A STUDY ON MONASTIC PRACTICES AND RITUALS AND DHAMMA TO SOCIAL ORDER

Abstract

Most Cambodians or Khmers identify themselves as Theravada Buddhists. It is not uncommon to hear Khmer people suggest that being Khmer means being Buddhist. The ideas and practices of Buddhism are fundamental to the definition of Khmer culture. Buddhist ideas underlie history, art, literature, education, shared moral values, and ritual practices. The exercise of political power, too, remains at least symbolically linked to Buddhism. Buddhism is described as a system of thought, a way of understanding life, an analysis of mental processes, and a series of well-constructed arguments that point towards the adoption of certain attitudes, values, and practices that may create the conditions for a new vision of human life and purpose. In Buddhist societies, culture, values, and customs are deeply rooted in Buddhism.

Although there are normative and substantive socializing agents, the monks and monasteries are another important socializing institution. They have served as ethical and moral socializing agents. They persuade the people to follow social rules and regulations and to lead their lives according to the Buddhist way of life. Such virtues as loving and kindness (Mettā-Karuṇā), kind-heartedness, being helpful to each other, courtesy, and social relationships between persons of different status constitute this way of life.