Yesterday "accidently" coming accross a topic in an Cambodian Expats forum "About becoming a Monk". A tiny story of "accidents" and merits, sure worthy to share for those able to rejoice with it.

Just out of curiosity, have any of you seen any Western Buddhist monks in Cambodia? There are quite a few of them in Thailand, but what about Cambodia? And where would be the best place to get information about this?

Quote from: A Wester, seemingly a little more familiar answering

About 6-7 years ago there was an older white guy Monking it in Daun Penh for about a year or so. Not sure which Pagoda he was attached to, but I haven't seen him since. I saw a white Monk near Phnom Aural (or used to be) last time I went (locals told me about him and I accidentally saw him on my way out). I actually bought a water bottle and juice for the the locals to give to him when he was doing alms, as he was the real deal in terms of religion/meditation. Barefoot and speechless in a tiny remote Cambodian village. Obviously out there to find himself in a good way and quite serious about it all. Totally absorbed in it.

Quote from: another, more involved, coming accross in addition

Off-topic: Since it is in many regard a 1 under ten-thousand happening, it ssemed for person to be a reason to let probably others take part on the posters merits. ("accidently coming accross")

It's very seldom that someone comes across a monk and it even more seldom that a "western" or "modern" person get's aware. So my person can just remember one of this kind.

It was noisy these days. Dirt-bikers enjoyed the bad roads of the wood transports from the area. Once walking till the upper village for alm a group just crossed the village, and yes, jumping from one mud hole to the other of this village it's not easy to get part on that dirt when such a group crosses. Some villagers, after they had crossed asked, of course terrible exited: "Ven. Sir. Are you also able to do that? Have you done such cool stuff?", and my person just had the picture of children jumping into the dirt in the middle of people in my mind. Given oldage, sickness and death are quite near, especially when playing with it, there was less ground for any approve, but just "how 'lucky' some are". My person had to think on a good old friend, a "fanatic" dirt biker: "what if he would come accross on such a journey?"

How, ever, some days later, my person was again on his daily alms round, a single person, seemingly the/a leader of the group, seemed to take his leave, crossing, standing tall on the noisy maschine, having a mood if leaving something beloved behind.

Having crossed, this large person suddenly change his kind of mind state, seemingly touched of having become aware of a Samana , now not used and familiar of such at all. His stepping down form his bike was not only a physical thing, but short but deep release and stepping on the earth with the whole of his heart. Something that very seldom for people at large, even in the country of wonders.

Obiviously not able to break outwardly habits and signs, the large man, visible wounded in many regards did what he not easy was used to do and ordered the recluse to be given some drinks to a young villager. Before coming near, looking short back, he stepped back on his bike and drove down the road in the departing mood as before.

Es war ein sehr bewegendes Ereignis, Grund für Mitfreude an solch gewinnbringender Handlung des Geben.

Since all of this, incl. this here happening post is really something very seldom and auspicious, it was thought that it might "justify" a not so proper approach on a no so proper place, to give not only a "late" encouragement and approve for such a deed, but also to let all those who are able to rejoice with this and gladen their mind with it, let take part.

Much mudita again, with the blessed dirt biker, in the case my person is right in assuming meeting him again here.

On topic: Cambodia is not really a country where one could easily become monk so that it has aslo benefit, not only for western, but it is maybe one of the last places where the so called holly life" can be lived. It's all a matter of kamma (deeds), a matter of "upanissaya" (strong condition) which ways are possible for the individual. There are places and good monks, but very seldom to meet. So it's really not a matter that could be given in general. If interested, having questions, my person thinks it might be the best to look for possible satisfaction.here.

metta & mudita

May all Beings have a share, rejoice with the merits having been done there, may the Devas inform those not having heared and seen about.
Anumodana!