The Ethical Way:Good Governance
Jayavaraman VII (1125-1215):
Jayavaraman VII ruled the Khmer Empire from 1181 from Siem Reap. He married Jayarajadevi and then, after her death, Indradevi, her sister. He is portrayed in sculpture as a devout Buddhist (Mahayana). He was renowned for his compassion, looking to all four directions of his empire as he cared for the poor, for building 'hospitals' and welcome centres for strangers, for good governance and strategic military strength. The title Leper King is sometimes given to him as one king of the period contracted leprosy as he served the sick.
Indradevi
Indra Devi influenced the King, particularly in his devotion to Buddhism and the way of compassion and wisdom. She was the head professor in a Buddhist monastery and encouraged the education of women. Indradevi was a famous poet, and one long poem, written in Sanskrit, is at Phimeankas Temple. She was deemed wiser than the philosophers and very compassionate to the poor.
Together, Jayavarman and Indradevi invite us to reflect on governance that is concerned for all, including the poorest, mutual support in marriage, wisdom, and compassion. Both drew strength from meditation. These sculptures invite all rulers and citizens to meditate.
Furthermore, education and health are two areas in Cambodia that require constant attention so that both are accessible to all, and of increasingly better quality. This king and queen can also remind us of this call.
Sculptor: Chay Saron
Photos: Thomas Rigl
Take more tour with reading below:
-
Displacement, Refugees...
Here we reflect on displacement in Cambodia, world refugees and asylum seekers, evictions, displacement of the heart...
-
Prize of Peace
Cambodian survivors were very active in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition...
-
Finding the spirit in all things
Love one another as I have loved you. (Jesus)
This chapel welcomes people of all faiths, Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, all who seek the meaning of...
-
I have no foot to wash
We leave with many words echoing in our hearts...
-
Good governance...
Jayavarman VII (1125-1215) ruled the Khmer Empire from 1181 from Siem Reap. He married Jayarajadevi and then...
-
Gallery - Home
Symbol dot the landscape calling us to reflect on:
Woman at the well - Living Water Development that enriches all...
-
Development for all
MEET THE WOMAN AT THE WELL
The well gives the water of life. You are invited...
-
Treasures in earthen vessels
DIGNITY AND HUMAN POTENTIAL OF EACH PERSON
We are all made from the same human fabric...
-
Environment-The Red Tree
As you begin the circle of peace, designed by Rob Allsop, pause by the Red Blood Flower tree...
-
Environment-The Boddhi Tree
The Boddhi Tree is called the great tree of life because all that is needed for lasting peace can...
-
Peace and Reconciliation
The mural, carved by Siem Reap artist Channa, depicts the Dhamma wheel being pushed by Buddhist monks, peace loving men and women , including people...
Jayavaraman VII (1125-1215):
Jayavaraman VII ruled the Khmer Empire from 1181 from Siem Reap. He married Jayarajadevi and then, after her death, Indradevi, her sister. He is portrayed in sculpture as a devout Buddhist (Mahayana). He was renowned for his compassion, looking to all four directions of his empire as he cared for the poor, for building 'hospitals' and welcome centres for strangers, for good governance and strategic military strength. The title Leper King is sometimes given to him as one king of the period contracted leprosy as he served the sick.
Indradevi
Indra Devi influenced the King, particularly in his devotion to Buddhism and the way of compassion and wisdom. She was the head professor in a Buddhist monastery and encouraged the education of women. Indradevi was a famous poet, and one long poem, written in Sanskrit, is at Phimeankas Temple. She was deemed wiser than the philosophers and very compassionate to the poor.
Together, Jayavarman and Indradevi invite us to reflect on governance that is concerned for all, including the poorest, mutual support in marriage, wisdom, and compassion. Both drew strength from meditation. These sculptures invite all rulers and citizens to meditate.
Furthermore, education and health are two areas in Cambodia that require constant attention so that both are accessible to all, and of increasingly better quality. This king and queen can also remind us of this call.
Sculptor: Chay Saron
Photos: Thomas Rigl
Take more tour with reading below:
-
Displacement, Refugees...
Here we reflect on displacement in Cambodia, world refugees and asylum seekers, evictions, displacement of the heart...
-
Prize of Peace
Cambodian survivors were very active in the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and the Cluster Munition Coalition...
-
Finding the spirit in all things
Love one another as I have loved you. (Jesus)
This chapel welcomes people of all faiths, Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, all who seek the meaning of... -
I have no foot to wash
We leave with many words echoing in our hearts...
-
Good governance...
Jayavarman VII (1125-1215) ruled the Khmer Empire from 1181 from Siem Reap. He married Jayarajadevi and then...
-
Gallery - Home
Symbol dot the landscape calling us to reflect on:
Woman at the well - Living Water Development that enriches all... -
Development for all
MEET THE WOMAN AT THE WELL
The well gives the water of life. You are invited... -
Treasures in earthen vessels
DIGNITY AND HUMAN POTENTIAL OF EACH PERSON
We are all made from the same human fabric... -
Environment-The Red Tree
As you begin the circle of peace, designed by Rob Allsop, pause by the Red Blood Flower tree...
-
Environment-The Boddhi Tree
The Boddhi Tree is called the great tree of life because all that is needed for lasting peace can...
-
Peace and Reconciliation
The mural, carved by Siem Reap artist Channa, depicts the Dhamma wheel being pushed by Buddhist monks, peace loving men and women , including people...