On politics, silence gold: top monks

Cambodia’s highest monks have called on the clergy to refrain from joining any political demonstrations, calling it an abuse of morals and professional ethics. In a statement issued on Sunday and obtained yesterday, the three top Buddhist leaders liken joining protests to the act of killing. “An individual who kills or bothers someone is not a priest,” the statement reads. “The unity of monks is what allows for harmony.” It is signed by Great Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong, Supreme Patriarch Non Nget and Great Supreme Patriarch Bour Kry, leaders of the Maha Nikaya and Dhammayuttika sects, respectively. “Please, all of Buddha’s disciples continue keeping calm.… Avoid taking part in other protests involved in the election that affects rights, freedom, tradition, social security and order,” the statement continues. On Monday, opposition party leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha announced that a long-threatened mass demonstration scheduled for Saturday would take the form of a nationwide ceremony of “contemplation and prayer”. The pair called on monks across Cambodia to join the demonstration, saying they expected a number to attend. …

http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/politics-silence-gold-top-monks