer Empire, after Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism became the official religion of Cambodia, practiced by 96% of the population. This Buddhist majority peacefully coexists with just over 2% Muslims (mainly from the Cham ethnic group), 1% Christians, and several mountain tribes (Khmers Loeu) practicing animism. Moreover, freedom of worship is enshrined in the Cambodian Constitution.

Khmer Buddhism

However, the form of Buddhism practiced by Cambodians is a very particular belief system, based on a symbiosis of Buddhism, animism, and Brahmanism. While the term "animism," associated with popular beliefs, is often interpreted, sometimes erroneously, as a set of superstitions, in Khmer Buddhism it refers to numerous cosmic powers, such as deities representing the elements (air, water, etc.), spirits like the neak ta, protectors of the land and its resources, or even the spirits of ancestors. Thus, happiness, health, prosperity, and the organization of daily life depend on these cosmic powers, while Buddhism offers hope for a better life in the next incarnation. The resilience of the Khmer people surely stems from this unique spirituality.  

Organization of religious life

In the practice of Khmer Buddhism, religious life is guided by the *Achars* of each pagoda. An Achar is a layperson whose role is to lead the prayers that the faithful must recite, officiate at ceremonies, and instruct in ritual gestures. They also decide on the offerings, sometimes act as intermediaries with the cosmic powers, and can establish and interpret horoscopes. The monks, to whom all work is forbidden, are solely exemplars and chant prayers that guide each person toward their path to salvation. The faithful accumulate merit by making donations (food, clothing, money, flowers, incense, etc.) as well as by contributing to the building and maintenance of the pagodas. Many offerings are made: first to Buddha, the supreme manifestation of the sacred, who is always invoked first, followed by the deities of the rich Khmer pantheon, whose protection is sought, notably Indra, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, natural or mythical animals (crocodile, naga, garuda…), and of course various spirits and geniuses.