SEATTLE — As Cambodians in Seattle kick off a two-week celebration for Cambodian New Year, the youngest monk at Watt Dhammacakkaram, Washington's oldest Cambodian temple, is hoping to inspire others.
"I see the culture, my Cambodian culture, fading away too fast," Prenz Sa-Ngoun said.
Sa-Ngoun is 16 years old, a rarity at Cambodian temples in the U.S. Born and raised in Tukwila, he felt it was his calling when he saw how disconnected he was to his heritage.
"I was always going to the temple with my mother and I didn't quite understand the culture or the rituals," Sa-Ngoun explained.
He didn't even speak the language. But, at just 12 years old, he moved to Cambodia for three years to become a monk.
Now that he's back home, he believes he has a greater purpose -- helping to bridge the gap with the younger generation.
"Being 16 years old, I think it opened a lot of eyes," Sa-Ngoun said. "They want to know more about the culture, so I think they come to me a lot."
The temple's head monk, Sovet Moun, agrees. He's thankful for his young protege. Since Sa-Ngoun is bilingual, he's hopeful younger Cambodians will relate to him.
It's a responsibility Sa-Ngoun doesn't take lightly.
This summer, he's starting a Cambodian school at the temple. It will be free, and will teach anyone who wants to attend about the language, culture, and religion.
"I was lost," Sa-Ngoun added. "I was lost when I was younger and I'm here to make that change."
Sa-Ngoun says he also understands the importance of education. He just got his GED and is now looking to attend community college.
KIRO
