Dear friends,

the recent border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over Preah
Vihear has got me thinking.

The word 'vihear' in the name is probably a localisation of vihara,
which means monastery in Pali. The word 'preah' (or 'phra' in Thai)
means holy. The temple complex was built between the 9th and 11th
centuries, initially for Hindu worshiping, and later became Buddhist
during the Angkor dynasty.

Many locals on both sides of the dispute point out that the dispute is
merely a political game. However, if conflict really breaks out, the
commoners will be the ones who suffer.

I believe this dispute can be resolved peacefully. In fact, as people
are renewing monumental sites in India and scenic monasteries in
China, a transnational institute for Buddhist and cultural studies at
the temple site, which has been listed on July 17 by UNESCO as a world
heritage site, would be a very good move. In addition to cultural
preservation and studies, a peace pagoda can be built nearby, say in
the name of Ven. Ghosananda, to signify a peaceful resolution and
promote world peace.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1224

metta,
Yong Peng.