Much of my life has been spent in the company of
Buddhist monks, and whenever I travel I normally end up in the orbit of monks.
Cambodia is no exception, and I have spent many happy hours in their company, learning as much about human nature as about religion.
In
Cambodia almost everyone is
Buddhist, and many young men spend a period of time as a
monk. People revere the
monks and see them as a "field of merit" - the means by which they migh acquire good karma. In respecting monks and helping them to survive regular lay people can accrue spiritual merit.
Here are some of the images of monks I have taken over the years in Cambodia. Each tells a particular story. Indeed, each could be the basis for an entire book all on its own:
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| Takin part in the recitation of the Jataka Tales |
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| Gathered for Human Rights Day - a scene I write about in "Destination Cambodia" |
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| Kosal - my closest monk friend in Cambodia. He is now a layman. |
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| With Kosal inside his quarters |
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| Battambang monk wears maroon robes, which is unusual in Cambodia |
In the January 2014 edition of New Dawn magazine I have a piece about how to create an excellent new year using some of the ideas of New Thought. If you are in Australia make sure you head down to your local newsagent and grab a copy so you can read it.
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