Dhamma Aid Cambodia
December 2008 Update
Dear friends of Cambodia,
Once again, I am happy to bring you news of the completion of another project in Cambodia. We have printed and begun to distribute 4,000 copies of the book "Gihi Patipatti" (Practice for Lay People) in the country. In mid 2007 we had printed 5,000 copies of this book, so this recent run in December brings the total number of this particular book printed by DAC to 9,000 copies.
This book continues to be important for several reasons. It consists of instructions to lay people on verses for chanting, the 5 precepts, relationship with the sangha etc, and is used as an educational aid in Buddhist High Schools and temples throughout Cambodia. Despite this reprint, Ven Bunsim says they could use another 15,000 copies. Such is the need for good Dhamma books in Cambodia.
The completion of this project caps an excellent year for DAC. In 2008, we have printed a total of 12,000 Dhamma books and provided 7 scholarships for student monks studying at Phra Sihanouk Raj University. Furthermore, even as I write this, we are in the midst of our last project (or first project for 2009, depending on your perspective), as 5,000 copies of the Khmer edition of "Why Buddhism?" by the late Ven K Sri Dhammananda is being printed.
As we go into 2009, DAC will continue its mission to assist Cambodians to reclaim their religious heritage. Malaysian Buddhists delight in sponsoring Dhamma books for free distribution. As there is a surplus of these books here such that there is much wastage and many books are left uncollected and unread, DAC hopes to maximise the merit of your generosity to benefit those who will truly value and treasure your gift of Dhamma dana.
On behalf of DAC and the Cambodian people, I wish to say a deep and grateful Thank You to all who have supported our efforts. Rejoice in your merits and Anumodana! ...and a Happy New Year!
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The photos below show Ven Bunsim distributing the books together with study materials at a Secondary School in his home province, Kandal, just outside Phnom Penh. This program is modeled after the sucessful Educare program of our own Ven Saranankara of Malaysia. As far as possible, DAC tries to distribute its books to select sectors of the population which will have the greatest impact on the country's future - the youth, teachers, government officials, professionals, village heads and community leaders.
 The books are handed out at a ceremony modeled after the Educare program at a school in Kandal province.  Ven Bunsim and friends personally hand out the books.  Front of the book |
30 teachers from this
school
receive copies of Gihi Patipatti. 600 students and also some villagers receive the books.  Back of the Cover which tells recipients of the gift from Malaysian Buddhist friends. |
