|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Keeping Buddhist Faith Alive
I try to let them know what is the important tradition, about our religion. Some of them, they try to forget, and then they cannot adapt themselves with society. Our ancestors believe that this way is good. If we follow it, it will be good in the future also. – Phramaha Somsak Sambimb
The Greensboro Buddhist Center includes many of the elements found at temples in Southeast Asia. These include a wall that surrounds the grounds, a large bell, a pond, residences for monks, a large altar, and a place for the community to gather. Although this American version may not look like those in Southeast Asia, the Greensboro Buddhist Center fits the definition of temple or wat to its community.
Buddhist monks play an important role in most Cambodian communities. Since Buddhist monastic rules prohibit a monk from owning anything except his orange robe and alms bowl, monks depend on the community for food, shelter, health care, and household goods. In return, they serve as role models and provide moral leadership, blessings, and spiritual guidance. They also serve as mental health counselors, teachers, and mentors.
Head monk, Phramaha Somsak Sambimb moved to Greensboro in 1988 from a temple in Washington, D.C. His work and dedication has brought tremendous cooperation and stability to the Cambodian community.
> Learn about Buddhist Wheel of Life
> Learn about the Buddhist Alters
> Return to Spirituality
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| © © Greensboro Historical Museum |
|
|
"If we didn’t have a temple in America, then us Khmers, wouldn’t have a religion. We wouldn’t have a place to gather for meetings or for worshipping."
