Cambodia: District Administration Donates Aid to Buddhist Monks During Rainy Season Retreat

The Prey Kabbas District Administration in Takeo Province has donated candles, cash, offerings, and food supplies to two Buddhist pagodas, Wat Chhnea and Wat Thommavinei, as they commence their three-month Vassa (rainy season retreat). This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to promoting Buddhism, the state religion, and preserving national traditions. During a ceremony held at Wat Chhnea, the donation was led by It Sar, Chairman of the Prey Kabbas District Council, and Kin Phokdey, Governor of the Prey Kabbas District Administration, accompanied by government officials, armed forces, local authorities, and members of the public. Governor Kin Phokdey stated that the Vassa ceremony is a significant event in Buddhism, providing an important period for monks and novices to diligently study Dharma and Vinaya (monastic discipline) according to the Buddha's teachings. He noted that followers of Buddhism traditionally offer rice and daily necessities to monks, and this donation aims to support the monks' three-month retreat. The Vassa period requires monks to reside in a specific pagoda for three months during the rainy season, with restrictions on long-distance travel unless for essential reasons like a parent's severe illness, with an expectation to return within seven days. The Vassa period is observed annually from the first day of the waxing moon of Asalha to the full moon of Asho. The observance typically begins on the evening of the full moon of Asalha, with processions of candles, robes, and other supplies around the Vihara, followed by sermons and the offering of candles and materials to the monks. On the morning of the first day of the waxing moon of Asalha, food and sweets are offered to the monks. Throughout the three months, devout Buddhists often continue to provide meals and various necessities to support the monks during their retreat. Governor Kin Phokdey further emphasized that the progress achieved in both the Buddhist and secular realms today is inseparable from peace. He attributed this invaluable peace to the sacrifices and dedication of former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who transformed Cambodia from a war-torn nation into one experiencing development across all sectors, including schools, hospitals, bridges, and roads. He asserted that without peace, not only development but even the right to life would be absent, urging citizens to collectively protect and preserve this lasting peace to continue national progress under the government's "Win-Win" policy. The donations included a pair of large candles, 100kg of rice, 5 cases of instant noodles, 5 cases of canned fish, 5 bottles of soy sauce, 5 bottles of dark soy sauce, 5 cases of soy milk, 5 cases of mineral water, 5kg of sesame paste, 5 liters of cooking oil, and 1.2 million Riel (approximately $300 USD) in cash for each pagoda. Additionally, the abbot of Wat Chhnea and Wat Thommavinei each received an extra 150,000 Riel. The 20 monks residing at Wat Chhnea each received 20,000 Riel, and pagoda committee members also received donations. Source: AKP Khmer