Inauguration Ceremony of the Female Student Dormitory at Battambang Royal Buddhist University (SBUBB) in Cambodia / July 04, 2024

Today marks the inauguration ceremony of the women’s dormitory at the Royal University of Buddhism in Battambang, Cambodia. The JTS team has been supporting the construction of this dormitory for rural female students over the past year. Finally, the building is complete, and we’re holding the inauguration ceremony today.

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim finished his morning prayers and meditation, and departed for Ho Chi Minh City airport at 5:50 AM. At the airport, monks from the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Committee came to see him off.

“You didn’t have to come out so early,” Sunim said.

“It’s no problem. How was your stay here?” they asked.

Sunim smiled and replied in English.  

“Everything was good.”

“We were really sorry about the schedule change at the beginning,” they said.

“Actually, it was good because I could visit several temples. Khmer monks, please conduct a thorough investigation into how the poor people in the Mekong Delta region are living,” Sunim responded.

“Yes, we will do that.”

Members of the Jungto Society also came out to bid farewell and took a commemorative photo together.

“Thanks to you, I’ve had a good stay for the past five days,” Sunim said.

After completing the departure procedures, the flight departure time was delayed by an hour. He left Ho Chi Minh City airport at 9 AM and arrived at Siem Reap airport in Cambodia at 10 AM.

After completing the immigration procedures and exiting Siem Reap airport, the Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism Battambang Campus (SBUBB), along with students and Father Kang In-gun, who would be interpreting between Cambodian and Korean today, were waiting to greet Sunim.

“Welcome to Cambodia,” they said.

They boarded the school bus and set off for the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang Campus (SBUBB). It takes four hours by national highway from Siem Reap to Battambang.

The Theravada monks had to have lunch before noon, so they stopped at a restaurant for a meal on their way. As they got off the bus, Sunim said, “Let’s eat simple food. Don’t try to entertain too much.”

After eating a simple bowl of fried rice each, they set off again.

The Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism in Battambang (SBUBB) came a long way to greet and host Sunim. 

After boarding the bus, Sunim smiled and said, 

“What should I do if the president comes out to greet me like this?  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,” the Chancellor replied.

As they approached Battambang, a sudden downpour of heavy rain began. They arrived at the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang at 2:55 PM.

After moving their luggage to the accommodations where they would stay for the day, they went to the auditorium where the event would be held. On the first floor, students of the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang, were standing on both sides holding Cambodian flags and Korean Taegeukgi flags, welcoming them.

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On one side, students were enthusiastically playing traditional Cambodian instruments.

As Sunim reached the entrance, female students presented him with bouquets of flowers. The Bishop of the Catholic Church in the Battambang region was also present to welcome Sunim. Sunim gave the bouquets to the Bishop.

Before starting the inauguration ceremony on the fourth floor, Sunim had a brief conversation with the main guests, including the Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism, the Catholic Bishop, the Vice Governor of Battambang Province, and the Chancellor of the Battambang Campus. First, Sunim apologized for keeping the guests waiting.

“I’m sorry for making you wait so long due to the flight delay.”

The Bishop smiled and said, “In Cambodia, we consider rain a blessing. Because we had to wait, we were able to receive a blessing.”

The Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism, Ven. Samdech, also greeted Sunim.

“You gave a lecture at Harvard five years ago, didn’t you? I went to listen to your lecture then,” he said.

“We have a very deep connection. It’s nice to meet you,” Sunim replied.

After chatting with the guests, they all moved to the auditorium where the inauguration ceremony would be held.

The guests entered the auditorium, which was filled with local dignitaries, school officials, and students of the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang.

The Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism and Sunim lit candles together before starting the inauguration ceremony.

After introducing the guests, they sang the national anthems of South Korea and Cambodia together. The Theravada monks stood still, signifying their presence together without singing the national anthem.

After the Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism performed a Buddhist ritual, everyone sat down.

First, the Chancellor of the Battambang campus, Ven. Sovechea, delivered a welcoming speech to express his warm greetings to everyone attending the inauguration ceremony.

Declaration of Hope and Gratitude

I dedicate my lifelong gratitude to those who made this hope a reality today. Today is a very special day in the life of the Royal Buddhist University in Battambang (SBUBB). It is a day of dedication and commitment, a day of hope and joy, and a day of gratitude and appreciation. It is a day that shows people can change. From this day forward, we will move forward gradually, step by step, for the progress of us all.

Today, we are celebrating the opening ceremony of the dormitory, which will provide accommodations and a space for friendship and camaraderie for 64 members of our school community. Ten years ago, only 25% of the students at the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang Campus were female. By 2019, that number had risen to 42%. Today, 71% of the students attending the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang Campus are women, most of whom come from rural areas.

Several factors have contributed to the increase in the proportion of female students in an institution primarily responsible for training Buddhist clergy since the establishment of the Buddhist University in Phnom Penh in 1954. We have brought about this change by promoting higher education for young women. Gender discrimination against women, along with prejudice and a lack of equal opportunities, has persisted since the time of the Buddha. We continue to live out this collective karma and this unfortunate tradition in our lives.

The ongoing development and progress of the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang Campus would not have been possible without the wisdom, compassion, and generosity of many individuals, both near and far.

We are humbled and honored by the presence of one of our main donors today. The most respected Venerable Pomnyun Sunim is the founder of the Jungto Society and the chairman of JTS (Join Together Society) in Korea. Our friendship goes back many years. The interest and support of the most respected Sunim goes far beyond financial support. Thanks to him, we were able to complete this dormitory building much faster than initially planned.

The life of the respected Ven. Pomnyun Sunim follows in the footsteps of the Buddha. His life is a practice of service. His wisdom is shared to liberate the human spirit. He walks the path of pilgrimage with lightness, simplicity, and humility. He is a guiding light that shows us the true meaning of being human. With grateful hearts, we bow to the Buddha within him.

I would like to say a few words to the beloved sisters who will be living in this residence. I, too, come from a rural family. Born in a time of war and raised in poverty, Buddhism showed me the path to escape suffering and led me to become a monk. Indeed, Buddhism has taught me how to live my life. It provided educational opportunities that my three sisters did not have at that time. Today, that opportunity is being offered 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, wise women, women who practice through service.  I hope that, like the wonderful people of JTS, we can also dedicate our lives to serving others both domestically and internationally.

Therefore, as the Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang Campus, I officially declare July 4, 2024, as ‘Hope Day’ and express my eternal gratitude to those who turned this hope into reality. Thank you all sincerely.

Venerable Vou Sovechea Chancellor of the Royal Buddhist University, Battambang Campus, Cambodia.

The Chancellor’s heartfelt welcoming speech resonated deeply with many, prompting an outpouring of warm applause.

Next, Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, the chairman of JTS, gave a greeting. Father Kang In-gun interpreted.

“I sincerely congratulate you on the inauguration of the women’s dormitory at the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang Campus today. I deeply thank the Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism 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 the Sangha community. I also thank the priest who came to interpret so that I can talk with you.

The Chancellor of the Battambang campus just gave a very touching speech. It was so moving that I have nothing more to add.

May hope like today arise in your lives!

I visited here last spring. Over the years, many monks from Southeast Asia have visited Korea through the INEB Study Tour and come to the Jungto Society. I thought I should go and see for myself what they are doing where they live, so I visited various places in Southeast Asia last year. I am returning the visit to the Royal University of Buddhism in Battambang, as the Chancellor and other monks here had previously visited the Jungto Society in Korea.  While talking with the Chancellor, I’ve heard that the enrollment of female students is on the rise, with many coming from rural areas and living independently. However, due to high living expenses, there is an urgent need for a dormitory.

JTS is not an organization that supports higher education, but one that supports elementary education. The founding philosophy of JTS is that all children in this world should learn at the right time. Thirty years ago, I established JTS and have been active since then with the thought that if there is a place where children cannot receive education regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or country, I should consider it my business and provide educational opportunities.

However, the Chancellor said that they had bought the land and now hoped to build a dormitory. At that time, I asked if the construction costs had been fully raised, to which the Chancellor replied that they had only managed to buy the land. He noted that while people are willing to donate for building a temple, they are less inclined to contribute to the construction of a dormitory. I quickly understood his point, as this is also the case in Korea. The Chancellor  explained that people hesitate to donate because they are unsure if the building will actually be completed. So, I suggested, “If JTS builds the first floor, perhaps people will be more willing to donate once they see the building going up.” Furthermore, in Southeast Asia, women still face challenges in accessing higher education. Since this initiative also benefits women in Southeast Asia, I readily agreed. So, the construction began.

JTS provided a small amount of support, but the Chancellor has built a very good building. Above all, I thank all those who participated in this work with large and small donations. It’s not a building that was built with the support of just one person, but a building that was built together with the combined efforts of many people.

I think the best way for you students to repay the kindness of all these people is to study diligently while living here.  I also hope that this will serve as an opportunity for you to find hope like today in your own lives. JTS contributed a small amount, but I want to express my gratitude once again to the Chancellor and everyone involved for accomplishing such a significant undertaking.

All the female students cheered and rejoiced at Sunim’s encouragement.

Next, the student representatives from the Royal Buddhist University of Battambang took a moment to express their gratitude. The student representatives read a heartfelt thank-you letter in calm voices.

Following that, the Deputy Governor of Battambang and the Chancellor of the Royal Buddhism University in Cambodia delivered their congratulatory speeches. All the guests in attendance applauded with heartfelt congratulations.

Next, the Chancellor of the Royal Buddhism University in Cambodia  presented Sunim with a plaque of appreciation.

And the Chancellor of the Battambang Campus delivered a letter of thanks.

Commemorative gifts, including tumblers featuring the image of the female student dormitory, were presented to all the guests in attendance.

After expressing gratitude with sincerity, everyone gathered on the stage to take commemorative photos.

After the event, they headed to the women’s dormitory for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The dormitory was located 1 km away from the school.

As soon as they got out of the car, students started beating drums and performing traditional dances. They walked to the dormitory, welcomed by female students lined up on both sides.

At the entrance of the dormitory, two female students were holding a red ribbon.

The guests took turns holding scissors and cutting the ribbon, little by little. The final cut was made by Sunim, the Bishop, the Chancellor, and the Governor who jointly  held the scissors and finished cutting through the ribbon. Monks behind them scattered flower petals.

As they entered the dormitory, notebooks and pens were prepared on the desk. They first asked Sunim to write a few words.

I hope this female student dormitory greatly contributes to the advancement of women’s rights, and may everyone embrace the Dharma and achieve enlightenment.

July 4, 2024, Pomnyun

The Chancellor, the Bishop, and the Governor also wrote a few words each.

They looked around the dormitory floor by floor, starting from the first floor. On the first floor, there was a reception room and a kitchen. Sunim’s photo was hanging in the reception room.

“I’m sorry. We hung your photo without asking for permission.” (Everyone laughed)

After looking around the kitchen, they looked around the second, third, and fourth floors in order.

“You’ve built it very well with little money,” Sunim said.

Sunim highly praised the Chancellor and the technicians.

After looking around the dormitory, they had a brief conversation over refreshments in the reception room. The Bishop had attended this event even though it was the 32nd anniversary of his ordination as a priest. Sunim expressed his gratitude to the Bishop.

“Thank you for attending even though it’s your ordination anniversary,” Sunim said.

The Bishop smiled and said, “In the Battambang area, people of various religions often gather to interact and cooperate. We also work together to help the poor.”

It was good to see Sunim and the Bishop together. Sunim recalled the Peace Gallery he had seen in Battambang last year and said, “The Peace Exhibition was truly wonderful. While opposing forces often resist until the very end or strive for the other’s total surrender, it is a great example that they overcame their conflict through mutual concessions and compromises. Other exhibitions mainly showcase the grim realities of war and genocide, so I really appreciated that this one displayed examples of peace and hope.”

The Bishop gave Sunim a giraffe doll as a gift.

“The giraffe is an animal that symbolizes peace. Its large and strong heart symbolizes compassion and empathy, and its long neck symbolizes the wisdom of seeing widely. Wisdom comes right from the heart of compassion and empathy. Also, the giraffe symbolizes gentle leadership in the world of the jungle. I give this giraffe doll to you as a gift,” the Bishop said.

“Thank you. In Korea, too, the giraffe symbolizes auspiciousness,” Sunim replied.

The giraffe doll was made at the girls’ center run by the Bishop, who is working to heal female students who have been hurt by domestic violence.

The Chancellor of the Royal University of Buddhism, Battambang presented Sunim with a Buddha statue and a portrait of Sunim as a gift to express his gratitude. The portrait was painted by a monk who visited the Jungto Society on the INEB Study Tour last month.

Then, they captured a commemorative photo, beginning with the president, then posing with the bhikkhus, and finally, all the students gathered on stage for a group picture together.

After finishing the photo shoot, the Chancellor said to the guests, “We have prepared dinner.”

They moved to their accommodations and had dinner together with the guests.

They continued their conversation for about two hours over dinner. Sunim asked for the Chancellor’s advice on how to help the poor Khmer people living in the Mekong Delta region. As the Chancellor was also from the Mekong Delta region, he gave a lot of advice. By the time dinner was over, it was almost 10 PM.

“Thank you for interpreting all day long. It made things much easier because you interpreted directly from Korean to Cambodian.”

After expressing gratitude to the priest who interpreted, Sunim moved to another place and continued the conversation with the Chancellor.

In particular, they discussed how to manage the dormitory in the future. The Chancellor shared his concerns.

“The current dormitory has a maximum capacity of 64 residents. Since most of the students come from impoverished backgrounds, it wasn’t easy to select only 64. Considering the circumstances of the students, we need to build more dormitories.”

Sunim expressed a few concerns.

“Running a dormitory is not an easy task. At first, both the students and their parents express gratitude, but as time goes on, complaints are bound to arise. Even managing a monastic community presents challenges, especially regarding daily living issues. If you find that this operation is effective after trying it out, we will provide additional support. However, if there are many negative side effects, it’s better not to expand.”

They concluded the conversation by deciding to assess whether to build more dormitories after actually operating the current one.

Tomorrow, Sunim will leave Cambodia for Bangkok to visit the Ashokaram Temple, where the Thai monks who participated in the INEB StudyTour are staying. He also plans to hold a live broadcast of the Friday Dharma Q&A session.