The temple was the safest place

A father shares why he trusts sending his daughter to the temple, believing that the strict moral discipline of the monks is the only guarantee of safety in a society full of temptations.

That evening, just after the afternoon chanting, warm yellow light spilled from the main hall, resting gently upon the still leaves of the bodhi trees. An elderly monk was sweeping fallen leaves on the porch when he noticed a middle-aged man entering. The man’s eyes held a slight restlessness, and his hand nervously fidgeted with his phone in his pocket.

The monk paused his broom and smiled warmly. "Welcome, lay follower. Is the temple busy today?"

The man nodded, looking somewhat awkward. "Yes... I have come to light incense for my late father."