The first thing you immediately notice when meeting Monk David is a smile a mile wide. Peaceful, welcoming, polite and gentle perfectly describe this longtime spiritual leader when meeting him at his local monastery located just a few kilometers from the ancient and incredible temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Cambodian Monks in front of Angkor Wat temples, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Dressed in traditional orange robes known as a Kasaya worn by Theravada monks across Cambodia, David receives his first visitors, pilgrims from near and wide to receive his revered blessings. They come mostly for ‘good luck’. This takes many forms in the highly spiritual and often superstitious country.
For many, life is hard in Cambodia as the country continues to recover from years of hardships. There is a constant flow of worshippers waiting patiently for their turn on the mats in front of him. They hope to receive blessings that provide many with hope, strength and perseverance to face the challenges ahead. Good luck for love, good luck for money, good luck for health, good luck for a new motorbike… the list is long and he takes time to bless them all.
Visiting Monk David to discuss building materials
As I waited for him in front of his humble little house on the grounds of his pagoda during a visit, taking in the strong fragrances of incense, I couldn’t help wonder what time the line-up starts. It was early and already, there were a number of locals waiting patiently to see him. However on this day, I wasn’t so much meeting for luck. Even though I’d ever turn down a chance for an extra bit of good luck. On this visit, we were meeting to chat about the building materials needed for his classroom project.
When David isn’t busy at the pagoda offering spiritual guidance, he can be found at the school he built for the many impoverished local children on the outskirts of Siem Reap. A few kilometers outside of town, down a dusty back road, sits his modest school. Here, a number of children and youths from the nearby villages learn English, Khmer, math and other subjects. These are vital skills for the tourism industry of Siem Reap.
Students at Monk David’s school
A few small classrooms, some donated books, outdated computers and some other basic supplies make for a simple yet desperately needed place to learn. Most of the volunteer teachers are other monks and friends of David. Shortly after class lets out, the sound of laughter and excitement follows as students kick around a well-used donated ball on a dirt pitch in the shade of mango trees. Other days there is an enthusiastic tug-of-war game taking place.
I was hosting a group of students on an upcoming visit to Siem Reap. Over the years, our organization has coordinated student building projects in Cambodia and I was happy to be working with my old friend and favourite monk again. When David told me they were looking to expand on their outdoor classroom, it was a great fit with our group and a chance for the visiting students to work with an inspiring community leader.
It was hot, it was hard work and it was incredibly rewarding.
Monks teach thatching. Harder than it looks!
Framing the walls of the outdoor classroom.
In the twenty or so hours of providing services, our student volunteers shoveled dirt, built an irrigation and sanitation system. They hammered, they thatched, they did some bricking and cementing and they even taught English, while some serious games of kickball and tug-of-war were to be had.
All the while Monk David watched on with a smile a mile wide.
