Opinion

The Cambodia Daily

Monday, December 24, 2007

Beating a Monk Also Does Harm To Oneself

The beating of monks who took part in a recent protest was not only a serious violation of human rights, but it’s also one of the most serious sins that could be committed by Buddhists.

        Those who beat the monks will be inflicted by double karmas this life and the next. To hurt a monk is to hurt one’s own happiness.

        After these people were born, their parents probably invited monks to give blessings so that they could have a long and happy life.

        During weddings, people invite monks to pray and give blessings so that they can live a happy and prosperous life as husband and wife.

        When they build or buy a new house, people ask monks to give blessings to help them live in peace and happiness.

        When people get older, they will usually prepare a ceremony presided over by monks who bless them to have a longer life.

        And when a person dies, monks are invited to the funeral to give blessings so that the dead will be reborn into another happy world.

        Additionally, many police and military officers also consult monks and ask them to make amulets or magic kerchiefs that might help them avoid an enemy’s bullets.

        With this in mind, we hope that all police and military officers will stop causing harm to the monks, who are so respected by their parents.

Moeun Chhean Nariddh

Takeo town