Ministry of Cults and Religions out to ensure purity of Buddhism

 


Buth Reaksmey Kongkea

To help people better comprehend Buddhist values and everyday practice, as well as to foster peace and harmony in society, the Ministry of Cults and Religions is now promoting Buddhist education to all educational institutions and schools, at all levels of education.

Dr Seng Somony, the Secretary of State and spokesman at the Ministry of Cults and Religions said the Ministry has developed a strategic plan to grow and promote the Buddhist sector as well as manage other religions efficiently and with greater attention.

The goals, strategies, and mechanisms of the ministry, according to Dr Somony, include enhancing the capability and calibre of its human resources and training, enhancing the codes of conduct and professions of both its monks and nuns as well as laypeople and promoting Buddhism among all people, particularly children, youths, and students. 



He added that it also aims to foster cooperation, growth, and harmony between Buddhism and other faiths practiced in Cambodia, such as Islam, Christianity, and others. 

The religious services scheduled for the King will be meticulously planned to advance and promote Buddhism.

“The Ministry of Cults and Religions' top priority is to spread Buddhist instruction throughout all educational institutions in the nation because Buddhism is the state religion.

“In order for all students or children to have a better understanding of Buddhism and apply it in their daily lives, the ministry aims to incorporate Buddhist Education into all levels of schools and other educational institutions.

“Our fundamental objective is for there to be peace and good citizens when everyone has a greater understanding of Buddhist principles and practices them regularly,” he said.

Dr Somony stated that for the public to better understand the value of Buddhism and practice it on a daily basis, the Ministry of Cults and Religions will continue to organise a sermon programme on “Buddhism Connects with Society" and a Buddhist concept programme via the state's television (TVK) or other radio programmes.

The Ministry of Cults and Religions will work with Samdech Patriarch Tep Vong and Samdech Patriarch Bou Kry, the heads of the two main Buddhist sects in Cambodia, to strengthen the monks' disciplines and the code of conduct to eradicate all activities that undermine Buddhism, he added, to control and prevent disputes between monks at the pagodas.

According to the Ministry of Cults and Religion’s report, there are 51,101 pagodas; 79,005 monks; 15,124 priests; 3,063 laymen; and 9,953 laywomen; 37,000 pagoda committees; 7,785 novice monks; 2,201 orphans; and 5,880 homeless people in pagoda in cities and provinces across the county.

 

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