History of Buddhism in Cambodia
Hey there, little one! Let me tell you about the history of Buddhism in Cambodia.
A long, long time ago, there was a mighty kingdom called the Khmer Empire in what is now present-day Cambodia. Buddhism arrived in the Khmer Empire from India around the 3rd century BCE.
For many centuries, Hinduism and Buddhism coexisted in the Khmer Empire. However, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, Buddhism became the dominant religion. King Jayavarman VII even built many Buddhist temples and monuments, including Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple.
But, unfortunately, the Khmer Empire eventually declined and Buddhism faced many hardships. In the 15th century, nearby Thailand invaded and destroyed many Buddhist temples. And in the 16th century, the Khmer Empire was taken over by the neighboring Vietnamese, who were not sympathetic to Buddhism.
During the 19th century, Cambodia was colonized by the French, who brought Christianity with them. Buddhism struggled to compete with Christianity during this time.
However, after Cambodia gained independence in the mid-20th century, Buddhism experienced a revival. Many Buddhist temples were restored and new ones were built. Today, Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist, with over 90% of the population following Theravada Buddhism.
So, that's the history of Buddhism in Cambodia, my little friend. I hope you enjoyed learning about it!
A long, long time ago, there was a mighty kingdom called the Khmer Empire in what is now present-day Cambodia. Buddhism arrived in the Khmer Empire from India around the 3rd century BCE.
For many centuries, Hinduism and Buddhism coexisted in the Khmer Empire. However, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century, Buddhism became the dominant religion. King Jayavarman VII even built many Buddhist temples and monuments, including Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple.
But, unfortunately, the Khmer Empire eventually declined and Buddhism faced many hardships. In the 15th century, nearby Thailand invaded and destroyed many Buddhist temples. And in the 16th century, the Khmer Empire was taken over by the neighboring Vietnamese, who were not sympathetic to Buddhism.
During the 19th century, Cambodia was colonized by the French, who brought Christianity with them. Buddhism struggled to compete with Christianity during this time.
However, after Cambodia gained independence in the mid-20th century, Buddhism experienced a revival. Many Buddhist temples were restored and new ones were built. Today, Cambodia is predominantly Buddhist, with over 90% of the population following Theravada Buddhism.
So, that's the history of Buddhism in Cambodia, my little friend. I hope you enjoyed learning about it!