SIEM REAP - MERIT RELEASE CONTINUES

Some of the dead swept into a corner

In the middle of Siem Reap I was distressed to see very clear evidence of the continuing practice of merit release of birds and other animals by some well meaning but naive Buddhists.

According to a news story published in the Phnom Penh Post in 2015 that set out to highlight the problem they asked a local Siem Reap monk about the issue.

The purpose of releasing the birds was to “give life to the other being, and by giving life to make merit”, said Somnieng Hoeurn, former deputy head monk at Siem Reap’s Wat Damnak.

“Giving life is the best gift you can give,” he said. “But it also symbolises forgiveness and cleaning sin from previous actions. People wish or pray when they release the animals to cleanse their sins and to ask for forgiveness.” 

However, the ancient principle of merit seeking has turned into a thriving trade in capturing and selling wild animals for ceremonial release. It has taken root across Asia with devastating consequences for the animals involved. 

Hoeurn acknowledged the potential harm. “It’s very hard,” he said. “We need to raise awareness that other beings have the right to live happily and freely, not just from the religious perspective but also from the scientific and political perspective. Every life is equal.”

Market stall outside the temple

juvenile finches - some near death

Swallows and Swifts crammed into cages

Swifts

Red rumped Swallows

more swifts and swallows

even turtles were available for purchase and release.

The three year old article explained the animal rights issues involved with the practice; that is they were clearly being held in less than appropriate conditions. We saw clear evidence of this, including a pile of dead birds both within and without the cages. Some studies have suggested that the majority of birds released die within the first day or so.

In addition to the needless suffering and death of the caged birds there are the ecological problem caused by removing so many useful species from their natural habitats. For example swifts and swallows, insectivorous species, obviously are useful to a country reliant on agricultural production.

The merit release encourages wildlife trade, teaches Buddhists not respect of life but merely that wildlife are commodities to be bought and sold.

Again from the article; Daniel Roper-Jones, director of conservation education organisation Fauna in Focus, said, “The biggest problem that I see with the trafficking of merit birds is that conservation organisations do not yet have the authority to stop the practice.” 

He is working on campaigns to help build public awareness and support within schools, communities and pagodas. 

“If these awareness campaigns are successful, I hope it will build enough public support, especially among​ local monk leaders, to petition the Department of Cult and Religion to condemn the practice. ​

“If they do, conservation organisations working to protect wildlife will get the permissions they need to shut these ​activities down permanently.”

Sadly if my 2018 experience is anything to go by Conservation organisations in Cambodia still have a long way to go to make merit release history.