Cambodia: Pagoda shows the way to sustainable green living
4:47 pm, July 05, 2020

The Phnom Penh Post via Asia News NetworkA survey by the Ministry of Religions and Cults in 2018 says there are about 4,932 pagodas in Cambodia, including 563 ancient temples. There are also 68,654 monks who rely on donations and the collection of alms each day for their sustenance.

But one pagoda in Prey Veng Province is moving with the winds of change to grow its food. And it has drawn the interest of people across the Kingdom for being a green space with a great variety of trees and vegetables planted and taken care of by monks.

Located in Senareach Udom commune's Snay Proem village in Preah Sdech district at about a two-hour drive on National Road 1 from Phnom Penh, Serei Sakor Daun Sdoeung pagoda was named one of the best Buddhist centers out of 500 pagodas in Prey Veng Province.

Originally built in 1874, the pagoda was almost destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. After the fall of the brutal regime, monks and villagers started working together to rebuild from what was left.

The monks even planted over 3,000 trees in its surroundings and grew vegetables and rice to feed themselves. They practice an environmentally-friendly routine and are strictly forbidden from using plastic bags.

The sustainable practice was initiated by the pagoda's chief monk, Im Teang, who believes that the tree has as much life as a human being.

We value our life, and we should not hurt others. Even trees are living things and we should not harm trees or nature because they're living things just like us. I love trees and plants, said the monk.

Gautama Buddha conducted his first teaching and received enlightenment under the tree. Most of his life was related to the forest as it is depicted in many colorful paintings on pagoda walls and ceilings.

Theravada monks still practice the traditional way of going around to collect alms, but the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has presented a challenge to this practice, as Buddhist followers are told to stay home and some encounter financial difficulties.

The agricultural practice carried out at Serei Sakor Daun Sdoeung pagoda is seen as a good example of one that is self-reliant and sustainable.

Teang said monks at his pagoda have been farming and planting trees for some 10 years now, mainly due to health, economic and environmental reasons.
I value spiritual and physical well-being and I believe that growing fruits and vegetables can contribute to both aspects of life. Growing organic vegetables helps monks and nearby villagers to be active through physical exercise as they sweat while working the land.
Also, the pagoda doesnt have to spend money to buy vegetable and risk consuming unhealthy foods.

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