The self-proclaimed Sassda, or Buddha, (centre, in beanie) speaks while surrounded by his followers, including monks. Facebook
A recent video of the leader of the Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association has ignited a fierce backlash from Buddhist monks and followers, after he claimed that Buddhist monks are a “burden” to their communities.
The Ministry of Cults and Religions responded to the controversy by holding an emergency meeting with on Tuesday, January 28, to discuss the issue and explore appropriate legal actions.
The ministry issued a statement urging calm, reassuring the public that they would take necessary actions according to legal procedures.
The ministry spokesperson appealed to the Royal Family, all monks and Buddhist followers to remain patient as the issue is addressed.
The Sakhei Bhagawan Divine Association defended itself, clarifying that their stance is based on the non-violence principle, which aims to avoid hostility and division among religious groups.
“The association emphasises that they do not seek to attack or undermine Buddhism, Cambodia’s state religion, but rather aim to spread universal truths and the message of peace, which they claim is consistent with the Buddha’s teachings,” it said, via a statement.
It claimed that their mission is to “wake people up from dreams to reality in the garden of immortal peace”.
The statement did little to quell the growing outrage from Cambodia’s Buddhist community.
Chhort Bunthang, a philosophy lecturer at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, noted that the religious and cultural sensitivities surrounding such remarks are considerable.
He explained that the criticism of Buddhism by an external group often triggers reactions from broader society, particularly when the beliefs being attacked are foundational to the nation’s identity.
Bunthang emphasised that, while individuals are free to interpret and explain their beliefs, such comments against well-respected institutions like Buddhism are bound to provoke strong responses.
He mentioned past experiences where Thian Wutthy had also been criticised, including by the Venerable Chan Moni. They certainly have followers who respect and support them, including both laypeople and monks.
“When commenting on or expressing opinions that affect something which has long been respected, there will inevitably be reactions from individuals, groups and institutions,” Bunthang told The Post.
“We must remember that our original Khmer religion, which some refer to as the religion of the ancestors or animism, later came under the influence of Brahmanism,” he continued.
Bunthang highlighted Cambodia’s long history of religious syncretism, noting that the integration of Brahmanism animism, and Buddhism over centuries had shaped the nation's spiritual identity.
He also warned that while Buddhism remains the state religion, criticism of Buddhist practices can have significant cultural repercussions.
Citizens have the right to practice religion according to their own beliefs, provided they do not infringe on the dignity and beliefs of others.
Bunthang added that the practice of mixed religions has resulted in a fusion of indigenous beliefs, Brahmanism and Buddhism, such as monks bearing Brahmanic tattoos.
He explained that while Buddhism has two main sects – Sthaviravada and Sarvastivada within the Hinayana tradition – their interpretations and explanations of religion share similarities and differences but do not contradict one another.
He emphasised that commentators should refrain from using vulgar language or making statements that disrespect key religious figures, including the Buddha and monks. Direct criticisms of monks and the Buddha remain sensitive issues.
Professor In Sophal, a political science expert from the Royal Academy of Cambodia, emphasised the importance of protecting the country's core values.
The preservation of Cambodia’s cultural and religious heritage has been a long struggle, deeply intertwined with the struggles of the Kingdom itself.
“Before they killed the Khmer people, they killed the Khmer soul first,” said Sophal, recalling historical threats to Khmer traditions. He reaffirmed that the national motto –Nation! Religion! King! – must remain inviolable.
Sophal explained that before French colonial rule, Cambodia was divided between Annam and Siam, nearly erasing Khmer traditions.
However, figures like Miss Susan, a Frenchwoman who recovered lost scriptures and traditions, played a vital role in cultural restoration.
He said her efforts led to the founding of a higher Pali school and the Royal Library’s transformation into the Institute of Buddhist Studies in 1930.
“Monks were key to reviving Khmer traditions, with leaders like Chuon Nath and Huot Tat collaborating with Louis Finot to publish Buddhist texts,” said Sophal.
Despite these efforts, Sophal warned of “fake monks” who undermine Buddhism, fuelling distrust and endangering the Khmer identity.
Venerable Kou Sopheap, a well-respected Buddhist monk, also expressed his discontent via social media, sharing his belief that the remarks made by the Sakhei Bhagawan leader undermined the three jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma and the Monkhood.
He urged the leader to retract the statement and advised against such criticisms of Buddhist teachings.
The Post was unable to contact the association leader for clarification, as no one answered the telephone number listed on their social media.
The Supreme Council of Buddhist Monks of the Kingdom of Cambodia issued a strongly worded statement condemning the comments.
The Council denounced the leader’s attempt to distort Buddhist teachings and accused him of making “evil” and slanderous remarks.
It warned that such acts could harm the reputation of Buddhism, which is integral to Cambodia’s national identity, and undermine the nation's long-standing values of peace and harmony.
