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Cambodia: Senate President Stresses Unity and Progress at 31st National Congress of Buddhist Monks
The Buddhist Channel, 15 December 2023
Phnom Penh, Cambodia -- In a bid to uphold the sanctity and reputation of Buddhism, Senate President Say Chhum delivered a compelling address during the 31st National Congress of Buddhist Monks at the National Institute of Education in Phnom Penh.
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With approximately 5,000 monks and officials from relevant ministries and departments in attendance, the two-day National Congress kicked off with discussions centered on addressing internal issues within the Buddhist community.
Chhum encouraged the monks to utilize their wisdom and experience to identify strengths, weaknesses, and challenges in implementing previous proclamations. The focus, he emphasized, should extend to the preservation and development of ancient pagodas, transforming them into attractions for both local and foreign tourists.
Highlighting the importance of the role played by Buddhism in the nation, Chhum called on monks to contribute actively to the first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy initiated by the new government. He stressed the need for effective management of pagodas, promotion of Buddhist studies, and the dissemination of the Dharma of Buddha.
"All religions in the country adhere to mutual cooperation, respect, tolerance, and coexistence in order to achieve unity and harmony in society," Chhum asserted, emphasizing the collaborative nature of religious coexistence.
Chay Borin, the Minister of Cults and Religions, noted that the annual Congress of Buddhist Monks serves as a platform to review the outcomes of the sub-committee's proclamations from the previous edition.
Urging stakeholders to collaborate with the government, Borin emphasized the potential of pagodas as religious tourism sites. This, he believes, would provide national and international tourists with insights into Cambodia's national identity and the societal progress achieved through Buddhism.
Theravada Buddhism predominates in the country, with Cambodia being home to 5,133 pagodas and 58,967 Buddhist monks, according to Borin. As the state religion, Buddhism has made significant progress, but both Chhum and Borin acknowledge the imperative of addressing challenges collectively to ensure the continued positive impact of the religion on society.
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