The joy of teaching ethnic writing in Khmer pagoda in Soc Trang

Soc Trang currently has 92 Khmer pagodas. The pagodas are not only places for religious activities of the Khmer people but also places to teach doctrine and writing to monks and Buddhist children in the villages.

Master Huynh Thanh Teo reviews lessons for monks preparing to take the Pali Rong graduation exam at Sro Lon Pagoda, Dai Tam Commune, My Xuyen District, Soc Trang Province. (Photo: Phuong Nghi)

The fact that pagodas organize classes to teach and foster Khmer script for monks and Buddhists in the villages contributes greatly to preserving, maintaining and promoting their national script.

I came to Sro Lon Pagoda (Chen Kieu Pagoda), Dai Tam Commune (My Xuyen District, Soc Trang Province) and met Mr. Huynh Thanh Teo when he was standing on the podium and presenting a lesson on the screen to explain words and translate meanings from Pali to Khmer for the monks to understand.

Talking to me, Master Thanh Teo shared: “Every day I come here to review lessons for monks preparing for the Pali Rong graduation exam, organized by the Association of Patriotic Monks and Monks in Soc Trang province. This year, in addition to teaching Pali for grade 3 at Sro Lon Pagoda, I was also invited by the abbots of Tum Nup Pagoda (An Ninh Commune, Chau Thanh District), Tuk Sap Pagoda (Lai Hoa Commune, Vinh Chau Town), Prek Ta Kuol (Thanh Quoi Commune, My Xuyen District)... to teach. My greatest joy and pride is seeing my students pass the Pali Rong graduation exam and be selected to study at the Southern Intermediate Pali Cultural Supplementary School in Soc Trang Province.”

As a monk (final class preparing to take the Pali Rong graduation exam) at Sro Lon pagoda, Son Vinh shared: “Pali is sometimes very difficult, sometimes I study but still can’t remember everything, thanks to teacher Teo’s dedicated teaching, translating grammar from Pali to Khmer; from there, it helps me understand more about the language of the nation. Each of his classes is very fun and I remember the lesson very quickly because he often lets me think and then speak, and lets monks remind me of the lesson to help me, we feel very comfortable in his class”.

Free Pali writing classes for monks and children in villages in Soc Trang province. (Photo: Phuong Nghi)

At nearly 80 years old, but every day, monk Lam Len in Prek Chveng hamlet (Thanh Phu commune, My Xuyen district) still drives alone to pagodas to bring knowledge of Khmer and Pali to monks.

Arriving at Prek On Dok Pagoda (Can Duoc Hamlet, Thanh Phu Commune), in front of us, a respected teacher was standing on the podium, holding a chalk and writing Pali words on the board. This year, in addition to teaching Pali for grades 1, 2 and 3 at Prek On Dok Pagoda, during the week, he was also invited by the abbot of several pagodas to teach Khmer and Pali at Pothi Satharam Pagoda (Ward 7, Soc Trang City) and Sala Pothi Pagoda (Ward 2, Vinh Chau Town).

Teacher Lam Len recounted: “In 2004, after retiring under the regime until now, I have been invited to teach by schools, industries, and Khmer pagodas such as the Southern Intermediate Pali Cultural Supplementary School; Tra Vinh University; Hau Giang College...

“Many times, I also thought about refusing to accept teaching jobs far away, but thinking about my beloved students, missing the Khmer and Pali lessons with their smiles gave me more motivation to continue my work. However, the greatest comfort and joy is seeing my students pass the Pali Roong graduation exam with high results and continue studying at the Southern Secondary Pali Cultural Supplementary School”, Mr. Lam Len shared.

Monk Ly Nol, a student at Sala Pothi Pagoda (Ward 2, Vinh Chau Town, Soc Trang Province) said: “It has been an honor for us to have been taught Pali by Master Lam Len for the past two years. He lives simply, has a broad knowledge of Pali and Khmer, and understands the thoughts of his students. In teaching, he is very respectful of his teachers and has very good teaching methods to help monks absorb lessons quickly and remember them well. In addition, he also guides monks to choose a higher education path to have the qualifications to serve religious and ethnic work.”

Pali teachers have contributed significantly to ensuring that their national language always goes hand in hand with the country's integration and development trends during the renovation period. (Photo: Phuong Nghi)

Venerable Lieu Huyen, abbot of Bung Coc Pagoda (Phu My Commune, My Tu District, Soc Trang Province), said: “Studying helps monks understand the language and religious field of their own. On the other hand, they have to pay attention and try to study all subjects to further improve their understanding. The monks always encourage the monks to try to study. When they encounter a lesson they do not understand, the monks will give them more detailed instructions. When they understand, they will continue to teach the next lesson.”

Venerable Tang No, Chairman of the Association of Patriotic Buddhist Monks and Monks in Soc Trang province, said: “In terms of people who have knowledge of Pali and Khmer, Venerable Lam Len and Venerable Huynh Thanh Teo are excellent teachers who love their profession. When any pagoda needs teachers or the Association invites them to teach, they enthusiastically accept the invitation without worrying about the long distance. The hearts of the monks for the monks are truly commendable and worthy of respect.”

With the spirit of dedicating all their efforts to the traditional culture of the nation, the Pali teachers, although not paid, have contributed significantly to ensuring that their national language always accompanies the integration and development trend of the country in the period of renovation.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/niem-vui-day-chu-viet-dan-toc-trong-chua-khmer-o-soc-trang-250386.html