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We want him to become a novice [monk] because we want him to know about ourKhmer traditions, to know this is Buddhism. It’s to understand life.From ancient times, Khmer boys have to be novices.
– Chhorn Chiep
Young Cambodian Khmer men become monks for several weeks, months, or even years to honor their parents and to learn how to be good men. They are initiated in an elaborate ceremony where they don the monk’s orange robe and take on a religious life. Many gain important skills and perspectives during this time.
My older brother Saphon Sok, he lectured the thug out of our brother [Savon]. He made him realize he’s Khmer andgoing to the gangster life is not the life that you want to live. After Savon quit school, he came over to the temple and started to be a monk.
– Savoeun San
> Learn about New World Jobs
> Learn about Passing on Cultural Traditions
> Return to Tradition & Change
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It’s like you are riding on a boat, two different boats. One leg is on the Cambodian one, one leg is on the American boat. One is going east, one’s going west, you going to fall in the middle. That’s when you’re trapped, because you don’t know what to decide. Why don’t you buy a third boat, which you could blend it all in together, and you’ll be safe.
