A Sisterhood: Cambodia’s Nuns
How I got to know the Nuns and behind the scenes video.
Rules for Being a Nun
Nuns are allowed to go to the market in the morning but then need to stay in the temple complex unless given permission to travel.
All Nuns must gather for prayer two times per day. The first prayer time is 4am. The second prayer time is 5:30 or 6pm (sundown). One of the monks will meet with the Nuns to guide the prayer.
Two meals per day are allowed: breakfast and lunch. No dinner is given and Nuns are not allowed to eat in the evening, although they are permitted to drink water or an energy drink. If a Nun is caught consuming food in the evening she shall be assigned a “sin.”
When outside the temple complex Nuns are not permitted to solicit for money. If they are caught asking people for money they shall be assigned a “sin” as punishment. This rule may vary depending on the temple the Nun is associated with. Nuns are required to spend their own money on things they want or need. The only time that solicitation for money is allowed is when there is a festival or special event on the calendar.
Nuns must shave their heads and keep their heads shaven.
Nuns must wear white robes at all times, even when sleeping.
PrakPhally ~ Has been blind most of her life. She became a Nun at age 20, after running away from her caretaker to search for family members lost in the war. She has lived at the temple ever since, approximately 35 years.
Yemphy age 75 ~ A Nun for 15 years. I had the privilege of accompanying Yemphy to several medical appointments and assisting her with a health issue. Previously she had been to a "scam health clinic" where someone masquerading as a doctor convinced her she needed an expensive surgery. She was greatly concerned about this when we first met. We got her a second opinion at a reputable clinic, which led to non-invasive treatment and reasonably priced care. Sadly, there are many dishonest people who prey on the elderly in these ways, even the Nuns, who are protected within the walls of the temple but are as vulnerable as any other person when in the general community.
KhimKat ~ A Nun for 30 years. "My health is good, I'm just old and my joints hurt. I like being a Nun because my life is easy here with friends."
Voung Chourn ~ A nun for 9 years. "My life is much better now because I am here with my sisters."
Hun Sameorn age 74 ~ A Nun for 20 years. "In the past I was very beautiful - even more beautiful than you," she laughed. "My parents arranged my marriage when I was 16 and I was happy. My husband passed away before the war. I have other family but I prefer to live here at the temple with my friends. It is a peaceful and happy life."
HelVar ~ A Nun for 24 years. "I never went to school. When I was young there was no school so I worked with my parents and siblings growing cucumbers instead. I never learned to read and I don't even know the alphabet. Because of my disability I could not marry. I have problems with my back and sometimes cannot walk - I crawl instead."
Chen Ou ~ A Nun for 47 years. "I had just one child. He and I survived the war but he later died in a car accident. After the death of my son I became a Nun. I have been a Nun at several different temples. I'm happy here and enjoy my life."
Khaem Sithon ~ A Nun for 18 years. Much of her life has been devoted to being an advocate for women's health and protection. Her eyes filled with tears when she told me about her 6 year old daughter, Dani, who was killed in the war. Tears are rare. Of all of the interviews I've done, and as many stories as I've heard of loss, she is the first person I've seen cry.