Interior Ministry Official Donates Vassa Candles to 10 Monasteries in Kampong Chhnang

Ms. Chu Bun Eng, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Interior, has donated Vassa candles to 10 monasteries and hermitages in Kampong Chhnang city, Kampong Chhnang province, for monks observing the rainy season retreat. The ceremony took place at Tep Thitaram Pagoda in Kampong Chhnang city, with the participation of Mr. Siv Run, Chairman of the Kampong Chhnang Provincial Council, Ms. Bon Sophi, Deputy Governor of the province, and other local officials and residents. Ms. Chu Bun Eng conveyed greetings and regards from Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, and Samdech Kittiprittbandit Bun Rany Hun Sen, as well as Samdech Padei Techo Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and his spouse, to the monks. She emphasized that without the successful implementation of Samdech Techo Hun Sen's "Win-Win" policy, the people would not have been able to practice Buddhism and other faiths freely. She further stated that the Vassa period is a significant occasion in Buddhism, providing an important time for monks and novices to diligently study Dharma and Vinaya according to the Buddha's teachings for three months, from the first day of the waxing moon of Asanha to the full moon of Assuja. The donation of Vassa candles, along with other offerings such as food and cash, is intended for the monks to use for illumination in devotion to the Buddha and for studying the scriptures of the Lord Buddha. During the three-month rainy season retreat, monks are generally not permitted to travel far from their monasteries, except for essential duties or to give sermons, with the expectation of returning within seven days. Followers of Buddhism typically observe this period by donating alms, rice, beverages, and other necessities to the monks according to their capabilities. Ms. Chu Bun Eng and her delegation presented Vassa candles and cash to the monks at the 10 monasteries. Each monastery received 200kg of rice, 5 boxes of instant noodles, 4 bottles of soy sauce, 4 bottles of fish sauce, 4 boxes of mineral water, 4 boxes of soda, one pair of Vassa candles, and a sum of money. By Bai Sithoun © All rights reserved by National News Agency of Cambodia 2018