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AUGUST 2008
Contempt ruling delayed in fight over Long Beach temple
By Greg Mellen, Press telegram, Aug 4, 2008
Courtesy: The Buddhist Channel |
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<< Phat Nuon, 53, left, and Chhan Yin, 61, both of Long Beach, join other Cambodians and Buddhists outside the Long Beach Courthouse to challenge the signing over of Wat Vipassanaram to another religious group after a court order sought access to financial information. (Carlos Delgado/For the Press-Telegram) |
LONG BEACH, CA (USA) -- The 70 or so protesters from the Cambodian community who gathered in front of the Long Beach courthouse Monday and the 50 who crammed into Judge Joseph DiLoreto's courtroom will have to wait for the latest chapter to be played out in a dispute for control of the local Buddhist temple they attend.
John Ramirez, the head of the Church of the Revelation, appeared in DiLoreto's courtroom only briefly Monday on a contempt of court complaint. Because he had not been served with the complaint, Ramirez and his church were granted a continuation until Aug. 22.
Ramirez and his church are the latest wild card dealt into a case that has been laboring through DiLoreto's court for more than six months now.
The Khmer Buddhist Association, which has run Wat Vipassanaram, has been locked in a dispute with a dissident group that claims it should control the church after a disputed election ousted the KBA board.
Another faith enters the scene
The Church of the Revelation, a Gnostic church, became part of the equation after the board of directors of the Khmer Buddhist Association, which operates Wat Vipassanaram at 1239 E. Orange Ave., divested itself of the temple and its $4 million in properties and assets, placing them into a newly formed Buddhist charter under the umbrella of the Gnostic church.
The relationship between the new temple group and the church was unveiled when David Pasternak, a court-appointed receiver charged with overseeing temple finances, was denied access to records as ordered by DiLoreto.
Pasternak has since been sued in federal court by the Church of the Revelation, which claims he and the courts are interfering with freedom of religion.
Before Monday's court session, a large contingent of local Cambodians, with support from other temples, marched in front of the courthouse.
Carrying signs with slogans such as "We survived the Killing Fields and we'll survive religious invasion, too," and "Give me liberty (of my faith) or give me death," or simply "Save our church," the marchers said they were protesting the feared loss of their temple to another faith.
Monk fears for temple's future
The venerable Pang Kheun, a monk at Wat Vipassanaram, said through translation that he worried the new organization would turn the temple into a church.
He added if that happened he would refuse to leave and die rather than submit.
The protesters were briefly met by a half-dozen police cars but allowed to continue their quiet protest.
Other than stopping twice to engage in religious chanting, the protesters marched silently in front of the courthouse.
About 30 minutes before the scheduled 10:30 a.m. trial time, the protesters filed into the courthouse and lined the halls outside DiLoreto's courtroom. Those who could not gain admittance after the room filled sat and waited outside the courtroom.
Before proceedings began, DiLoreto was surprised to find four sheriff's deputies, who monitored the crowd in his courtroom.
Monday's proceedings resulted when Pasternak wrote to the judge telling him of the denial of access to the finances and of the new relationship between the temple and church.
DiLoreto responded with an order to Ramirez to appear in court and show why he should not be judged in contempt.
Ramirez, who represented himself and the church without legal counsel, said he and his church have not received any property or assets from the temple and that it is a completely independent entity from his church.
"That may be your position, but it's not mine," DiLoreto said.
The judge said it was for him to decide whether the Khmer Buddhist Association, and by extension Ramirez and his church, were trying to circumvent the court order by putting its assets in a "shell corporation."
DiLoreto said his job was not concerned with religious dogma or practice, but to "set a mechanism by which we can reasonably and peaceably decide who are the proper custodian and members of the church."
Although the pairing of a Theravada Buddhist temple with a Gnostic church might seem incongruous to some, Ramirez said the religions were like "kissing cousins" in that they both seek personal knowledge and enlightenment and a path to a kind of nirvana.
"We both end up in the same place, we just take different paths," Ramirez said.
In two weeks, the paths lead back to Ramirez courtroom.
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Noted Documents on the Sacred Preah Vihear Monument
Courtey: Apsara Editions, Montreal, Canada
Photo Courtesy: Cambodia's National Authority on the Sacred Site of Preah Vihear Temple
2nd Courtesy: The Khemarajati
3rd Courtesy: KI Media |
JULY
The Quotation of The Most Ven. Dhammathero
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[Cambodian Political] Parties court the monastic vote
July 25, 2008 The Phnom Penh Post
by Patrick Falby
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Cambodian monks celebrate Preah Vihear temple’s World Heritage Site designation. Photo by Tracey Shelton |
Cambodian monks celebrate Preah Vihear temple’s World Heritage Site designation. The austere existence of Buddhist monks is supposed to show Cambodians how to live. One thing monks have been forbidden to do, however, is show them how to vote.
That will change Sunday, when Cambodia’s Buddhist monks vote in their first general election since they led anti-government demonstrations a decade ago, when they were beaten and shot in the streets for protesting against Prime Minister Hun Sen’s victory.
After the demonstrations, which left at least two monks dead, Supreme Patriarch Tep Vong, head of the country’s largest Buddhist sect, barred Cambodia’s 54,000 Buddhist clergy from voting.
Monks were still constitutionally allowed to vote, but many who tried were blocked by local officials or threatened with expulsion from their pagodas.
Tep Vong retracted his order last year. When asked why, he said, “it is important for democracy” for monks to vote.
Hun Sen and his Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) are widely expected to score another victory in the July 27 poll, extending his 23-year grip on power.
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A group of officials came into my pagoda and gave me a piece of paper quite similar to a ballot. They taught me to tick the (ruling) political party.>>
But now that monks are again free to help choose the leader, not everyone agrees on the political role of Cambodia’s revered saffron-robed men.
“I think monks don’t need to vote because monks are neutral people. If they vote, it can bring biases that can cause fighting,” said Lai Heang, a 28-year-old monk at Phnom Penh’s Wat Botum pagoda.
When Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge swept to power in 1975 it tried to crush Buddhism, one of the greatest threats to the new order of the ultra-Maoist movement.
Tens of thousands of monks were murdered, and most Buddhist texts and temples were destroyed as the regime killed up to two million people in its attempt to create an agrarian utopia.
After Vietnamese-led forces swept out the Khmer Rouge in 1979, the new government appointed Tep Vong to revive the national religion.
Pagodas have once again become centers of learning and culture, and in a country where Buddhism permeates all aspects of culture, upholding the faith is seen as vital for political success.
Politicians across the country donate money, help rebuild a temple or simply spend time in a monastery to demonstrate their access to the sacred power of Buddhism.
“Pol Pot dissolved Buddhism and now he’s dissolved himself. Bin Laden and the Taliban regime destroyed the Buddhist statues. Now they are being destroyed,” Hun Sen said in a speech at Tep Vong’s 70th birthday party.
These days, while images of monks demonstrating in Tibet and Myanmar have recently captured the world’s attention, pagodas are no longer hotbeds of political activism in Cambodia.
Still, some young monks believe all supreme monks in the country have a political bias, including a 29-year-old monk at Phnom Penh’s Ounalom Pagoda.
“A group of officials came into my pagoda and gave me a piece of paper quite similar to a ballot. They taught me to tick the (ruling) political party,” he said.
“I find this quite funny and unacceptable because it is obviously an indirect intimidation to me and other monks in this pagoda,” he added.
Tep Vong does not hide his allegiance to the ruling CPP. “I think you know the opposition never does good action,” he said before the 2003 election. “If someone tries to oppose the royal government, they use Pol Pot’s ideas.”
Venerable Yos Hut Khemacaro of the Khmer Buddhist Foundation is careful not to directly criticize Tep Vong, but said it was vital for monks to work impartially.
“I think many politicians in Cambodia and elsewhere want monks’ support and blessing, but not their teachings,” he said. “Politicians respect us with gestures, but we must teach them all the time.”
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The Buddhist Center in Cambodia |
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The Buddhist Center is located in southern Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia. |
His Holiness Samdech Jotannano Chuon Nath
The Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodia
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This statue is situated near Cambodia's Buddhist Institute and the National Assembly.
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HRW: Monk Tim Sakhorn released from VN jail, but his where- abouts unknown
Vietnam: Restore Full Freedom to Buddhist Monk Tim Sakhorn
Courtesy: Human Rights Watch |
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Recent photo of Abbot Indapanna Tim Sakhorn, Wat Poacanaram or Wat Phnom Den North, Ta Lung village, Phnom Den commune, Kirivong district, Takeo province, Kingdom of Cambodia, prior to his force to defrock (leave monkhood) on June 30, 2007. |
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Human Rights Defender Released from Prison, but Whereabouts Unknown
(New York, July 3, 2008) – The Vietnamese authorities should immediately lift any restrictions on the liberty of Buddhist monk Tim Sakhorn, who was released from prison in Vietnam on June 28, 2008, Human Rights Watch said today. Sakhorn’s whereabouts are unknown. He was last seen in the company of government officials.
On June 30, 2007, authorities in Cambodia arrested and defrocked Sakhorn and sent him to Vietnam. On November 8, 2007, a criminal court in |
An Giang (in Khmer Mort Chrouk) province sentenced Sakhorn to one year of imprisonment on charges of “undermining national unity” under article 87 of Vietnam’s penal code. Sakhorn reportedly had no legal representation during his trial. Human Rights Watch said that the politically motivated prosecution of Sakhorn was a thinly veiled attempt by the Vietnamese and Cambodian governments to stop peaceful dissent by the Khmer Krom minority in both countries.
“While his release from prison is welcome, as a peaceful activist and human rights defender, Tim Sakhorn should never have been imprisoned in the first place,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Sakhorn should now be able to go where he wants, when he wants, but it is not clear that he is able to do so.”
Sakhorn, 40, a member of the Khmer Krom ethnic minority group that lives in both southern Vietnam [Kampuchea Krom] and Cambodia, had been a
monk at a Buddhist pagoda in Takeo province, Cambodia, for 17 years. A member of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Federation, a US-based advocacy group, Sakhorn had actively promoted the rights of Khmer Krom people and provided shelter in his pagoda in Cambodia to Khmer Krom migrants and asylum seekers from Vietnam.
Upon Sakhorn’s release from prison on June 28, government officials escorted him to his birthplace in An Giang province, where the authorities had organized a welcome party for him. Local officials reportedly offered Sakhorn a plot of land and a large house in An Giang as an apparent incentive to remain in Vietnam. Villagers who met Sakhorn said he was dressed in civilian clothes, not monks’ robes, and appeared healthy. After only a few hours in his village, however, villagers reported that government officials escorted Sakhorn away, reportedly to Ho Chi Minh City (former Cambodia's oldest city Prey Nokor).
“Now that Tim Sakhorn has been released from prison, the Vietnamese government should fully restore his freedom,” Adams said. “He should be able to travel freely and to meet his friends and family members in private. And the Cambodian government should publicly confirm that he is free to return to Cambodia, where he is a citizen.”
Sakhorn was born in Kampuchea Krom (southern Vietnam) but had lived in Cambodia since 1978, when he and his family fled border fighting between Khmer Rouge and Vietnamese forces. Like other members of the Khmer Krom minority living in Cambodia, Sakhorn and his family were recognized by the Cambodian government as Cambodian citizens. In 2002, Sakhorn was promoted to abbot of Northern Phnom Den Pagoda in Takeo --- a position that only Cambodian citizens can hold --- by Cambodia’s Supreme Buddhist Patriarch, Tep Vong.
Cambodian authorities defrocked Sakhorn in Takeo provincial town on June 30, 2007, on Tep Vong’s orders for allegedly violating Buddhist rules by “harming the solidarity” between Cambodia and Vietnam and using his pagoda to disseminate propaganda. After his defrocking, Sakhorn was forced into a car attached to the Cambodian Ministry of Interior and sent to Vietnam, where Vietnamese police arrested him for “illegal entry.” Documents were later produced stating that Sakhorn had “volunteered” to return to Vietnam.
Newspaper accounts in the government-controlled press in Vietnam stated that Sakhorn had distributed bulletins and videos about Khmer Krom history and politics, “incited” Khmer Krom people in Vietnam to file complaints and demonstrate about confiscation of their land, and served as a representative in Cambodia of the Khmer Kampuchea Krom Federation.
In the months preceding Sakhorn’s arrest, government authorities in both Cambodia and Vietnam had become increasingly uneasy about a number of peaceful protests conducted by Khmer Krom monks and farmers in both countries calling for greater religious freedom and land rights. Protesters also called for the release of five Khmer Krom Buddhist monks imprisoned in Vietnam after a peaceful demonstration in Soc Trang (in Khmer Khleang), Vietnam, in February 2007.
Sakhorn’s deportation to Vietnam was in violation of the Cambodian Constitution and Nationality Law, which state that Khmer citizens shall not be arrested and deported to any foreign country unless there is a mutual extradition treaty, which does not exist between Cambodia and Vietnam.
Human Rights Watch said it feared that Sakhorn may be pressured or forced to return to his birthplace -- not his pagoda -- and placed under house arrest and police surveillance, like other imprisoned dissident monks in Vietnam, such as those from the banned Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam. Upon their release from prison, political and religious prisoners in Vietnam are sometimes placed under house arrest, or “probationary detention” (quan che), for periods of one to five years, under article 38 of the criminal code. During that time they are placed under the supervision and “re-education” of local officials and deprived of certain rights, such as the right to travel, vote, or preside over religious organizations.
“Tim Sakhorn’s arrest and deportation were totally unjustified,” Adams said. “He should not have been imprisoned for simply promoting people’s rights or being in contact with an international advocacy organization. Now, ensuring that he is completely free is the priority.”
For more information, please contact:
In London , Brad Adams (English): +44-20-7713-2767; or +44-790-872-8333 (mobile)
In Washington , DC , Sophie Richardson (English, Mandarin): +1-202-612-4341; or +1-917-721-7473 (mobile)
In Brussels , Reed Brody (English, French, Portuguese, Spanish): +32-498-625786 (mobile)
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JUNE
The Most Venerable Dhammathero Sao Khon
Addresses the 59th Annual Buddhist Memorial Service Honoring Khmer Buddhist Monks, heroic Kings, heroes and fallen Compatriots and a Renewed Remembrance of Kampuchea Krom Loss, where France Gives Khmer land to Vietnam on June 4, 1949. Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia |
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Front center - Her Royal Highness Princess Sisowath Pongneary Monypong, Highest Representative of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni |
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H.R.H. Princess Sisowath Pongneary Monypong along with other dignitaries, MPs, NGO reprentatives receive blessings from the Most Venerable Dhammathero Sao Khon and other Buddhist clergies. Far right - SRP former Senator of Cambodia Hon. Thach Setha. |
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The Most Ven. Dhammathero Sao Khon, president of the International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks, Maha Ghosananda International Buddhist Peace Foundation and Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks-United States, addresses the historic 59th Annual Buddhist Memorial Service. |
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Left to right: Shown hands of Hon. Son Chhay, SRP MP; Mam Sonando, Director of Beehive Radio; Hon. Khieu San, FUNCINPEC MP; Dr. Liv An of KK Association; HRH Princess and Buddhist clergies stand for the National Anthem of Cambodia, Buddhist flag, and moments of silence to honor past heroic Buddhist monks, heroic Kings, heroes, and fallen compatriots. |
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Invited 1,949 Buddhist clergies listen attentively to the speeches of keynote speakers, Buddhist organization, MPs and NGO representatives.
More pictures to be posted on or about Friday.
Video of this historic event to be broadcast live on LTC on Friday June 20th at 9PM. |
The Grand Buddhist Ceremony
The Unveiling of the 5 Buddhas
Wat Dhammavararam, Stockton, California, United States
July 11 - 13, 2008
Photos: Templenews staff |
Royal Ploughing Ceremony: Good Year for Farmers
Courtesy: KI Media |
The royal ploughing ceremony in Phnom Penh. Cambodia's royal cows performed an ancient ceremony on Friday, predicting the country will have a "quite good" rice harvest this year. (AFP/Tang Chhin Sothy)
This ceremony takes place toward the end of the dry season in early May, when Khmer farmers prepare their fields for new crops. A special pagoda is erected in a field beside the Royal Palace, and the field is then plowed by the King's own oxen. At the end of the ceremony, the oxen are led to various grains and left to select their preference, a practice believed to predict the success of the year's harvests. Courtesans in traditional garb and often the King himself attend this colorful celebration. |
Obituary: Decedent Rith Prom
March 1, 1928 - May 16, B.E.2552/C.E.2008 Year of the Rat
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Traditional Buddhist and Funeral Services
Friday May 23, 2008 9:00AM Viewing of decedent at Wat
Dhammikaram, 177-179 Hanover Street, Providence, Rhode Island
Saturday May 24, 2008 9:00AM Cremation service at the Swan Point Crematorium, Providence, RI
Contact Info.: Saroeuth Prom 401-523-5963,
Davy Rith 401-215-4859
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This is an obituary notice and a cordial invitation to all families, colleagues, and friends that know the decedent.
Khmer Buddhist and Funeral Service Schedule click here |
May this Vesak bring you peace and happiness
Photo Courtesy: Kaputa.com
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EU Members of Parliament disturbed by recent reports of Vietnam's grave repressions against Buddhism, the very faith VN claims to celebrate
May 13, 2008
Courtesy: KI Media |
On May 13 - 17, 2008, the Vietnamese government will host the 5th United Nations’ Day of the Vesak in Hanoi. This should be a happy occasion, a day to remember Buddha’s message of tolerance and peace, and to inspire all people, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, to work together towards mutual understanding and harmonious coexistence in our world.
However, we are deeply disturbed by recent reports of grave repressions against Buddhism, the very faith Hanoi claims to celebrate. Only the State- sponsored Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, controlled by the Communist Party’s Fatherland Front, will attend the celebrations, while the independent, tradi-tional Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam (UBCV) remains banned and its leaders are prisoners in their own pagodas.
In the run-up to the Vesak, Police have seized UBCV pagodas to use for State-sponsored events, evicted and harassed monks, nuns and lay-followers in Lam Dong, Hue, Quang Tri and elsewhere. On 2 May 2008, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom expressed deep concern on “significant official harassment of monks, nuns and youth leaders associated with the UBCV,” including the long-term house arrest of Patriarch Thich Huyen Quang, and his Deputy Thich Quang Do, a 2008 Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Moreover, the Commission recommended that Vietnam be re-designated in 2008 as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Vietnam is a member of the World Trade Organization, non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and a signatory to key UN human rights
treaties. As such, you have a binding obligation to uphold internationally-recognized freedoms and rights.
On the occasion of the UN Day of Vesak, we urge Hanoi to cease repression of the UBCV, to immediately release Patriarch Thich Huyen Quang and Most Venerable Thich Quang Do and to restore the UBCV’s legitimate status. Only by this gesture they will restore true significance to the UN Day of the Vesak, and honor the 2000 year heritage of Buddhism in Vietnam.
Marco Pannella, MEP Italy Radicals –ALDE, President of the Nonviolent
Radical Party
Graham Watson, MEP, UK Lib-Dem President of the ALDE Group at the
European Parliament
Emma Bonino, MP, Italy Vice President of the Senate, Radicals-
Democratic Party
Luisa Morgantini, MEP, Italy Communist, -United Left, Vice-President of
the European Parliament
Marco Cappato, MEP, Italy Radical – ALDE
Son Chhay, MP, Cambodia Sam Rainsy Party
Charles Tannock, MEP, UK, Tories -EPP
Luca Romagnoli, MEP, Italy - Non-attached Member
Kinga Gál, MEP Hungary EPP
Marco Perduca, MP, Radicals, Italy - Democratic Party
Matteo Mecacci, MP, Radicals, Italy - Democratic Party |
History in brief
United Nations Resolution on Vesakha Puja
Courtesy: The United Nations |
Seen from space man-made Baray Reservoir
Courtesy: KhmerOnline
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The Quotation of The Late Most Ven. Mongkolathera Korm Mam, congress president of Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks |
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Vesakha Puja Ceremony
Vesak is probably the most universally celebrated festival in the whole Buddhist calendar. In the Theravada tradition it is a remembrance of the three most significant events in the Buddha's life - His Birth, Enlightenment and Final Passing. Tradition has it that these all took place on the full moon of Vesakha. It is unlikely that this is historically accurate but that these three events are celebrated on the same day gives great importance to the occasion. The day is very much centered around devotional practices; especially in relation to a recollection of the life of Gotama Buddha and there are often readings from scriptural texts or contemporary commentaries of various stories from his life. These would be interspersed with periods of meditation. Shrines and the Buddha images in particular will receive a lot of attention on this day.
The coming of the Buddha - an Enlightened Being - into the world is seen as tremendously important. The teachings given by such a being are seen as a light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and the use of lights or lanterns is common as a way of marking this festival. In Sri Lanka much is made of this with great processions and illuminated floats.
A circumambulation [ritual] is commonly part of the evening's events and both the monastery generally and the path walked at this time will often have been decorated during the day with a variety of lights brought by visiting families. These will be lit just prior to the circumambulation to illuminate the way and candles or lanterns will often be carried by those in the procession.
Vesakha Puja is often called Buddha day.
This is a media advisory and an extended cordial invitation to you, members, laypeople, community, and compatriot.
Open to the public.
When: Sunday-Monday May 18 - 19, 2008
Sunday 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Monday 4:30PM
Where: Wat Triratanaram
21-25 Quigley Avenue
North Chelmsford, MA
978-251-2587, 978-251-1198
Download Khmer schedule click here
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Exclusive Video! COMING May 8th
The Traditional Buddhist Funeral and Memorial Services for Abbot Jotiko Nou Non
Wat Buddhasasanarangsey, Fresno, California, United States
To view slideshows (April 26 & 27) click here
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Picture of Abbot Jotiko Nou Non passed away on Monday April 7, 2008, year of the Boar. He was 87 years old. He was born in Domnak Thgann village, Prey Romdeng commune, Kirivong district, Takeo province, Cambodia (Then the country was a French Protectorate), on Thursday February 14, 1921.
In 1959 Ven. Jotiko Nou Non appointed as abbot of Wat Phnom in Takeo province.
Year of Horse B.E.2432, C.E.1942 novice Nou Non became a bhikkhu.
Year of Tiger B.E.2428, C.E.1938 young Nou Non entered monkhood as novice.
All His life is for Buddhism, especially Nirvana (A place of Eternal Peace). |
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| Wat Buddhasasanarangsey |
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| Buddhist clergies give blessings. |
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| Ven. Dhamma Panno Nou Ngov, Abbot of Wat Phnom and young brother of the decedent Abbot Jotiko Nou Non, flew in from Cambodia. Here the venerable is expressing his final grief at the funeral service before cremation in Buddhist and Khmer tradition. |
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Front row, left to right: The Most Ven. Dhammathero Sao Khon, president of Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks-United States; visiting Samdech Udompanna Dound Phand; center - Ven. Dhamma Panno Nou Ngov; Abbot of Wat Ratanarangsey Revere Ven. Pannapadhipo Sophal Pat; and Most Ven. Attagauto Khean Prohm, vice president of Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks-United States. |
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| Buddhist monks and attendees from wats in Modesto, Stockton, Long Beach, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Jose; Oregon, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, and Cambodia. |
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| Praying in front rows in white are Buddhist nuns. |
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| Laotian Buddhist clergies from Wat Brahmacariyakaram in Fresno. |
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| Newly-ordained novices honor Abbot Jotiko Nou Non having lunch. They are as young as 14 of age. |
Revised plans win approval for Buddhist temple By Robert Lowell, American Journal, May 1, 2008
Courtesy: The Buddhist Channel |
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Cutline (Buddhists 1) – Max Calderwood, Buxton, left, hears about Buddhism from Cambodian Buddhist monk Bak Him in town hall Monday. The Wat Samaki Cambodian Buddhist Temple got permission to gather in its temple on Back Nippen Road. (Photo by Robert Lowell) |
BUXTON, Maine (USA) -- After revising its plans several times, a Buddhist temple won permission Monday from the Buxton Planning Board to meet at a home on Back Nippen Road.
Neighbors packed public hearings in recent months on the Wat Samaki Cambodian Buddhist Temple's application to express concerns about noise and traffic temple gatherings could generate on the rural, residential road.
However, only a few residents attended the meeting Monday as the permit received unanimous approval from the board. One resident attended just to greet members of the temple.
Max Calderwood said he's been following the hearings on the temple's application with interest.
"I want to welcome them to the community," he said, after visiting with Bak Him, one of two monks who live at the temple, in the lobby outside the selectmen's chamber in Buxton Town Hall.
Him lives at the home at 28 Back Nippen Road with another monk, Chantrea Mean. Temple members plan to meet in a building attached to the home. The house will remain a private residence.
“I’m happy now,” said temple President Navan Leng of Westbrook.
The temple presented plans in January, but received the approval Monday after submitting revised parking plans, scaled back from 67 to 52 cars, and plans for landscaping and controlling storm water runoff. Public hearings drew worries from neighbors about increased traffic and noise in the residential neighborhood. Churches are allowed on the road under Buxton zoning, and the building once housed a commercial printing business.
During the meeting Monday, Janice Laughlin, who lives across the street from the temple, asked whether the conditions the Planning Board had placed on the temple's permit, particularly the construction of a parking lot, would have to be met before members could begin meeting there. Laughlin has been concerned about cars being parked along the road.
Planning Board Chairman Jeremiah Ross said the conditions would have to be met before the temple could begin meeting there.
Buxton Code Officer Fred Farnham will issue an occupancy permit after the temple meets agreed upon requirements and is issued a permit from the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
Leng will meet with Beth Sturtevant, a volunteer who presented the temple’s plans in meetings, to discuss the work and costs. Leng said the temple still has to raise money to pay for the project.
The temple is the only one of its kind in Maine and serves 350 Cambodian families. Most members are Cambodian refugees, who fled the reign of Pol Pot when as many as three million people were slaughtered in the 1970s.
The temple bought the property three years ago. This was the second time the temple had applied to gather there.
Town officials have said a request by the temple two years ago didn’t move forward because the temple didn't provide information planners had requested. The temple, which was founded in 1985 in Portland, sought permission to locate in Buxton 20 years ago, but opposition thwarted approval.
“I’m so glad to have the temple in this town,” said Peng Kem of Portland, a member of the temple’s board of directors. |
The Buddhist Center of Cambodia
Photo Courtesy: Khmeronline
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This picture is recently taken during the Theravadin New Year, B.E.2552/C.E.2008 in Cambodia. The local Cambodians called it the Khmer New Year.
The Buddhist Center of Cambodia is located in southeastern Phnom Penh. |
The Rat New Year Celebration in Rhode Island
The Cambodian Society of Rhode Island organized and sponsored this annual celebration despite this non-profit organization receives no federal funding grants. The Cambodian Society receives the supports from the members and generous donors.
The leadership is universally elected every two years according to its Bylaws.
Photos: Templenews TV |
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The Khmer refugees, immigrants and Cambodian-American people in Providence, Cranston and locals in Rhode Island carry on their culture that their parents, grand parents and ancestors pass down to them. The people pray and receive New Year blessings from the Buddhist clergies at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet Hall on April 19, 2008. Buddhist monks were invited to lead the New Year Celebration from Wat Dhammikaram of Providence and Wat Udomsaharatanaram of Fall River, MA. |
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Khmer women in traditional dress and people make rice alm offerings before offering to the Buddhist clergies. |
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| Family and friends attending the Rat New Year Celebration pose for Templenews TV. |
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Local artists perform traditional Khmer instruments that they learned from their parents in Cambodia, in the refugee camps and continue the tradition in America. |
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People are smiling happily while making rice alms offerings.
In Theravada Buddhist tradition, the Buddhist clergies make their daily begging for alms. Some temples in America continue to practice this tradition. However, in some rituals, ceremonies and celebration like this one, the people offer their rice alms by ritually putting rice into the bowls of the Buddhist monks. The people outnumber the monks. The facility, schedule, and the organizers have to accept the situation. |
The Rat New Year Ceremony - Final Day
The Cleansing or Bathing of the Buddhas
Wat Triratanaram, Massachusetts, United States
Photos: Templenews TV |
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The president of Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks-United States Most Ven.
Dhammathero Khon Sao leads Buddhist clergies and faithfuls on April 15 of the Rat
New Year Ceremony in Wat Triratanaram in giving holy bathe to the Buddhas to mark
the conclusion of the auspicious three-day ceremony in the Buddhist, Khmer and
Wat Triratanaram traditions. |
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| Buddhist adherents give bathe to the Buddhas subsequently after the Buddhist monks. |
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| Buddhist faithfuls give bathe to the clergies after the Buddhas. |
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| Buddhist clergies give blessings. |
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| Rows and rows of Buddhas. |
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| Young and old Buddhist faithfuls continue giving bathe to the Buddhas. |
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| Long line of people continue making their way to wash the Buddhas and monks. |
Video footages of new year events from the regional Buddhist temples to be aired on
LTC Channel 8, Friday 9-10PM and subsequent weeks. |
Templenews TV wishes you, respected Buddhist clergies, compatriots a Happy New Year
Year of the Rat, Buddhist Era 2552, Christian Era 2008
The year commences on April 13 and lasts through the 15th.
Photo courtesy: Economics Today Magazine
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Happy Khmer New Year to Your Respected Venerable, you and your beloved family, and TV audiences a joyous and healthy New Year.
May the Khmer Nation and compatriots - wherever you may be - achieve your endeavor.
Also on this occasion, we renew our remembrance of the Khmer heroes of His Holiness Samdech Jotannano CHUON Nath, His Holiness Samdech Maha Ghosananda,
Emperor Jayavarman VII, Oknha Krola Homkong, Oknha KHLEANG Moeung, Oknha SON Kuy, Ven. Preah Balat |
Ghosaneak Hem Cheav, Ven. Ganda Dhammo Kim Toc Chon, Ven. Dhamma Viriyo Kim Sang, Ven. Sumedhavong Candavano Oung Mean, Ven. Mongkolthera Korm Mom, many great Buddhist heroes and fallen compatriots for their heroism and achievements.
Download Khmer Rat Year 2552 Almanac |
OBITUARY: Immediate Release
Abbot Jotiko Nou Non of Wat Buddhasasana- rangsey Passed Away on April 7
Fresno, California, United States
Tuesday April 15, 2008 |
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Templenews TV has just learned about this sad event on the evening of April 14, the second day of New Year, from the President of U.S.-based Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Most Ven. Dhammathero Khon Sao and Abbot Pannapadhipo Sophal Pat of Wat Ratanarangsey Revere, Revere, Massachusetts on the passing of Abbot Jotiko Nou Non.
Also taken place last night at Wat Triratanaram during the second day of the Rat New Year Ceremony, Most Ven. Dhammathero, Buddhist clergies and faithfuls conduct Buddhist service to honor, from a far, Abbot Jotiko Nou Non on His Passing.
Above Khmer text is a cordial Buddhist funeral invitation from Acting Abbot Dhamma-sovanno Thong Sin of Wat Buddhasasanarangsey to all chief monks and board members of temples request for their honor and presence at the Extraordinary Funeral and Memorial Services for Abbot Jotiko Nou Non.
Date: Saturday - Sunday April 26 - 27, 2008
Final Funeral & Memorial Services to honor Abbot Jotiko Nou Non
Place: Wat Buddhasasanarangsey, Fresno, California, U.S.
For inquiries, lodgings and reception, please contact Mr. Kimheng Um, event coordinator, 559-681-1213.
Download Buddhist Funeral Invitation
Video Coming This Week: Most Ven. Dhammathero's immediate condolence to Buddhist clergies and faithfuls of Wat Buddhasasanarangsey after receiving the sad news from Ven. Iddhipalo Sengsavann Keobunta, Abbot of Wat Patumsovannaram, Fontana, California.
Material provided by Wat Ratanarangsey Revere Abbot Ven. Pannapadhipo Sophal Pat
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Year of the Rat Celebration in Rhode Island, U.S.
Wat Dhamagosnaram, Cranston, Rhode Island, United States
Sunday April 13, 2008
Photos: Templenews TV |
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Front yard of Wat Dhamagosnaram.
Left to right: Rhode Island state flag, Cambodia's flag, U.S. flag, World Buddhist flag,
and Massachusetts state flag. |
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Abbot Udomsatha Chhorm Chea leads Buddhist clergies in blessings. |
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Front: Abbot Udomsatha Chhorm Chea begs for alms from the Buddhist adherents and
new year attendees. |
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Youth in colorful Chhaiyam costumes perform their act for guests. |
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Buddhist clergies make their rounds for alm offerings.
Video footages of new year events from the regional Buddhist temples to be aired on LTC Channel 8, Friday 9-10PM. |
Year of the Rat Celebration in Massachusetts
Wat Triratanaram, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, United States
The Khmer refugees, immigrants and Cambodian-American people strive and persevere to preserve their culture and Theravada Buddhism in America.
Saturday April 12, 2008
Photos: Templenews TV |
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On the grounds of Wat Triratanaram, North Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
Left to right: Cambodia's flag, World Buddhist flag, and U.S. flag.
Buddhist adherents and guests enjoy funs and games, and live band. |
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| President of the Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks of United States Most Ven. Dhammathero Khon Sao leads the new year blessings before luncheon. |
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| Buddhist faithfuls make rice alm offerings into the clergies' bowls. |
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| Buddhist adherents receive their merits from the clergies. |
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| Volunteers tending the donation booth. |
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| Another round of rice alm offerings. |
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| Khmer women in colorful traditional dress pose for Templenews TV. |
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| Spectators enjoy watching the funs and games with their family after lunch. |
Newly-built Buddhist Temple
Officially inaugurated in July 2007
Courtesy: Wat Munisotaram |
| When visiting the United States and the state of Minnesota and you wish to visit this beautiful Buddhist temple, please click on link above for inquiries. |
Giant Catfish Faces Dam Risk in Asia
National Geographic News, April 8, 2008
Courtesy: KI Media |
Children pose with a Mekong giant catfish caught at Khone Falls in Laos, near the border with Cambodia, in August last year.
While the weight of the fish in the photo is unknown, the species holds the world record as the largest freshwater fish ever caught, weighing in at 646 pounds (293 kilograms).
The Mekong giant catfish is listed as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union.
"But a new dam project planned for Khone Falls threatens the migration of this so-called megafish, according to Zeb Hogan, who heads the National Geographic Society's Megafishes Project.
A fisher returns to shore with a Mekong giant catfish caught at Khone Falls in Laos last year.
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The huge species is illegal to catch and is generally caught accidentally.
Today there may only be a few hundred adult giant catfish left in the entire Mekong River system.
The group of fishers who caught this giant catfish initially hoped to sell it. But when they could not find any buyers, they ended up distributing the meat among people in their village.
A fisher at Khone Falls in Laos holds a large Bagarius catfish.
His basket trap, known as a Lop in the Lao language, is also used to catch fish such as the pa se ee, a carp native to the area.
Scientists say the Khone Falls area supports at least 201 fish species, including many endemic or endangered species. It also supports one of the few remaining concentrations of freshwater dolphins still living in the Mekong.
A child poses with the head of a Mekong giant catfish caught at Khone Falls in Laos in August last year.
The giant catfish was once plentiful throughout the Mekong River system, but in the last century the population has declined 95 to 99 percent, according to Hogan of the Megafishes Project.
Last year only one giant catfish was caught at Khone Falls.
"Everyone heard about the catch, and hundreds of people showed up to look at it," said photographer Suthep Kritsanavarin. |
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Khmer Emperor Jayavarman VII: How to reconstruct His Majesty's Torsoes
Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia
Courtesy: Koh Santepheap Newspaper |
Funeral and Memorial Service for Dith Pran
New Jersey, United States
Courtesy: KI Media & South Plainfield Funeral Home |
| New York Times reporter Sydney Schanberg speaks at the funeral service for his close friend, New York Times photojournalist Dith Pran, in South Plainfield, New Jersey, April 6, 2008. Dith is known for his experiences with Schanberg in his native country of Cambodia, where he was imprisoned and later escaped the genocide of the Khmer Rouge (Cambodian communists supported by Communist China), which was turned into the Academy Award winning movie, "The Killing Fields." REUTERS/Chip East |
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Dith Pran, a photojournalist for The New York Times whose gruesome ordeal in the killing fields of Cambodia was re-created in a 1984 movie that gave him an eminence he tenaciously used to press for his people's rights, died on Sunday at a hospital in New Brunswick, N.J. He was 65.
Mr. Dith Pran was born in Siem Reap province, Cambodia (then the country was a French Protectorate) on September 23, 1942; departed on March 30, B.E.2551/C.E.2008 and resided in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
As of this date, justice remains elusive for the millions Cambodian victims of the 21st Century in Cambodia and abroad. |
Exclusive Video!
The Traditional Buddhist Funeral and Memorial Services for Abbot Thana Dhammo Saniet Ma
Wat Chansisotheavas Kaub Thom, Long Beach, California, United States
To view more photos of this event click here.
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| The international Buddhist clergies and adherents pay last respect to the late Abbot Thana Dhammo Saniet Ma. |
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Left - - Senior-ranking Buddhist clergy and Vice President of Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks of United States (CKBM) the Most Ven. Attakoto Khean Prohm.
Right - - CKBM's President
the Most Venerable Dhammathero Khon Sao, and international Buddhist clergies and faithfuls walked in procession three times around
the funeral home prior to cremation.
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The grand children of the late abbot in a process to become Buddhist novices to honor their grand father.
Like other Buddhist clergies, novice monks have 1 meal per day and rise early at 4:00 for morning prayers. |
HAPPY THERAVADIN NEW YEAR B.E.2552/
C.E.2008
The Traditional Khmer New Year Ceremony
Year of the Rat
Theravadin Buddhist countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanma (Burma), Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, approximate 200 millions combined populations for all six nations, observe the same new year celebration.
Program Schedules click here |
NEW YEAR WISH & APPRECIATION
In the New Year season, Templenews Television would like to extend our New Year wish Full Text of New Year Wish click here |
Buddhists who stand up
By Matthew Weiner, The International Herald Tribune, April 1, 2008
Courtesy: KI Media |
The late His Holiness Samdech Maha Ghosananda, Supreme Patriarch
of Cambodian Buddhism. This picture is one of many peace march that
His Holiness led in Cambodia beginning in the early through the
mid-1990.
His Holiness Samdech Maha Ghosananda is one of the architects in the
peace negotiation to end the Cambodian conflicts. |
NEW YORK - - -
Westerners tend to think of Buddhism as a passive religion, focused on
silent meditation and personal spiritual growth. The image of the Buddha seated with a smile sums it up.
So while the West is highly familiar with conflict and activism in
other religions, the "saffron revolution" in Burma and the "high altitude
revolt" in Tibet have come as a surprise to many.
In fact, there is a healthy tradition of Buddhist activism. Often
called "engaged Buddhism," a term coined by Thich Nhant Hanh, a Vietnamese
Zen Buddhist monk, it encourages a Buddhist critique of governmental and
economic structures and other efforts to alleviate social suffering.
In Sri Lanka, the Sarvodaya Movement works in over a thousand villages
to empower the poor. Maha Ghosananda, a revered Cambodian Buddhist monk,
led thousands in peaceful walks through the "killing fields" to seek
reconciliation with the Khmer Rouge. Nhant Hanh himself called on both
North and South Vietnam to stop their bloodshed.
In Thailand, the "Forest Monk" Prachak "ordained" trees in the forest
by wrapping monks' robes around them to save them from loggers. The
Taiwan-based Tzu-Chi movement has thousands of volunteers who respond to
natural and man-made disasters.
The Reverend Nakagaki of the New York Buddhist Church holds an annual
service on the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima. After 9/11, he
recalled America's use of internment camps in World War II and called on
all Buddhists to help Muslim citizens. Nakagaki is fond of showing an
image of the Buddha who is standing up.
He says that Buddhism is about having a peaceful mind, but not just
sitting there.
Buddhist activists cite Buddhist scriptures to argue that they say they
are simply following what the Buddha taught. In one, the Buddha
confronts a murderer who was on the verge of killing his mother; in another,
he stopped a war between two tribes.
A third example is the idea of the Bodhisattva: a being who works
tirelessly to save all other beings from suffering.
One source of the Western misunderstanding of Buddhism is our
fascination with meditation. While meditation is as critical to Buddhism as
prayer is to Christianity, Judaism and Islam; it does not preclude action,
any more than prayer does.
In fact, the Buddhist focus on meditation emphasizes a state of mind
that can lead to a particular kind of activism - walking meditation and
nonviolent resistance - as demon-strated by the Maha Ghosananda in
Cambodia or the monks in Burma.
The misunderstandings continue with the term "Buddhist monk." "Monk" is
a Christian term for religious ascetics who generally practice their
faith in isolation from the world. The word comes from the Greek"monos," "alone."
But "Bick," the Buddhist term for monk, translates literally as"beggar."
Bhikkhus are required to teach and guide the lay community and to beg
for their food. From their very inception in Buddhist practice, Bhikkhus
have had a deeply reciprocal relationship with the lay world -
including the government - as teachers and spiritual models. They have always
been active in the world.
Another notion that does not stand up under historic scrutiny is that
all active Buddhists are peace activists; indeed, there are those who
argue that there has never been a Buddhist war. But there are also
unfortunate examples throughout history of Buddhist participation in
government oppression and violence.
Yet it is the peaceful activism for which Buddhist monks are best known
and most respected. That they have opposed injustice in Burma and
Tibet should not be a surprise; that they have not met violence with
violence should be commended.
Matthew Weiner is director of programs at the Interfaith Center of New
York.
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Watch Video Production # 51 Now Playing
The Decedent Abbot Thana Dhammo Saniet Ma
THE CONDOLENCES & SYMPATHY
for the Buddhist clergies and faithfuls of Wat Chansisotheavas Kaub Thom, Long Beach, California, United States
Thursday March 27, 2008
From the Most Venerable Dhammathero Sao Khon, president of the International Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center, the Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks United States, Buddhist clergies and Khmer Buddhist adherents worldwide.
The Venerable Thana Dhammo Saniet Ma, Abbot of Wat Chansisotheavas Kaub Thom, located in Long Beach, California, United States, has just passed away on Friday March 21, B.E.2551/C.E.2008 at 3:30p.m. in His state residence.
His Venerable's holy body is being displayed at the Stricklin/Snively Mortuary, 1952 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, CA.
He was born on September 15, 1916 in Banteay Meanchey province (formerly Battambang), Cambodia.
Additional information to be updated at later times...please revisit us.
Khmer version click here |
COMMUNITY BULLETIN |
2008 Cambodian New Year Celebration and Community Service Awards
Sponsor: Cambodian American League of Lowell, Inc. (CALL)
Schedule: Saturday April 5, 2008
Location: The Radisson Hotel, Chelmsford, MA
Contact:
Ratha-Paul Yem
Interim Director
Cambodian American League of Lowell, Inc. (CALL)
16 Pine Street, Suite 11
Lowell, MA 01851 ratha@amerasianrealestate.com
617-459-3000
E-mail: ratha@amerasianrealestate.com
Download Invitation Letter & Community Award Nomination Form
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Dear Templenews,
I am writing to ask for your help in spreading the word out to your email list for the up-coming Cambodian American League of Lowell, Inc. (CALL) New Year Celebration and Community Service Awards for 2008 scheduled for Saturday April 5, 2008 at the Radisson Hotel in Chelmsford.
I am hoping that through your email list that we will get nominations for a well-deserved individual both Khmer and non-Khmer, organization and a business that make significant contribution to our Khmer community throughout the year.
It is a time that we appreciate what they have done for our community, and it is a time for recognizing one another.
Thank you for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Ratha-Paul Yem
Interim Director
Cambodian American League of Lowell, Inc. (CALL)
16 Pine Street, Suite 11
Lowell, MA 01851
617-459-3000
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The articles and commentaries on this community bulletin reflect only the personal and/or organization's opinion(s) of the poster(s) and not that of any organization or group with which Templenews TV and/or the moderator(s) is (are) affiliated. A forwarded message or event may be posted for the community, informational/educational purposes. Unless specifically stated, no endorsement
of the posted opinions/events should be implied.
This is not a paid advertisement.
Templenews Television is doing its community responsbility and service.
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The Legendary Historic Srah Ku
located in Preah Trapeang province, Kampuchea Krom (Mekong Delta)
Courtesy: The Khmer Kampuchea Krom Community
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The Khmer Cultural Museum
Courtesy: Khmeronline.info |
The Khmer Nationals
Courtesy: Khmers Love Khmers news |
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The First Extraordinary Annual Memorial Service
for His Holiness Samdech Maha Ghosananda
And, Inclusively In Memories of:
In
Honor of His Holiness Samdech Jotannano Chuon Nath
In Honor of The Most Venerable Sumedhavong Candavano Oung Mean
In Honor of The Most Venerable Mongkolthera Korm Mom
Wat Triratanaram
Massachusetts, United States
March 8 - 9, B.E.2551/C.E.2008 Year of the Boar
To view slideshow click here
From left to right: His Holiness Samdech Jotannano Chuon Nath, Supreme Buddhist Patriarch of Cambodia; His Holiness Samdech Maha Ghosananda, Supreme Patriarch of Cambodian Buddhism; Maha Thera Sumedhavong Candavano Oung Mean, Abbot of Wat Buddhikarama in Maryland; Maha Thera Mongkolthera Korm Mom, Congress president of Community of Khmer Buddhist Monks Center of United States and Abbot of Wat Sangkhi-karam, Massachusetts, U.S.
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