Religion Most Khmer Buddhist believe in the Four Noble Truths

Most Khmer are Buddhist and believe in the Four Noble Truths. These are:
 • All sentient beings suff er. Birth, death, and other separations are inescapably part of life.
 • The cause of suff ering is desire. Desire
is manifested by att achment to life, to security, to others, to being itself, etc.
 • The way to end suff ering is to cease to desire.
 • To  way  to  cease to desire is to  follow the Eightfold Path:
(1) right belief (2) right intent
(3) right speech, 4) right conduct (5) right endeavor or livelihood
(6) right effort
(7) right mindfulness
(8) right meditation.
Following the path leads to cessation of desire and to nirvana or emancipation from rebirth and the endless cycles  of  suffering. The picture is of the Buddha meditating, protected by Naga. Worship is at a  temple and at altars in individual homes. Worship at temples is usually led by one or more monks,  oft en with the gentle assistance by a lay elder.  As worship includes monks and congregation chanting in Pali or Bali they also burn joss sticks, and pray. Worship may be concluded by the monks eating their food. Buddhism believes that all bad Karma was created in the past, based upon beginning less greed, hatred and delusion. And born of body, mouth and mind., I now repent and reform. It is the well known Repentance Verse in Buddhism.

Read More in Cambodia Insight Website on Issue 3 Page 10.