Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Samrin calls for unity at monk’s congress

Samrin calls for unity at monk’s congress

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
National Assembly president Heng Samrin at the 29th national monk’s congress at the Chaktomuk Theatre Hall in Phnom Penh on Monday. HENG SAMRIN VIA FACEBOOK

Samrin calls for unity at monk’s congress

National Assembly president Heng Samrin said Cambodia respects freedom of religion, calling on all religious leaders to adhere to the principles of mutual understanding and respect for each other to maintain harmony, especially Buddhist leaders because it is the state religion.

Samrin made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 29th National Congress of Buddhist Monks at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall in Phnom Penh on December 20. He said Cambodia attaches great importance to religion and spirituality, which includes respect for the freedom of religion and all religious beliefs.

He noted that Cambodia promotes Buddhism as the state religion but supports the rights of people to observe other religions in the interests of societal unity and harmony.

He said the government makes efforts to build pagodas and other religious edifices to provide the Kingdom with physical centres for its spiritual life because religious observances are important activities towards contributing to the development of Cambodian society in terms of its culture, education and social morality.

“We still face some challenges caused by a lack of understanding about the use of modern technology. If we can gain clarity in our understanding of technology and we know how to take appropriate advantage of technology, it will benefit our religion and our society,” he said.

Samrin called on all Buddhist leaders to continue to adhere to its traditions of mutual understanding and respect for the established hierarchy in order to maintain unity and solidarity within the state religion.

He said that all Buddhist monks should continue to learn the Dharma and practice it correctly according to Buddha’s wisdom so that Cambodian soil remains fertile ground for the sacred practices of Buddhists to thrive.

“Whether our Buddhism is deeply rooted in these grounds and grows or withers and declines depends on all of us,” he said.

He encouraged Buddhist monks from the novices to the masters to discuss, share and exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences together to determine the strengths and weaknesses in Cambodian Buddhism and come up with a plan of action under a unified set of principles to present to the general assembly of the legislature.

Minister of Cults and Religions Chhit Sokhon said that after January 7, 1979, religion and spirituality in Cambodia was reborn and has made continual progress up to the present.

He said that all religions in Cambodia can exist together and be practiced in harmony by adhering to the principles of honesty, mutual respect, tolerance and mutual understanding in all circumstances.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Ministry taking steps over Thai ‘replica’ of Angkor Wat

    The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has dispatched experts to inspect the ongoing construction of a temple in Wat Phu Man Fah, located in Thailand’s Buriram province. This temple appears to be a replica of Cambodia’s renowned Angkor Wat. The ministry said

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • PM to open new Siem Reap int’l airport December 1

    Prime Minister Hun Manet and Chinese leaders would jointly participate in the official opening of the new Chinese-invested Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport on December 1. The airport symbolises a new page in the history of Cambodian aviation, which will be able to welcome long-distance flights to

  • Minimum wage set at $204, after Sep 28 vote

    The minimum wage for factory workers in the garment, footwear and travel goods industries for 2024 has been decided at $204 per month, with the government contributing $2. Following several negotiation sessions, the tripartite talks reached an agreement during a September 28 vote, with 46 of 51 votes supporting the $202 figure.

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former