Reamker (Rāmakerti)
Author | : |
Publisher | : Psychology Press |
Total Pages | : 349 |
Release | : 1986 |
ISBN-10 | : 9780947593025 |
ISBN-13 | : 0947593020 |
Rating | : 4/5 (25 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: Cambodian epic poem, based on the Sanskrit's Ramayana epic. The name means "Glory of Rama". It adapts the Hindu ideas to Buddhist themes and shows the balance of good and evil in the world. Like the Ramayana, it is a philosophical allegory, exploring the ideals of justice and fidelity as embodied by the protagonists, Prince Rama and Queen Sita. The epic is well known among the Khmer people for its portrayal in Khmer dance theatre, called the L'khaon, in various festivals across Cambodia. Scenes from the Reamker are painted on the walls of the Royal Palace in Khmer style, and its predecessor is carved into the walls of the Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei temples. It is considered an integral part of Cambodian culture.