By Admin 
In Western countries, Buddhism is often associated with meditation and cultivation of mind-body, but the importance of Buddhism in countries like Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Thailand is much deeper. Being Buddhist here is not just a matter of personal faith but an important symbol of national identity.
According to the 2022 Pew Research Center Survey, nine out of ten Buddhists in these countries believe that Buddhism is necessary to be a true citizen. For example, 95% of Buddhists in Sri Lanka believe that it is necessary to be a Buddhist to be true Sri Lankan. From this it is clear that Buddhism in these countries is not only religion, but a deep part of lifestyle, culture and tradition.
Confluence of religion, culture and family tradition
In Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, people do not consider Buddhism only a religion, but also see it as culture, family tradition and ethnic identity. Most of the people in these countries consider Buddhism to be the origin of their national culture. It is considered the duty of the family to adopt it from generation to generation. For example, 76% of Cambodian Buddhists believe that Buddhism is an ethnic identity, in which someone is born. Thus, this deep confluence of religion and culture strengthens national unity and identity.
Constitutional and legal recognition
Constitution and laws of countries like Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Thailand also work to show the importance of Buddhism. In the Constitution of Cambodia, Buddhism is considered a national religion and gives the state a feeling of supporting Buddhist education. The Constitution of Sri Lanka has been given the highest place to Buddhism and considers the government to be the responsibility of its protection and promotion. Under the latest constitution made in Thailand, the state has been given the responsibility to ensure that Buddhism is not weak in any form. This constitutional recognition states that Buddhism is not only a matter of faith but also an important part of governance and policy.
Role of politics and religious leaders
The survey shows that even a mixed views on the political participation of citizens religious leaders in these countries. 81% of Buddhists in Kambodia believe that religious leaders should have the right to vote. Sri Lanka and Thailand have received relatively low support, which is 66% and 54%. However, the Constitution of Thailand does not have the freedom to vote for monks, which is an example of a clear partition between religion and politics. Nevertheless, about half of Buddhists in Cambodia want religious leaders to participate in political protests or become leaders themselves.
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