Cambodian Senator Offers Alms and Offerings to Monks During Rainy Season

Dr. Ouk Maly, a member of the Senate and Secretary General of the Cambodian Red Cross, a devout Buddhist, led her relatives and family on Sunday, the 12th waxing moon of the second month of the Assadha, Buddhist Era 2570, corresponding to July 26, 2024, to make offerings of candles, incense, and flowers to the Samdech Preah Mohasomatepateat Kitti Bapdit Am Lim Heng and the monks observing the rainy season retreat at Munisovan Pagoda, also known as Chompo Krouk Pagoda, located in Prek Thmey commune, Chbar Ampov district, Phnom Penh. The donation of alms and provisions to Samdech Sangha and the monks residing at Munisovan Pagoda (Chompo Krouk Pagoda) is an annual tradition, especially as the rainy season approaches, making it difficult for monks to go out for alms rounds due to heavy rainfall. Furthermore, according to Buddhist tradition, monks in all pagodas across Cambodia enter the rainy season retreat for three months, starting from the first day of the waning moon of Asadha, to study the Dharma. The annual observance of the rainy season retreat takes place during the rainy season, when it is difficult for both the public and monks to travel, and it is also a time when monks must diligently practice and study the Dharma and Vinaya. Recognizing the importance of the monks' well-being during their extended rainy season retreat, Dr. Ouk Maly presented several items, including 2 pairs of Vassa candles, 2 bags of rice, 2 cases of aloe vera juice, 5 cases of honey lemon tea, 5 cases of Coca-Cola, 5 cases of mineral water, 3 cases of cooking oil, 5 cases of instant noodles, 1 case of canned fish, 5 sets of robes, 1 basket of coffee, 1 basket of Insu drink, 1 basket of Kaam drink, and 1 basket of fruits. She also offered $1,000 to Samdech Preah Mohasomatepateat Kitti Bapdit Am Lim Heng, the abbot of Chompo Krouk Pagoda, $200 to each of the 4 accompanying monks, and $100 to the officiating monk. On this occasion, Samdech Preah Mohasomatepateat Kitti Bapdit Am Lim Heng offered blessings to Dr. Ouk Maly and His Excellency Dr.ory of Cambodia, wishing them the four blessings of Buddhism: longevity, good complexion, happiness, and strength. He also dedicated the merit of this great religious act to the soul of Ouk Saphorn, the elder sister of Dr. Ouk Maly and a devoted Buddhist patron, as well as to the souls of seven generations of ancestors who have passed away. It is noteworthy that Dr. Ouk Maly also provides Vassa candles, alms, provisions, and financial contributions to monks in other pagodas who are entering the three-month rainy season retreat to study the Dharma, demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of monks throughout the country.