Siem Reap Temple Holds Tripitaka Chanting to Uphold Buddha's Teachings and Enhance Wisdom

Siem Reap, Cambodia -- On July 23, 2026, Wat Damnak in Siem Reap city organized a Tripitaka chanting ceremony led by its abbot, Most Venerable Dr. Lach Chantha, along with monks, temple committee members, and devotees from near and far. The event aimed to uphold the Buddha's teachings (Buddha-vacana) and enhance wisdom. According to Most Venerable Dr. Lach Chantha, this is the third Tripitaka chanting event hosted by Wat Damnak. The purpose of chanting the Tripitaka is to preserve the Buddha's teachings, cultivate wisdom, and safeguard the magnificent heritage of the Buddha, which are His commandments and teachings. It also aims to foster spiritual growth and promote Buddhism widely. Most Venerable Chum Kimleng, Chief Monk of Siem Reap Province, stated that Wat Damnak is a temple that excels in organizing religious ceremonies compared to other temples in Siem Reap. He also noted that Wat Damnak was the first temple in the province to organize a Tripitaka chanting program. Most Venerable Chum Kimleng further explained that chanting the Tripitaka serves to uphold the Buddha's teachings, preserve the roots of Buddhism, and enhance wisdom by illuminating one's mind with the light of Dharma through mindful chanting, understanding its meaning, and practicing accordingly. He added that chanting the Tripitaka is an act of preserving and promoting the sublime Dharma expounded by the Buddha. Chanting is not merely an act of worship but also a way to remember and gain profound understanding of His teachings. Reading or studying Dharma and Vinaya to apply them in daily life means engaging with the Tripitaka, a repository of profound teachings. Reading, listening to, or chanting these Dharma texts helps one to clearly understand the truths of life, cultivate morality, and develop wisdom leading to inner peace. He emphasized that chanting Dharma or the Tripitaka is not just a ceremony or a belief in good fortune, but it holds profound meaning and content related to preserving Buddha-vacana and developing the mind and intellect. Chanting Dharma that leads to wisdom requires mindful and contemplative recitation (not just reciting with the mouth while the mind wanders). On behalf of himself and the monastic officials, he expressed joy and encouraged the continuation of this program, advocating for more frequent and regular sessions to accumulate merit and gain new insights into the Buddha's teachings. It also serves to fulfill the faith of Buddhist devotees. The Tripitaka chanting ceremony took place from Thursday, July 23, to Monday, July 27, 2026. Source: AKP Khmer