In 2001, just as The Wat Opot Project was opening its HIV and AIDS clinic in Bati, Takeo, a young monk from the Wat Ou Poat Pagoda came over to observe the activities. He was more than just curious, he was interested in helping us out with the children’s program. As the program developed and the hospice was opened he became even more interested, however this created conflict with his superiors, since Monks were not permitted at that time to touch or be involved with HIV+ and AIDS victims because they were considered unclean. He disagreed with this policy and took his case all the way to the top of the Buddhist hierarchy.
In his argument he stated:” The Buddha says nothing about diseases like AIDS… but he did say we must show pity, compassion, and sympathy to all living creatures, especially if they are in need and have trouble with their health.” He won his case and was given permission to work alongside of the Wat Opot health care team. In the seven years that the hospice was open he sat many a night with me, holding the hand of a dying patient until they took their final breath and then he would move away, since a Monk may not touch the dead.
As one of the first Buddhist monks to work with HIV+ and AIDS victims in Cambodia, he was selected by UNICEF to represent Cambodia in a 2001 AIDS Conference held in Africa and over the years he has been an active participant in the development of the Wat Opot Community.
As a Christian, I was not well accepted by the community in the beginning, however, he came to my defense and convinced the community that it would be okay for me to stay. We have become good friends over the years and just a short time ago we discussed the possibility of my returning the pagoda to live out my life.
Earlier this week we went back to Wat Ou Poat and i was planning to see him there to discuss further the steps needed for me to return to the old Wat Opot Campus, however, I was told he was taken in to the hospital for a bad cough and possible pneumonia. He died this afternoon before I had time to visit him.
Preah Sachmoni Duch Tel, the Honorary Venerable,
the Father of the Sangha of Wat Ou Poat Pagoda,
received the Dhamma at 3:50 pm on November 1, 2025.
Wayne, I am sure it is difficult for you to not have been there to see him before he died. Unexpected deaths are a challenge for those left behind. I’m sure you were very close to him. My heart feels for you. May God’s comfort be on and around you.
Thanks Julia… I went to the Wat yesterday. There is a vigil at the Wat until the cremation, which will most likely be on Thursday. I was able to meet up with several people, many of whom I have not seen in years. Tel was one of the people that played an important part in my future here in Cambodia and so I now have to reconsider the possibilities.