✦ English Summary (Search Description)
A Buddhist reflection on the Preah Vihear Temple conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
Though originally a Hindu sacred site, the temple has become a battleground for national identity and political power.
This essay explores how nationalism can distort the meaning of prayer and sacred spaces, urging readers to look closely at the suffering behind the banner of "justice."
✦ Full Article in English
An Ancient Temple, a Spark of Conflict
Armed clashes are currently unfolding along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.
At the center of the conflict lies the Preah Vihear Temple, a sacred site with a long and storied past.
Originally built as a place of worship, it now stands as a symbol of territorial dispute.
How did a site meant for prayer ignite the flames of war? The contradiction leaves us speechless.
Over a thousand years ago, this structure was established as a Hindu temple dedicated to sacred deities.
But today, both nations claim it as their “national property,” turning it into a battleground over borders and pride.
Whose Sacred Ground Is It?
Whose temple is it? And for whom are the prayers offered?
This faraway conflict asks us a personal question: “How should we protect what is truly precious?”
In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, temples are meant to be places where anyone can hear the teachings — spaces open to all.
Once a sacred space becomes exclusive — “ours, not theirs” — it ceases to be a true haven for spiritual reflection.
It turns instead into a site of division.
What Lies Beneath “Justice”
Nationalism can at times trample even the sanctity of faith.
Behind cries of “Protect the sacred!” may lurk political ambitions and national superiority.
The most dangerous moment is when such “justice” becomes unquestioned and blindly accepted.
Yes, the pain of “a stolen temple” or “a robbed culture” is valid.
But if that pain turns into a reason to hurt others — even to take lives — the original intent of prayer is lost.
A sacred space should never become a battlefield.
It should be a place of spiritual refuge, for those trying to live through suffering.
Look Closely at This Suffering
To which side of the clashing soldiers would the gods of Preah Vihear pray for peace?
Surely, to both.
And to those who profit from this conflict, perhaps they whisper gently:
“Look closely at this suffering.”
May the light of prayer reach all lives lost in this conflict.
And may that same light shine within our own hearts — especially where “anger wearing the mask of justice” resides.
Correction and Note on Preah Vihear
In an earlier version, I mistakenly referred to the Preah Vihear Temple as a Buddhist temple.
It is, in fact, a Hindu temple dedicated to sacred deities.
The article has been corrected to reflect this.
Regardless of religious background, the reality that sacred spaces can become sites of international conflict raises serious questions.
As a student of Buddhism, I offer these thoughts with humility and regret any confusion caused by my earlier error.
A Buddhist reflection on the Preah Vihear Temple conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
Though originally a Hindu sacred site, the temple has become a battleground for national identity and political power.
This essay explores how nationalism can distort the meaning of prayer and sacred spaces, urging readers to look closely at the suffering behind the banner of "justice."
✦ Full Article in English
An Ancient Temple, a Spark of Conflict
Armed clashes are currently unfolding along the border between Cambodia and Thailand.
At the center of the conflict lies the Preah Vihear Temple, a sacred site with a long and storied past.
Originally built as a place of worship, it now stands as a symbol of territorial dispute.
How did a site meant for prayer ignite the flames of war? The contradiction leaves us speechless.
Over a thousand years ago, this structure was established as a Hindu temple dedicated to sacred deities.
But today, both nations claim it as their “national property,” turning it into a battleground over borders and pride.
Whose Sacred Ground Is It?
Whose temple is it? And for whom are the prayers offered?
This faraway conflict asks us a personal question: “How should we protect what is truly precious?”
In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, temples are meant to be places where anyone can hear the teachings — spaces open to all.
Once a sacred space becomes exclusive — “ours, not theirs” — it ceases to be a true haven for spiritual reflection.
It turns instead into a site of division.
What Lies Beneath “Justice”
Nationalism can at times trample even the sanctity of faith.
Behind cries of “Protect the sacred!” may lurk political ambitions and national superiority.
The most dangerous moment is when such “justice” becomes unquestioned and blindly accepted.
Yes, the pain of “a stolen temple” or “a robbed culture” is valid.
But if that pain turns into a reason to hurt others — even to take lives — the original intent of prayer is lost.
A sacred space should never become a battlefield.
It should be a place of spiritual refuge, for those trying to live through suffering.
Look Closely at This Suffering
To which side of the clashing soldiers would the gods of Preah Vihear pray for peace?
Surely, to both.
And to those who profit from this conflict, perhaps they whisper gently:
“Look closely at this suffering.”
May the light of prayer reach all lives lost in this conflict.
And may that same light shine within our own hearts — especially where “anger wearing the mask of justice” resides.
Correction and Note on Preah Vihear
In an earlier version, I mistakenly referred to the Preah Vihear Temple as a Buddhist temple.
It is, in fact, a Hindu temple dedicated to sacred deities.
The article has been corrected to reflect this.
Regardless of religious background, the reality that sacred spaces can become sites of international conflict raises serious questions.
As a student of Buddhism, I offer these thoughts with humility and regret any confusion caused by my earlier error.
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