Sunday 5 August 2007

understanding The Other, Cambodia

In Ta Prohm, a Buddhist monastery built around 1186, nature holds the ruins together with massive tree roots, framing doorways and covering stones in velvety algae




In Cambodia pigs are transported on motorbikes to be sold in the market





One is expected to become a monk (to 'enter the Sangha' or monkhood) for a short period in one's life. Monks practise meditation and chanting, study Buddhist scripture and philosophy, do not wear personal adornments neither do they eat after noon. They need to go out into the community daily and it is common to see monks collecting food in their bowls or bags





Decades of war and intense poverty have left Cambodian people and their environment in a fragile state. Although tourism has grown dramatically in recent years, very few tourists venture into wider Cambodia. For some ideas for a richer travel experience visit http://www.stay-another-day.org/