23 Cambodian Youths Ordained in Siem Reap to Uphold Buddhism and Filial Piety

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, on July 26, 2026, Wat Damnak pagoda organized a ceremony to ordain 23 young men as monks and novices. The event was held with the aim of promoting and supporting Buddhism, which is the state religion, and to allow these youths to study Buddhist teachings and repay their parents' kindness. During the ceremony, the 23 individuals underwent the ritual of shaving their heads, donning saffron robes, and receiving precepts from their preceptors, thereby becoming fully ordained monks and novices. They are expected to follow the path of Dharma and contribute to preserving the wonderful traditions and customs of Buddhism. The parents of the ordained youths expressed immense joy and emotion at seeing their children enter the Buddhist clergy. They also participated with deep faith, supporting their children's spiritual journey. Preceptor of Wat Damnak pagoda, Venerable Dr. Lach Chanthar, stated that according to Khmer tradition, ordination is a way to repay parents' kindness. The traditional saying goes, "Becoming a novice monk is for the mother, becoming a monk is for the father." This year, 14 out of the 23 youths completed their full ordination as monks after having served as novices for many years. The full ordination as a monk is a step to fulfill the requirements of monastic life. A novice who has reached the age of 20 can undergo full ordination. However, those who do not wish to become monks can continue to remain as novices. The benefits of full ordination include: 1. Elevating status from an ordinary child to a novice monk, and from a novice monk to a monk. 2. Helping to sustain Buddhism through the role of a robe-wearer (ordained person). 3. Making a rare sacrifice that is not easily achieved by many. 4. Contributing to the longevity of Buddhism. 5. Cultivating the body, speech, and mind. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to pursue broader studies in both Buddhist and secular knowledge.