1922 Visit from Buddhist monk to Sihanoukville
austraLasia #1922

A visit of peace and friendship from a Venerable Monk

SIHANOUKVILLE: 8th August 2007 -- The Venerable Soa Socheat, Buddhist monk and Master at the Srok Udon Pagoda of Pursat Province, paid a visit to the Don Bosco Sihanoukville compound on the morning of 7th August. Venerable Seachet came to Sihanoukville from his original Pursat to lead the funeral ceremonies for an old friend who had supported the reconstruction of his Pagoda. As the former friend was also related to one of the staff at Don Bosco, the Venerable was invited to visit the technical school compound.
    Venerable Socheat offered some words of Good Morning to the students and teachers, inviting them to live in harmony with themselves and others; "following the school rules, for example, not through fear but with love for each other," he said "is the key to happiness". "If one is living in harmony with society, family and one's social group then one should not fear contamination by something like HIV. Respect for others, for those who think differently, for the persons of other religions, is very important on the way to happiness", he said.
    Venerable Socheat was guided by Fr. Albeiro Rodas through the various sections, where the managers introduced the school, students and activities to him. Afterwards, he stayed a few minutes in the Pastoral office where Fr. Albeiro  spoke to him about Don Bosco and the Preventive System.
    The visit of Venerable Socheat was a great moment for the community and an opportunity to come in touch with the spiritual leaders of Buddhism in a country where 95% of Cambodians profess this religion. The Venerable Socheat also had his photo taken in front of the 'Tau' of the Don Bosco Brother Sun Garden, the world symbol of peace inspired by Assisi. Fr. Albeiro told him that Venerable Ghosinanda, who died 5 months ago in the United States and who was the Cambodian living symbol of peace and unity, visited Assisi and met Pope John Paul II, joining with him in prayers for peace and love worldwide.

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