Cambodia: Building a Meditation Space within National Park

The Buddhist Channel, 18 January 2024

PHNOM PENH -- The Ministry of Environment in Cambodia is taking steps to establish a meditation site within the Buddhist Cultural Centre, located in the Preah Suramarit-Kossamak Kirirom National Park. This initiative aims to encourage local and international Buddhists to embrace meditation and delve into the teachings of Buddha.

Minister Eang Sophalleth, following an inspection of the site in Kampong Speu province on January 6, highlighted its purpose of purifying the mind and leading individuals to inner peace and happiness. The construction aligns with the ministry's Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-28, seeking to translate the potential of the environmental sector into tangible benefits for Cambodia and its people across generations.

"We're creating a special space for Buddhists to meditate, featuring modern Khmer tents that stand out from the rest. This place is destined to become a legacy for the next generation of Cambodian children. For our trial phase, we plan to set up five to 10 tents," Sophalleth stated.

Emphasizing the ministry's goal of fostering environmental responsibility within communities, Sophalleth noted the connection between conservation efforts and improved livelihoods. The construction also aims to boost income for locals.

Chhort Bunthang, a research fellow at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the site's potential to address mental challenges in today's society. Bunthang stressed the need for the ministry to prepare meditation specialists, providing instruction for Buddhists and visitors to promote calmness and self-awareness.

"In our advanced society, people today face numerous mental challenges. This meditation space serves as a remedy, purifying hearts and minds to address these issues," Bunthang stated.

He also pointed out the role of the meditation space in boosting tourism, as both Cambodian and international tourists may support products sold by nearby residents. Bunthang emphasized that with a thriving local economy, residents and communities would grow, fostering the practice of meditation and Buddhism.

The Buddhist Cultural Centre, covering approximately 126ha within the Preah Suramarit-Kossamak Kirirom National Park in the eastern part of the Cardamom Mountains, is designed to facilitate research and deepen the understanding of Buddhism in Cambodia.