The Continuing Role of Theravada Buddhism in Khmer Healing and Social Development

Research Paper (undergraduate) from the year 2018 in the subject Theology - Miscellaneous, grade: 90.00, , course: Contemporary Cambodian Studies, language: English, abstract: This study examines 1) the role that Theravada Buddhism plays today in Cambodian society and the precise ideals and processes within the philosophy conducive to psychological healing and larger social development, and 2) the cultural competencies upheld by NGOs providing relief from trauma caused by the aforementioned issues, paying specific attention to ways in which these NGOs do and do not harness the healing powers and moral precepts of Theravada Buddhism.

Research findings suggest the fruitfulness of Buddhist-oriented approaches to psychological healing and social development in a country exhibiting high rates of undiagnosed mental illness and low mental health literacy in the rural provinces, which demonstrate the highest mental health burden. A gradual yet targeted integration of Buddhist spiritual personnel and institutions with psychological and psychosocial support NGOs would be efficacious in enhancing the cultural competency of NGOs' approaches while also extending the geographic reach of counseling efforts and resources to the most marginalized in the country.

In Cambodia, trauma lingering from the Khmer Rouge era genocide, combined with that produced by compounded social issues including child sexual abuse, human trafficking, and gender-based violence (GBV), contribute to one of highest rates in the world of what a Western diagnostic model would define as PTSD. Such imbricated realities in Cambodia remain stigmatized, taboo, and misunderstood within Khmer society, oftentimes hindering the healing process for survivors at the individual and community levels. NGOs analyzed in this study seek to provide psychological and psychosocial support to those experiencing trauma from these events, and concurrently promote education on these issues.

Considering the predominantly Western origins of national NGO donors, this study is one of the first to examine cultural competence in the context of national NGOs and trauma stemming from contemporary violence in Cambodia. My research examines the impact and sustainability of these organizations' approaches toward supporting the holistic healing needs of those experiencing trauma or distress, with an eye toward how Theravada Buddhist principles are incorporated into these support and development methods. Adoption of a Buddhist spiritual lens was informed and encouraged by both primary and secondary research that revealed the healing and social development tools immanent within Buddhist teachings.