Saturday, December 14, 2019 | Cambodia | Language: Khmer, French and English widely spoken | Population: 16.01 million | Currency: Cambodian Riel

Jay and I start our journey to Southeast Asia from Dulles International Airport. We connect flights in Hong Kong, where Barbara, Bob and Haley join us. After what feels as days of travel we finally arrive in Cambodia.

Cambodians call their country Kampuchea. This name is derived from Kambuja – which means a descendent of Kambu, the country’s mythical founder.

Cambodia borders Thailand in the west, Laos in the north and Vietnam in the East. The countries current borders were drawn up by the French in the 19th century when Cambodia was part of colonial Indo China. Although Cambodia’s historical beginnings reach back much further. The land within the country’s current borders has been populated since at least 4000 BC.

Cambodian people greet each other by saying “Chum Reap Suor,” accompanied by a gesture of pressing their palms together in front of their face and slightly bowing forward. If the thumbs are at chest level, it is a general greeting. Thumbs to the chin are for greeting elders. The nose is reserved for parents and the forehead is for greeting a god. I was not pleased with how many people greeting me with thumb to chin.

Cambodia remains on the list of developing countries, despite recent economic growth. Although Cambodia is undergoing significant urbanization, most of its citizens continue to live in rural areas and experience poverty. What we consider a third world nation.

Buddhism is the official religion of Cambodia. It’s identity, history and culture, are intrinsically linked to its belief systems from the earlier years of Hinduism to the later advent of Buddhism. In Buddhism, there are Seven Factors of Awakening. Here a (very) condensed version of the seven ways of enlightenment.

The first centers on mindfulness, to be fully connected to the present moment.

The second is rediscovering the nature of existence, investigating the truth and understanding one’s true self.

The third path is dedicated to energy, to enhance strength and courage which needed in life’s journey.

Rapture and joy are the fourth way. It emphasizes detachment from cravings and earthy materialism. It is a return to simplicity, to kindness towards others and to embracing life’s every moment.

The fifth way is journey is one of calmness and tranquility of body and mind. It addresses the human need for contentment. It is the sense of accomplishment which leads to choose true serenity.

Concentration is the sixth way. It is a calm, one-pointed state of mind or clear awareness. It lies beyond waking, dreaming or even deep sleep. Balance in mind. Balance in emotions. Balance in life.

The last is equanimity. To accept reality as-it-is without craving or aversion.

I’m still struggling with the first one, but it’s always good to have goals.