Mainstay of Cambodian Culture: The Buddhist Temple

“In pre revolutionary Cambodia, the Buddhist temple (wat in Pali, the holy language of Theravada Buddhism; vat in Khmer) was a central fixture in Khmer villages, where it functioned not only as a religious shrine but also as a school, refuge, and social center. Buddhist holy days and life-cycle ceremonies punctuated the Khmer calendar and gave religious meaning to the stages of life. Buddhist norms of conduct were important guides for daily behavior.” (Smith-Hefner, 21).