HTML clipboardBuddhism
Buddhism was the other important religion. Its two principal forms are Mahayana ('Greater Vehicle') and Theravada (also known as 1 linayana - 'Lesser Vehicle', a term not surprisingly considered derogatory by its followers). The Buddhism practised throughout Southeast Asia today is Theravada - 'the sayings of elders', following the pure precepts of the Buddha - but at the time of the Khmer Empire, official Buddhist worship was exclusively Mahayanist.
Mahayana Buddhism seems to have played a more important role in what is now Thailand than in Cambodia - or at least, it was important over a longer period. At Angkor, it made its major appearance at the end of the 12th century with the accession of Jayavarman VII, but on the Khorat Plateau it was established much earlier. The temple of Phimai. in particular, was a centre of Buddhist worship. After the 7th century, Tantric thought began to infiltrate both Buddhism and Hinduism, and makes an important appearance at Phimai. Tantra is 'the doctrine and ritual of the left hand', in which the female force, or shakti, plays a dominant role in the universe. This esoteric belief involved many magical and mystical rituals, and female divinities played an increasing part. Vajrayana Buddhism was a development of Tantric thought, and had elaborate iconography. One of the characteristics of Mahayana Buddhism is the number of bodhisattvas. Literally 'Buddhas-to-be', these were beings who had voluntarily halted their progress on the path to Buddha-hood, stopping just short of Enlightenment in order to be able to assist mankind.

Other Cambodia Religion:

• Cambodia Religion

• Cambodia Religion - P2

• The Hindu Pantheon

• The Hindu Pantheon - P2

• The Hindu Pantheon - P3

• Buddhism

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