Dhamma Aid Cambodia

September 2009 Update

Dear friends of Dhamma Aid Cambodia,

I was in Vientiane for a few days just before the Hari Raya holidays.  OK, Vientiane is in Laos, its capital actually, and not in Cambodia. But I think it is worthwhile filing this update as my friend Judy is running a related effort, Dhamma Aid Laos, which I mentioned in the June update .  

Although I had a couple of weeks notice of my trip to Laos, I did not contact Judy as I thought the probability of meeting her contact in Laos is so remote that I was not encouraged to try.  However, since DAC started in 2006, I have encountered one unbelievable coincidence after another in relation to this work.  The day before my flight to Laos, I sent a casual email to Judy to inquire if she knew of Ven Ekagacitto's whereabouts  (The Ven translated the book "Good Question, Good Answer" into Lao and arranged for the publication and distribution of 4,000 copies of the book in Laos).  I did not really expect a reply in time but Judy responded soon enough.  A couple of emails later, and with the help of Google-Earth, I discovered that the Ven was spending his Vassa at a Wat just 10 mins down the road from the hotel where I would be staying! I was absolutely amazed. 

So I managed to meet the Ven Sayadej Vongsopha Ekagacitto and received a packet of "Good Question, Good Answer" books to take back to KL. Judy wanted me to send some to the author, the Australian monk Ven Dhammika in Singapore to add to his collection of the book which has been translated into more than 14 languages. Since there were 20 books in the packet, I gave some to the hotel staff and they were very appreciative, wai-ing me for the gift of Dhamma.

I understand it is compulsory for anyone who posts anything about Laos to include a picture of the morning alms round, so here is mine, taken in a street near my hotel. Laos is a country intent on reducing the economic gap with  its prosperous neighbours.  The government is encouraging investors and many from China, Thailand and Vietnam are taking up the invitation, bringing with them the crass culture of money. And while the traditional way of life is very much intact,   increasing commerce inevitably leads to change. By day, the fabulous, gilded temples can be seen everywhere but by night, what catches the eye are the numerous neon-lighted night clubs, karaoke bars and massage centers with names not only in Lao but also in English and Chinese.

Back to Dhamma Aid Cambodia