Jul 4, 2024 – Opening Ceremony of the Women’s Dormitory at Battambang Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University (SBUBB), Cambodia
Hello. Today is the opening ceremony for the women’s dormitory at the Royal Buddhist University in Battambang, Cambodia. JTS has been supporting the construction of this dormitory for rural female students over the past year. Finally, the building has been completed, and today we are holding the opening ceremony.
After completing his morning practice and meditation, Sunim departed for Ho Chi Minh City Airport at 5:50 AM. Monks from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Council came to see him off at the airport.
“You didn’t need to come at such an early hour. Why did you come?”
“Not at all. How was your stay here?”
Sunim smiled and answered in English.
“Everything is Okay!”
“We were truly sorry about the schedule change at the beginning.”
“Actually, it was good because I could visit several temples. Please have the Khmer monks investigate how poor people are living in the Mekong Delta region.”
“Yes, we will do that.”
Jungto Society members also came to see him off, and they took commemorative photos together.
“Thanks to you, I’ve had a good stay for the past five days.”
After completing the departure procedures, the flight was delayed by one hour. Sunim departed from Ho Chi Minh City Airport at 9 AM and arrived at Siem Reap Airport in Cambodia at 10 AM.
After completing immigration procedures and exiting Siem Reap Airport, Sunim was greeted by the President of the Battambang campus of the Cambodian Royal Buddhist University (SBUBB), students, and Father Kang In-geun, who would be interpreting between Cambodian and Korean for today’s event.
“Welcome to Cambodia.”
Sunim boarded the school bus and departed for the Battambang campus of the Cambodian Royal Buddhist University (SBUBB). The journey from Siem Reap to Battambang takes four hours by national highway.
Since Theravada monks must eat before noon, they stopped at a restaurant for lunch along the way. After getting off the bus, Sunim said:
“Let’s have a simple meal. Please don’t try to be too hospitable.”
After each person had a simple bowl of fried rice, they continued their journey.
The President of the Royal Buddhist University in Battambang (SBUBB) came a long way to welcome and host Sunim. After boarding the bus, Sunim smiled and said:
“How can you come out like this, President? You should be hosting guests coming from various places. You don’t need to worry about me at all.”
“I’ve delegated all the roles before coming.”
As they approached Battambang, heavy rain suddenly began to fall. They arrived at the Royal Buddhist University in Battambang at 2:55 PM.
After placing their luggage in the accommodations where they would stay for the day, they moved to the auditorium where the ceremony would be held. From the first floor, students of the Battambang Royal Buddhist University stood on both sides holding Cambodian flags and Korean Taegukgi flags to welcome them.
On one side, students enthusiastically played traditional Cambodian instruments.
As Sunim reached the entrance, female students presented him with bouquets. The Bishop of the Catholic Church in the Battambang region also attended to welcome Sunim. Sunim gave the bouquet to the Bishop.
Before starting the opening ceremony on the fourth floor, Sunim conversed with key guests including the President of the Cambodian Royal Buddhist University, the Catholic Bishop, the Vice Governor of Battambang Province, and the President of the Battambang campus. First, Sunim apologized for keeping the guests waiting.
“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting due to the flight delay.”
The Bishop smiled and replied:
“In Cambodia, we consider rain a blessing. Thanks to the wait, we were able to receive this blessing.”
Samdech, the President of the Cambodian Royal Buddhist University, also greeted Sunim.
“You gave a lecture at Harvard five years ago. I attended your lecture then.”
“Our connection is very deep. It’s good to see you.”
After conversing with the guests, they all moved to the auditorium where the opening ceremony would be held.
The distinguished guests entered the venue, which was filled with local dignitaries, school officials, and students from the Battambang Royal Buddhist University.
The President of the Cambodian Royal Buddhist University and Sunim lit candles together before beginning the opening ceremony.
After the introduction of distinguished guests, everyone sang the Korean national anthem and the Cambodian national anthem together. The Theravada monks remained standing but did not sing the national anthems.
After the President of the Cambodian Royal Buddhist University performed a Buddhist ceremony, everyone took their seats.
First, Sovechea, the President of the Battambang campus, gave a welcoming speech expressing his gratitude to all those attending the opening ceremony.
Declaration of Hope and Gratitude
“I offer lifelong gratitude to those who made this hope possible today. Today is a very special day in the life of the Siem Reap Battambang Branch of Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University (SBUBB). It is a day of dedication and commitment. A day of hope and joy. A day of appreciation and thankfulness. A day that shows people can change. From today, we will walk slowly, step by step, for the advancement of us all.
Today we are holding the opening ceremony for our dormitory. This dormitory will provide living and dining space, a place to share friendship and camaraderie for 64 members of our school community. Ten years ago, only 25% of students at the Battambang Campus of the Royal Buddhist University of Cambodia were female. In 2019, that number increased to 42%. Today, 71% of students attending the Royal Buddhist University Battambang Campus are women. Most of them come from rural backgrounds. There are several reasons for this increase in the proportion of female students at an educational institution that has primarily been responsible for training Buddhist clergy since the establishment of the Buddhist University in Phnom Penh in 1954. Until now, we have created this change by promoting higher education for young women. Gender discrimination against women, prejudice, and lack of equal opportunities date back to the Buddha’s time. We still live with this collective karma and this sad tradition in our lives. The continued development and progress of the Royal Buddhist University Battambang Campus would not have been possible without the wisdom, compassion, and generosity of many people, both near and far.
We are humbled and honored by the presence of one of our major donors today. The most venerable Pomnyun Sunim is the founder of Jungto Society and the chairman of JTS (Join Together Society) Korea. Our friendship goes back many years. The most venerable Sunim’s interest and support goes far beyond financial assistance. Thanks to him, we were able to complete this dormitory building much faster than originally planned.
The life of the venerable Pomnyun Sunim follows in the footsteps of the Buddha. His life is practice through service. His wisdom is expounded to free the human spirit. His life is a pilgrimage walked with the light footsteps of simplicity and humility. He is a light that shows and guides what it truly means to be human. We all bow with gratitude to the Buddha within him.
I would like to say a word to our beloved sisters who will be staying in this residence from now on. I too am a child of a rural family. Born in war, raised in poverty, I became a monk because Buddhism showed me a way out of suffering. Indeed, Buddhism taught me how to live life. It was an educational opportunity that was not given to my three sisters at that time. Today that opportunity is being given to you. Seize it! Grab this moment! Accept the challenge! Work hard! Take responsibility! Our families, our country Cambodia, and the world desperately need women with knowledge, women with wisdom, women who practice through service. So we hope that we too can live to serve others at home and abroad in the future, just like the wonderful people at JTS.
Therefore, as the President of the Royal Buddhist University of Cambodia Battambang Campus, I formally declare July 4, 2024, as ‘Day of Hope’ and express my lifelong gratitude to those who made this hope possible. Thank you all sincerely.”
Venerable Vy Sovechea
President, Battambang Campus of the Royal Buddhist University of Cambodia
The President’s heartfelt welcome speech touched many hearts. Thunderous applause erupted.
Next, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, the Chairman of JTS, gave his remarks. Father Kang In-geun provided interpretation.
“I sincerely congratulate you on the completion of the women’s dormitory at the Battambang branch of the Cambodian Royal Buddhist University today. I deeply thank the President of the Royal Buddhist University who came from far away in Phnom Penh, the Catholic Bishop of Battambang, the Vice Governor of Battambang and government officials, and all other participants and members of the Sangha. I also thank the Father who came to interpret so that I could communicate with you.
The President of the Battambang branch just gave a very moving speech. It was so touching that I have little to add.
May Hope Like Today Arise in Your Lives!
I visited here last spring. In the meantime, many monks from Southeast Asia have visited Korea through the INEB Study Tour and come to Jungto Society. I thought I should go directly to where they live and see what they do, so I visited various places in Southeast Asia last year. I visited this Battambang Royal Buddhist University because the President and other monks here had also visited Jungto Society in Korea. While talking with the President, I heard that the number of female students enrolling is gradually increasing, and most female students come from rural areas and live on their own, which costs a lot in living expenses, making a dormitory desperately needed.
JTS was originally established to support primary education, not higher education. The founding philosophy of JTS is that all children in the world should receive education at the appropriate time. Regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or nationality, if there are children who cannot receive education, we consider it our responsibility to provide educational opportunities. With this mission, JTS was established 30 years ago and has been active ever since.
During our conversation, the Chancellor mentioned that they had purchased land and hoped to build a dormitory next. I asked if they had raised all the necessary construction funds. The Chancellor replied that they had only managed to buy the land. He explained that people are willing to donate for temple construction but are reluctant to contribute to dormitory projects. This was immediately understandable to me, as the same situation exists in Korea. The Chancellor added that even those who wanted to donate were hesitant because they weren’t confident the building would be completed. So I suggested, “What if JTS builds the first floor? Once people see the building going up, wouldn’t they be more likely to donate?” Additionally, in Southeast Asia, it’s still difficult for women to access higher education. Since this project would benefit women in Southeast Asia, I readily agreed to support it. This is how the construction began.
JTS provided a small contribution, but the Chancellor has built such a wonderful building. Above all, I would like to thank everyone who participated in this project through donations both large and small. This building was not constructed with the support of just one person, but through the collective effort of many people.
I believe that the best way for you students to repay this kindness is to study diligently while living here. I also hope that this becomes an opportunity for hope to arise in your lives, just as we are experiencing today. Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to the Chancellor and everyone involved who accomplished such great work with the modest donation from JTS.”
All the female students cheered and rejoiced at Sunim’s words of encouragement.
Next, student representatives from the Royal University of Buddhism in Battambang took time to express their gratitude. The student representatives read their heartfelt thank-you letters in calm voices.
Following this, the Deputy Governor of Battambang and the Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism in Cambodia delivered congratulatory speeches. All the distinguished guests in attendance applauded to express their congratulations.
Next, the Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism in Cambodia presented Sunim with a plaque of appreciation.
Then, the Chancellor of the Battambang Campus presented a letter of appreciation.
Various souvenirs, including tumblers featuring images of the female dormitory, were presented to all the distinguished guests in attendance.
After expressing their heartfelt gratitude, everyone went down from the stage to take commemorative photos together.
After the ceremony, they headed to the female dormitory for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The dormitory was located about 1km away from the school.
As soon as they got out of the car, students began beating drums and performing traditional dances. They walked to the dormitory while being welcomed by female students lined up on both sides of the path.
At the entrance of the dormitory, two female students were standing holding a red ribbon.
The distinguished guests took turns cutting small portions of the ribbon with scissors. The final part of the ribbon was cut by Sunim, the Bishop, the Chancellor, and the Governor together holding the scissors. Monks behind them scattered flower petals.
Upon entering the dormitory, notebooks and pens were prepared on a desk. Sunim was first asked to write a few words.
July 4, 2024, Pomnyun
Following Sunim, the Chancellor, the Bishop, and the Governor each wrote a few words.
They toured the dormitory floor by floor, starting from the first floor. The first floor had a reception room and a kitchen. Sunim’s photo was hanging in the reception room.
“We apologize for hanging your photo without permission.” (Everyone laughed)
After looking around the kitchen, they toured the second, third, and fourth floors in order.
“You’ve built this very well with a modest budget.”
Sunim highly praised the Chancellor and the construction workers.
After touring the dormitory, they had light refreshments and conversed in the reception room. The Bishop had attended this event despite it being the 32nd anniversary of his ordination as a priest. Sunim expressed his gratitude to the Bishop.
“Thank you for attending despite it being your ordination anniversary.”
The Bishop smiled and said:
“In the Battambang region, people of different religions frequently gather to interact and cooperate. We also work together to help the poor.”
It was wonderful to see Sunim and the Bishop together. Sunim recalled the Peace Gallery he had seen in Battambang last year and said:
“The Peace Gallery was really impressive. Most opposing forces either resist to the end or try to force complete surrender, but overcoming conflict through mutual concession and compromise is truly an excellent example. While other exhibitions mainly display the misery of war and massacres, I really appreciated how this one showcased examples of peace and hope.”
The Bishop presented Sunim with a giraffe doll as a gift.
“The giraffe symbolizes peace. Its large, strong heart symbolizes compassion and empathy, and its long neck symbolizes the wisdom of seeing broadly. Wisdom arises directly from a heart of compassion and empathy. Additionally, the giraffe represents gentle leadership in the jungle world. I present this giraffe doll to you as a gift.”
“Thank you. In Korea, the giraffe also symbolizes auspiciousness.”
The giraffe doll was made at the girls’ center run by the Bishop, who works to heal female students traumatized by domestic violence.
They returned to the auditorium of the Royal University of Buddhism in Battambang for a special lecture that began at 6 p.m. The Royal University of Buddhism in Battambang had requested Sunim to give a lecture on “The Path for Buddhists in the Digital Age.”
Before the lecture, they watched a video showing the process of building the female dormitory. When the video ended, everyone cheered.
Sunim came up to the stage amid loud applause and gave his opening remarks.
“It’s nice to meet you all. I was asked to give a lecture on ‘How Buddhists Should Live in the Digital Age,’ and one characteristic of the digital age is getting straight to the point without unnecessary introductions. So please share directly the difficulties, concerns, and questions you face in life. (Laughter)
I am a bit older than you, so I have more experience. My experience will help in our conversation. Please feel free to speak comfortably, as if you’re talking to a friend or as grandchildren would talk to their grandfather.
Today’s interpreter is a priest. He has lived in Cambodia for a long time and speaks Cambodian very well. I’m very happy that he has taken the time to help us communicate directly.”
Everyone gave the priest a big round of applause. Then students freely raised their hands to ask Sunim questions. Over the course of two hours, six students engaged in conversation with Sunim. One of them asked about how to find courage when facing problems, as they tend to become fearful first.
I Get Scared When Facing Problems. How Can I Find Courage?
“You don’t need to approach it by asking how to find courage. When fear arises, you should examine ‘Why am I afraid?’ If you try to endure, bear with it, and force yourself to solve the problem, you’ll become stressed. You should always be aware of your own state first. If you’re anxious, you need to recognize ‘I am anxious now,’ and if you’re afraid, you need to recognize ‘I am afraid now.’ Then you should question, ‘Why am I afraid?’
When facing difficulties, why do I feel anxious? When difficulties arise, I should simply research how to solve them, so why do I feel afraid and anxious? You need to examine the cause of this fear. When you find the cause and remove it, the fear disappears.
The most important aspect of the Buddha’s teaching is to be aware of “How am I right now?” and to recognize the state of your mind. Feeling anxious, afraid, or sad—these are all negative functions of the mind. They are suffering. Recognizing “I am anxious now” is the Noble Truth of Suffering. Asking “Why am I anxious?” and seeking the cause is the Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering. Removing these causes and reaching a state where anxiety no longer exists is the Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering. Consistently following the Eightfold Path to prevent anxiety from arising again is the Noble Truth of the Path. These four aspects—suffering, origin, cessation, and path—are called the Four Noble Truths, the most important teaching in Buddhism. Buddhism is not about merely memorizing “The Four Noble Truths are suffering, origin, cessation, and path.
For example, if I develop an illness, I must first examine where it hurts. Similarly, I need to first diagnose my reality—whether my mind is anxious or fearful. Then I must investigate why such feelings have arisen. Every phenomenon always has a cause. If desire or attachment is the cause, letting go of that desire and attachment will eliminate the suffering. Therefore, when the mind is anxious, rather than thinking “What should I do?”, I should first recognize “I am anxious now.” Awareness is always the first step. Then I should look for the cause by asking “Why am I anxious?” When I find the cause and let it go, I realize “There’s nothing to be anxious about,” and my mind becomes lighter.
When meeting strangers, there’s no need to feel anxious. There’s no reason to be anxious about unfamiliar places or doing something for the first time. It’s simply something you’re doing for the first time. When you recognize this reality as it is, your anxiety disappears. In this way, while attending the Buddhism course, study the Dharma properly. Gradually moving toward a state free from suffering is the greatest benefit you can gain from the Buddhism course.
When you feel anxious, rather than thinking ‘What should I do?’, try to recognize ‘I am feeling anxious now.’ Then examine ‘Why am I anxious?’ With this perspective, your fear will gradually disappear.”
“I understand. Thank you.”
The questions continued.
I lose my equanimity whenever I compare myself with others. How can I become more at ease?
I can’t focus on the present, fearful thoughts keep arising, and I constantly think about the past. What should I do?
I want to guide my friend who is living incorrectly onto the right path. How should I do this?
When I look at social media used by young Cambodians, I see many posts that Buddhists should not engage with. What role should Buddhism play in this era?
The final questioner asked about how to navigate the digital age where fake news is rampant.
How can we maintain our center in an era where fake news is prevalent?
“In your view, how will digital technologies like YouTube influence people?”
“It will play a positive role in the sense that all information is now accessible. In the past, churchgoers would only hear about Christianity, and temple-goers would only hear about Buddhism. However, with the development of internet technology, Buddhists can now access Christianity, and Christians can access Buddhism. This is because technological advancement has made all information available. But it also has negative effects. For example, if you search for ‘Venerable Pomnyun’ on YouTube once, the algorithm will continue to show videos related to me. If someone with conservative views starts searching for information on YouTube, they will be continuously exposed to information with conservative perspectives. This technology tends to make people’s thinking biased. People unknowingly search for and view only the information they want to hear, which ultimately leads to extreme social division.
With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), information similar to what I’ve searched for is more frequently displayed on my phone. This makes it much easier for human thinking to become biased. As a result, conflicts—both political and religious—will intensify not only between nations but also within a single country. Does it make you more anxious when I say that conflict and division will worsen? (laughs)
To overcome such biased thinking, we must adopt the right approach to consuming information. Public media like newspapers and broadcasts can be monitored. That is, the Broadcasting Review Committee can take measures to correct misinformation. However, personal media like YouTube cannot be individually verified for accuracy. Therefore, if you only access information through YouTube, you’re likely to receive biased information. This is very dangerous. Whether progressive or conservative, whether from South Korean or North Korean perspectives, we should always cross-verify information when acquiring it. Only then can we grasp relatively objective information.
Does this mean we shouldn’t look at information created on YouTube at all? No, that’s not the case. Such information can be useful at times. However, we must view information produced on YouTube with the premise that it lacks objectivity. Sometimes we question information produced by official media based on clear evidence. But YouTube often freely discusses questionable matters without evidence. Therefore, when we have doubts about information released by official media, YouTube can be used effectively to see what others are thinking as a reference.
Let me ask you something. You have very little money and go to a store to buy an item. If there’s only one item that you want in the store, you’ll easily buy it and leave. But the store has many other items as well. So you’re conflicted about what to buy. You want to buy other things too, but you don’t have enough money. At such times, we complain, “Why do they have so many items, making it difficult to choose!” What do you think? Is it better to have many items? Or is it better to have just one?
“It’s better to have many items.”
“The reason you’re troubled by having many items is because you’re being greedy. If you have limited money, you can either buy just what you need, or if you need both items, you can buy the other one later when you have more money.
Why am I talking about this? People say they’re confused because information floods in like a deluge today. That’s not true. The more information, the better. You just need to select what you need from it. The more choices you have, the more freedom you gain. But we keep saying we’re confused because we lack a center within ourselves. So in times like these, rather than blaming the world, we should first establish our own center. What is essential for human survival? We need air to breathe. We need water when we’re thirsty. We need food to eat. We need clothes and a place to sleep to protect ourselves from the cold. That’s all we need. Nothing else is really necessary. This is the attitude of a monastic practitioner. It doesn’t mean that you should only have these things, but rather that if you have these things, you have nothing to worry about.
No matter how little we eat, we still have at least one spoonful of food. No matter how poorly dressed we are, we still have more than one set of clothes. No matter how badly we sleep, we don’t sleep under trees. First, we need to free ourselves from the fear of survival. Beyond that, we can do more if possible, and if not, that’s fine too. I’m not saying don’t make an effort. If you want to do something, do it. But everything else doesn’t necessarily have to work out. It’s fortunate if it does, but it’s also fine if it doesn’t. With this mindset, you can work freely without fear.
Is what I’m saying too difficult to understand? This is the conclusion I’ve reached after living for 70 years. You can do whatever you want. It’s okay if things don’t work out. There’s nothing in this world that absolutely must succeed. It’s fortunate if it does, but it’s also fine if it doesn’t. With this attitude, you can live more actively while remaining at ease. Buddhist teachings don’t tell us to live passively. They teach us to live without fear, comfortably, yet proactively. Why don’t you try living this way?”
That’s how I’ve lived my life so far. I’ve had little to fear because it doesn’t matter whether things work out or not. Yet I take on more challenges than you young people. I hope you won’t hesitate or fear too much, but rather live more boldly.”
“Thank you.”
After answering all the students’ questions, Sunim concluded the lecture just after 8 PM.
The President of Battambang Royal University of Buddhism presented Sunim with a Buddha statue and a portrait of Sunim as tokens of appreciation. The portrait was painted by a monk who had visited Jungto Society last month during the INEB Study Tour.
Then everyone gathered for commemorative photos. First, Sunim took a photo with the President, then with the bhikkhus, and finally, all the students came up on stage for a group photo.
After the photo session, the President said to the guests:
“Dinner has been prepared.”
Sunim moved to the accommodation and had dinner with the guests.
The conversation continued for nearly two hours during the meal. Sunim asked for the President’s advice on how to help the impoverished Khmer people living in the Mekong Delta region. As the President himself was from the Mekong Delta area, he provided many valuable suggestions. By the time dinner ended, it was almost 10 PM.
“Thank you for interpreting all day. It was much smoother having direct interpretation from Korean to Cambodian.”
After expressing gratitude to the priest who provided interpretation, Sunim moved to another location to continue the conversation with the President.
They particularly discussed how to manage the dormitory going forward. The President shared his concerns.
“Currently, the dormitory has a maximum capacity of 64 students. Since most of the students come from poor backgrounds, selecting only 64 students was not an easy task. Considering the students’ circumstances, we need to build more dormitories.”
Sunim expressed several concerns:
“Managing a dormitory is not an easy task. At first, both students and parents express gratitude, but complaints tend to arise as time passes. Even when running a practice community, living arrangements are the most challenging aspect. After you’ve operated this dormitory and determined it to be effective, I’ll provide additional support. However, if there are many adverse effects, it would be better not to expand.”
They concluded the conversation, agreeing to make decisions about building additional dormitories after evaluating the current operation.
Tomorrow, Sunim will depart from Cambodia for Bangkok to visit Asokaram Temple, where Thai monks who participated in the INEB Study Tour are staying, and will conduct a live Dharma Q&A session on Friday.”
