KHMER KAMPUCHEA KROM ACTIVITIES

Hon. Thach Setha, Khmer Krom Leaders and Buddhist Laypeople Traditionally Make Alms-offering To Buddhist Monks of Wat Phnom Den North To Celebrate The Vassa

7/28/07

The delegation of SRP's former Senator and KKC Executive Director Thach Setha, Khmer Kampuchea Krom leaders, members, supporters, and Buddhist laypeople from Phnom Penh travel to Wat Phnom Den North to make alms-offering to the resident monks of this temple as the Buddhist monks traditionally mark their Vassa season (or Rains Retreat).

Vassa is the traditional retreat during the rainy season lasting for three lunar months from July to October. During this time Buddhist monks remain in a single place, generally in their temples. In some monasteries, monks dedicate the Vassa to intensive meditation practice. During Vassa, many Buddhist laypeople reinvigorate their spiritual training and adopt more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking. Vassa is also known as Buddhist Lent.

Missing Ven. Indapanna Tim Sakhorn is a former Chief Monk of Wat Phnom Den North up to the day the Phnom Penh monk officials, deputy chief monks and monks from Kandal province forced Ven. Tim Sakhorn to defrock against his will and rule on June 30, 2007.

This ceremony was co-funded by the KKC members, supporters and generous donors from overseas.

Mr. Tim Theang, father of missing Ven. Indapanna Tim Sakhorn interviews by Radio Free Asia Khmer program reporter Kim Peou Sotan in the vicinity of Wat Phnom Den North, Kirving district, Takeo province.

Khmer Krom leaders pose with resident monks of Wat Phnom Den North along with other Buddhist laypeople in front of a large Buddha to be domed by a main Buddhist building under construction (remains unfinished due to lack of funds).

Hon. Thach Setha, Khmer Krom leaders, members, supporters and laypeople from Phnom Penh and surround the temple observe the Vassa ceremony by making alms-offering to Buddhist monks.

Mr. Tim Theang being interviewed by domestic and international press at Wat Phnom Den North.

Hon. Thach Setha speaks to resident monks and laypeople in Wat Phnom Den North on the first day of the Vassa season.

KKC Executive Director Thach Setha and laypeople in background.

Father of Ven. Indapanna Tim Sakhorn, Mr. Tim Theang with Hon. Thach Setha pose on a hill within the vicinity of Wat Phnom Den North in Phnom Den commune, Kirivong district, Takeo province, Kingdom of Cambodia.

A golden dome Khmer-styled stupa (Chedi) is in the background.

The temple is located a short distance to the international borderline with Vietnam.