Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Congress issues prakas banning monks from protest participation

Congress issues prakas banning monks from protest participation

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
The 29th National Congress of Monk is held at Chaktomuk Theater on December 21. MEN SAM AN FACEBOOK

Congress issues prakas banning monks from protest participation

The 29th National Congress of Buddhist Monks held in Phnom Penh on December 20-21 issued a prakas on strengthening monastic discipline and forbidding certain acts, which include taking part in labour strikes and political protests.

The Ministry of Cults and Religion said in the prakas that Cambodian Buddhist monks have the right to freedom of expression under the Constitution but are not allowed to take part in anything that deviates from the principles of monastic discipline if they wish to remain in the monkhood.

“We must not take part in demonstrations, strikes or riots in public places that lead to the loss of our dignity and our monkhood by affecting security and public order.

“We are supposed to preach sermons according to the traditions and Buddhist discipline. We do not have to preach sermons that are funny or entertaining and deviate from the principles of the Dharma and the discipline,” the prakas said.

It added that monks and novices in Cambodia must follow traditions and possess morality and virtue by showing obedience to their elders and senior monks in the hierarchy at all levels.

If they fail to obey the advice and instructions of their elders and instead behave egocentrically, stubbornly, sarcastically or insultingly towards their betters, then they will be defrocked, the prakas warns.

Also stated in the prakas, Cambodia’s top monastic leaders – in collaboration with the religion ministry – would set up a committee on the three Buddhist canons to translate the scriptures from Pali into Khmer in order to better meet the needs of monks so that they can engage in a thorough, clear and in-depth study of Buddhist principles and precepts.

“The 29th National Congress of Buddhist Monks does not consider the private translations of the scriptures from foreign languages into Khmer as definitive or acceptable. Additionally, in order to develop more experts on the Pali and Sanskrit languages traditionally used in Buddhism, the Buddhist education school must discuss the best means to train such experts,” the prakas said.

National Assembly president Heng Samrin, who also address the monk’s congress, requested that all Buddhist followers strictly follow the teachings of Buddha whether they are monks or laypeople in order to promote Buddhism. He said the growth or decline of Buddhism was attributable to the acts of all Buddhist followers everywhere.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the