From Theory to Practice: Personal Perspectives on Khmer Morality

Today, I’d like to share some personal reflections on the roots of Khmer morality and how these values shape who we are as a people. As I think about this, I realize how deeply intertwined our moral principles are with our history, community life, and spiritual beliefs. It’s a journey of understanding, both intellectually and emotionally, about what it truly means to live according to these values.

Having spent over ten years teaching Khmer Studies and Moral Philosophy, I’ve come to see these disciplines as much more than academic subjects. They are windows into our collective soul—ways of understanding ourselves, our past, and our hopes for the future. They help us see how our moral values originate, how they endure, and how they continue to influence our everyday lives.

In my view, the roots of Khmer morality can be captured in five core virtues: kindness, friendliness, politeness, ease and comfort in relationships, and warmth and sincerity. These aren’t just abstract ideals; they are living principles that I see in the stories we tell, the rituals we observe, and the way we interact with each other.

1) Kindness: For me, kindness goes beyond politeness. It’s a practical, everyday response rooted in our shared understanding that harmony and interdependence are essential. I often think about how Khmer morality differs from Western ideas focused on individual rights—ours emphasizes caring for one another and maintaining social cohesion. This value feels personal to me because I’ve seen how acts of kindness can heal, build trust, and strengthen our community fabric.

2) Friendliness: This is more than just being polite; it’s a reflection of an innate respect for others, grounded in the Khmer concept of srolanh (love)—mutual care and respect. Growing up, I remember how genuine friendliness wasn’t just about manners but about creating bonds that foster harmony. It’s a value I hold close because it reminds me that our collective identity is built on these everyday acts of compassion.

3) Politeness: I see this as rooted in humility and civility; virtues passed down from our ancestors. It’s about recognizing each person’s dignity and respecting social order. I believe these qualities are fundamental to maintaining harmony—something I’ve experienced in my own interactions and observed in the respectful ways elders teach younger generations.

4) Ease and Comfort in Relationships: This virtue reflects our cultural desire to keep relationships smooth and balanced. I’ve seen how patience and understanding can prevent conflicts and foster a peaceful coexistence. It’s a value I try to embody in my daily life, especially when navigating different perspectives or challenging situations.

5) Warmth and Sincerity: At the core of Khmer morality, I believe, is genuine compassion. When I think about this, I remember how small acts of sincerity—listening with an open heart or offering a kind word—can create trust and deepen bonds. These qualities are emotional anchors that keep our society resilient.

When I compare these virtues to moral principles from other cultures, I see both shared human values and unique cultural expressions. For example, friendliness resonates with Confucian (ren) benevolence, which emphasizes compassion and mutual respect. Similarly, politeness aligns with Confucian (li) civility. But what makes Khmer morality distinctive is how these virtues are embedded in our everyday practices, stories, and spiritual life—particularly through Buddhism. The emphasis on mindfulness, humility, and compassion as lived virtues reflects a worldview that values inner harmony and social balance as spiritual pursuits. It’s a way of life that I find deeply meaningful and inspiring.

From my own perspective, I see our moral identity as a story of resilience. Our virtues have endured through centuries of upheaval—colonization, war, and rapid modernization. These values serve as anchors, reminding us of our roots and guiding us forward. They are like moral threads woven into the fabric of our collective memory.

I feel a sense of responsibility to uphold and pass on these values—not only as cultural ideals but as living practices that can help us navigate today’s challenges. In a world that is increasingly globalized and fast-changing, I believe holding onto these core virtues can be a source of strength and authenticity.

In my teaching, I try to encourage students to see that our virtues are part of a broader human dialogue about what it means to live well. This idea aligns with the perspective of Western philosophers like Aristotle, who argues that a meaningful life—often referred to as Eudaimonia—is a life of flourishing. I want them (my students) to understand how our cultural identity is reflected in our moral values and how these can serve as guides in their own lives—whether dealing with social issues, political debates, or cultivating personal relationships.

For me, this is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. I see our morality as a living tradition—something that evolves, but remains rooted in compassion, humility, and harmony. It’s a testament to our resilience and collective spirit.

As I think about these principles, I feel a deep sense of connection to our shared roots and a hope for the future. Our virtues—kindness, humility, compassion—are not just ideals we aspire to, but living parts of who we are. They have carried us through difficult times and continue to shape our daily lives. I believe that by embracing these values, we can build stronger, more compassionate communities—ones that honor our history while welcoming the changes ahead. For me, this is about more than tradition; it’s about nurturing a sense of purpose and belonging, and passing on these meaningful qualities to the next generation. In doing so, we keep alive the heart of our culture and ensure that our moral legacy continues to inspire us all.

Phnom Penh, 01 June 2025

By: MUT Somoeun, University of Technology and Entrepreneurship (UTE)