Ven. Polhi Podhi meditates inside the temple. "When I Pray, I respect Buddha, respect Dharma, respect Sangha, respect Bhikus." -Ven. Polhi Podhi

Sanghikaram Wat Khmer, Lynn, Mass.

Ven. Thon So Paon receives offerings from lay Buddhists during the Kathina ceremony, which is held for monks who have come out of an annual 3 month retreat that typically ends sometime between October and December.

Sanghikaram Wat Khmer, Lynn, Mass.

Ven. Sao Khom, Abbot (far right) watches monks folding their new robes during the Kathina ceremony.

Triratanaram Temple, North Chelmsford, Mass.

A little girl circles beneath her parents as the offer rice into the bowl of each monk. When somebody in the community dies, offerings are made in this way.

Sanghikaram Wat Khmer, Lynn, Mass.

This representation of Shakyamuni Buddha symbolizes the protection of the world and freeing all sentient beings from suffering. The crossed arms symbolize the Buddha's meditation while sitting, standing, walking and sleeping. On the left is a picture of Ven. Joun Nam who died in 1969 and is venerated as the king of monks in Cambodia.

Sanghikaram Wat Khmer, Lynn, Mass.

VInside his room at the temple, Ven. Polhi Podhi puts on his outer robe.

Sanghikaram Wat Khmer, Lynn, Mass.

Ven. Tim Nhol, 70 years old, prays inside his room.

Sanghikaram Wat Khmer, Lynn, Mass.

Lay people dance and play music while circling the temple during the Kathina ceremony.

Sanghikaram Wat Khmer, Lynn, Mass.

A nun from Cambodia, who splits her time between living with her family in Lynn and living at the temple, makes an offering of light.

Sanghikaram Wat Khmer, Lynn, Mass.

Lay Buddhists listen and chant with monks during the Kathina ceremony.

Triratanaram Temple, North Chelmsford, Mass.