On the 16th of September I went to a Cambodian Buddhist Temple, on that day there was a special occasion taking place. Every year Cambodians celebrate a day where they remember those who have passed away, they prepare food in which the spirits come and take. I was given the opportunity to interview a Cambodian monk to learn more about Buddhism.
Here were some interesting facts I have gathered from this experience:
Prayer:
When Buddhists pray they burn incense, this is done as they believe that Gods as well as relatives that have passed away will receive their offerings.
The Cambodian culture are to only pray to ask for happiness and good heath, however they are not to ask for unnecessary wants such as money.
The life style of a monk: Monks in different cultures have slightly different regulations to abbey, these include two main aspects:
1. For Thai, Cambodians, Laos and Burmas’, monks are not allowed to feast after lunch, where as Chinese, Koran and Japanese monks are able to feast but not on meat.
2. Thai, Cambodians, Laos and Burmas’ are not permitted to touch the opposite sex because they believe it is a sin and they no longer will be pure. On the other hand; the Chinese, Koran, and Japanese monks are able to have contact with the opposite sex.
Here are five special rules that are needed to be followed if one wanted to become more dedicated however this does not mean they must become a monk. Ordinary people may also participate in the major rules which are shown below; doing this rewards them with good karma.
1. Not allowed to lie (or joke)
2. Not allowed to steal
3. Not allowed to take drugs or drink alcohol
4. Not allowed to have sexual relationships with another if married
After you can follow these rules you may move onto the next main step to become more committed. In all there are many more steps to achieve this.
There were many other things in which I learnt however it was too complicated and I did not completely understand some of it.
On the 16th of September I went to a Cambodian Buddhist Temple, on that day there was a special occasion taking place. Every year Cambodians celebrate a day where they remember those who have passed away, they prepare food in which the spirits come and take. I was given the opportunity to interview a Cambodian monk to learn more about Buddhism.
Here were some interesting facts I have gathered from this experience:
Prayer:
When Buddhists pray they burn incense, this is done as they believe that Gods as well as relatives that have passed away will receive their offerings.
The Cambodian culture are to only pray to ask for happiness and good heath, however they are not to ask for unnecessary wants such as money.
The life style of a monk:
Monks in different cultures have slightly different regulations to abbey, these include two main aspects:
1. For Thai, Cambodians, Laos and Burmas’, monks are not allowed to feast after lunch, where as Chinese, Koran and Japanese monks are able to feast but not on meat.
2. Thai, Cambodians, Laos and Burmas’ are not permitted to touch the opposite sex because they believe it is a sin and they no longer will be pure. On the other hand; the Chinese, Koran, and Japanese monks are able to have contact with the opposite sex.
Here are five special rules that are needed to be followed if one wanted to become more dedicated however this does not mean they must become a monk. Ordinary people may also participate in the major rules which are shown below; doing this rewards them with good karma.
1. Not allowed to lie (or joke)
2. Not allowed to steal
3. Not allowed to take drugs or drink alcohol
4. Not allowed to have sexual relationships with another if married
After you can follow these rules you may move onto the next main step to become more committed. In all there are many more steps to achieve this.
There were many other things in which I learnt however it was too complicated and I did not completely understand some of it.
By: Ratana
Edited By: Michelle