By Kristen Holland
A member of Cambodia's royal family has spent more than a year painstakingly creating a three-story replica of a mausoleum at Angkor Wat, a temple complex northwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
And he's been doing it in southwest Dallas.
Socheatrapagna Sisowath, a Cambodian Buddhist monk, arrived in North Texas a year ago to begin construction of the monument at the local temple site. He completed the work last month.
Temple member Shuen Cheh said the Dallas temple wanted to build a monument for those who haven't been to Cambodia. "And to bring the essence of Cambodia to the community," he added.
Mr. Cheh said the monument, constructed using 500- to 1,500-year-old stones and statues imported from Cambodia, is the only replica in the United States, and possibly the world.
Walking around the base of the temple, Mr. Sisowath pointed out the carvings of lotus flowers, minitemples, dragons and lions.
"The Cambodian king uses lions to represent himself and his power," he said through Mr. Cheh, who served as an interpreter.
Mr. Sisowath then showed a visitor a pile of molds he brought from Cambodia to create the intricate designs, as well as several rows of dried panels. He explained that he poured concrete into the molds and let them dry in the sun.
Temple member Volak Sin called the method "old school."
The interior of the stone temple is small, just large enough for a single altar to Buddha. Candles, incense and a plate of yellow and red apples have been placed immediately in front of the altar. Colorful treelike sculptures that represent life line the white walls.
Mr. Sisowath said through Mr. Cheh that he generally worked from 8 a.m. to around 2 or 3 a.m. He set each of the concrete moldings himself.
"I never see anybody that put so much effort into his work," Mr. Cheh said, eying Mr. Sisowath as he zipped around the site, flipping through detailed charts and plans of the mausoleum. "The only time he takes a break is when he sleeps and eats. He pretty much did everything, with his own hands."
Socheatrapagna Sisowath, a Cambodian Buddhist monk, arrived in North Texas a year ago to begin construction of the monument at the local temple site. He completed the work last month.
Temple member Shuen Cheh said the Dallas temple wanted to build a monument for those who haven't been to Cambodia. "And to bring the essence of Cambodia to the community," he added.
Mr. Cheh said the monument, constructed using 500- to 1,500-year-old stones and statues imported from Cambodia, is the only replica in the United States, and possibly the world.
Walking around the base of the temple, Mr. Sisowath pointed out the carvings of lotus flowers, minitemples, dragons and lions.
"The Cambodian king uses lions to represent himself and his power," he said through Mr. Cheh, who served as an interpreter.
Mr. Sisowath then showed a visitor a pile of molds he brought from Cambodia to create the intricate designs, as well as several rows of dried panels. He explained that he poured concrete into the molds and let them dry in the sun.
Temple member Volak Sin called the method "old school."
The interior of the stone temple is small, just large enough for a single altar to Buddha. Candles, incense and a plate of yellow and red apples have been placed immediately in front of the altar. Colorful treelike sculptures that represent life line the white walls.
Mr. Sisowath said through Mr. Cheh that he generally worked from 8 a.m. to around 2 or 3 a.m. He set each of the concrete moldings himself.
"I never see anybody that put so much effort into his work," Mr. Cheh said, eying Mr. Sisowath as he zipped around the site, flipping through detailed charts and plans of the mausoleum. "The only time he takes a break is when he sleeps and eats. He pretty much did everything, with his own hands."
Hidden treasure
WHAT: Cambodian Buddhist Temple of Dallas
WHERE: 5701 Crystal Lake Blvd. in southwest Dallas
HISTORY: The Dallas temple was founded in 1986. Weekly services aren't offered, but families visit from time to time for spiritual blessings or to meditate. Several monks live at the temple.
WORSHIP: Those who worship at the Cambodian Buddhist Temple practice Theravada Buddhism, the oldest surviving Buddhist tradition, closely approximating what Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, taught. It has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka and continental Southeast Asia for centuries.
FESTIVALS: The Dallas temple hosts two major festivals a year. The first celebrates the Cambodian New Year; it takes place this weekend. The main celebration will be Sunday, on the grounds. It's open to the public; admission and parking are free. Vendors will be selling food (cash only), and festivities generally last from 9 a.m. till about 1 p.m.
The second, in October, involves a memorial for loved ones.
WHERE: 5701 Crystal Lake Blvd. in southwest Dallas
HISTORY: The Dallas temple was founded in 1986. Weekly services aren't offered, but families visit from time to time for spiritual blessings or to meditate. Several monks live at the temple.
WORSHIP: Those who worship at the Cambodian Buddhist Temple practice Theravada Buddhism, the oldest surviving Buddhist tradition, closely approximating what Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, taught. It has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka and continental Southeast Asia for centuries.
FESTIVALS: The Dallas temple hosts two major festivals a year. The first celebrates the Cambodian New Year; it takes place this weekend. The main celebration will be Sunday, on the grounds. It's open to the public; admission and parking are free. Vendors will be selling food (cash only), and festivities generally last from 9 a.m. till about 1 p.m.
The second, in October, involves a memorial for loved ones.
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