University of Cambodia

Lectured by:

Mut Somoeun, M.Ed

KHM 140: Khmer Culture

THE ORIGIN OF CAMBODIA

Indian Prince (Hun Tein) Cambodian Princess (Liv Yi)

WHAT IS RELIGION?

The belief in and worship of a superhuman

controlling power, esp a personal God or gods

Faith, belief, divinity, worship, creed, teaching,

doctrine, theology

A particular system of faith and worship

A pursuit/ interest followed with great devotion

WHAT IS RELIGION?

Religion is the set of beliefs, feelings, dogmas and practices that define the relations between human being and sacred or divinity.

A given religion is defined by specific elements of a

community of believers: dogmas, sacred books, rites, worship, sacrament, moral prescription, interdicts, organization.

WHY RELIGION EXISTS?

Human Fear

Human Knowledge

Problems & Solutions

Power (Human & God)

RELIGIONS IN CAMBODIA

Buddhism (90-95% of the population)

Christianity

Islam

Brahmanism & Hinduism

Animism (Tribal Groups)

BUDDHISM IN CAMBODIA

Originated from India (Theravada) during the 3rd Century of BE to the mainland (Malayu/ S Burma)

1st Century (Hun Tein & Liv Yi)– 6th Century, 2 monks named Sanghabal & Mantrasen to China as Buddhist missionaries

Theravada almost disappeared in late 9th century (Mahayana existed) and in late 13th century CE a son of Jayavarman 7 (Tamalindra) became a monk then went to study Buddhism in Srilangka)

BUDDHISM IS THE PREDOMINANT RELIGION IN CAMBODIA In each family, the oldest son is expected to spend

several months as a monk in order to provide merit for his family.

THREE FUNDAMENTALS OF BUDDHISM

In Tribitaka based on Cause & Effect No doing all bad things

Vinaya (Buddhist Code of Conduct) Doing all good things

Sutra (narrative, explanation...) Purifying mind

Aphidhamma (mind cultivation)

NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATHS (អដ្ឋង្គិកមគ្គ) right understanding right thought right speech right action right living right effort right mindfulness right concentration

BRAHMANISM & HINDUISM

BRAHMANISM & HINDUISM

Originated from India since the 1st king in Funan Kingdom period

3 Gods are the most important in Brahmanism: Vishnu, Siva (Isor) and Brahma = sacrifices

Prominently seen the practice of Brhmanism in Chenla period (6th CE – Angkor period)

Brahmanism & king coronation & other ceremonies in kingdom (temple)

HINDUISM

Hinduism is the combinations of Brahman doctrine

& Buddhist doctrine plus others

Most kings from Chenla (6th CE) – Angkor period

practiced Brahmanism + Hinduism; esp in

coronation & building temples (the largest Hindu

temple – Angkor Toch)

THE DEVARAJA CULT

In 802, Jayavarman II proclaimed himself god-king of Cambodia. He did so through a Hindu ritual involving worship of Shiva, king of the gods.

A royal cult developed, involved an annual festival during which a statue of Shiva was paraded thru the capital city.

The ceremony not only proclaimed the devaraja but Cambodia’ permanent separation from Java.

Ritually sanctifying a symbol of the devaraja.

CHRISTIANITY

Established by a man named Jesus or Jesus Christ in

545 of BE in Palestine & died at the age of 30.

Flowed into Cambodia in 16th century CE (1570) in

the reign of King Satha I (Longvek)

In the time of French protectorate (1863-1953)

The most prominent canon is Bible

ISLAM

Established in Arabic land by a man named Mohamed/ Mohamad in 570 CE & died in 632

Islam existed in Cambodia by Cham people since the 19th century CE

Cham used to rule Khmer in 1177 – 1181 Jayavarman VII gained back.

The most prominent canon is Quo An/ Qoran)

ANIMISM (TRIBAL GROUPS)

The tribal/ indigenous groups and live in the high land/ mountainous areas.

They believe in various invisible spirits, who some are benevolent and malevolent.

They associate spirits with rice, soil, water, fire, stones, paths, and so forth. Sorcerers or specialists in each village contact these spirits and prescribe ways to appease them.

QUESTIONS?