Buddhist monks in Cambodia often weave together the gentle wisdom of the Buddha with age-old indigenous practices, creating healing rituals that feel both timeless and alive. When illness strikes, a monk might begin with Paritta chanting—protective verses recited in a rhythmic drone—meant to calm the mind and body. At the drop of a hat, villagers gather around as the monk unfurls a yantra cloth inscribed with sacred scripts, believed to guard against malevolent spirits.

Next comes water blessing: fresh spring water, sometimes mixed with holy salts and sprinkled over the patient, serves as a symbolic rinse of bad karma and negative energies. It’s not just about the splash—it’s a tangible embrace of purity. Herbal remedies often share the stage, too. Local plants like krâchâê (Andrographis paniculata) and lemongrass find their way into poultices or teas, echoing pre-Buddhist healing traditions passed down through generations.

Ceremonial offerings play a starring role. Colored rice, fruit, incense and candles are arranged before statues of the Buddha and ancestral spirits—Nak ta. Monks chant invocation rituals to invite these spirits for protection, blending fearlessness with a deep respect for invisible forces. At festivals like Pchum Ben, when ancestors are honored, special healing rites resurface in many pagodas, drawing crowds who believe their ancestors lend extra strength in fighting disease.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these rituals saw a quiet renaissance, bridging public health advice with spiritual solace. Monks started wearing masks, demonstrating adaptability while their chants and blessings offered comfort to trembling hearts. Even tourists visiting Angkor temples today can glimpse these ceremonies—proof that ancient folk elements still pulse at the heart of Cambodian Buddhism, healing both body and soul in one fell swoop.