ពុតគ្រូកុំត្រាប់ ច្បាប់គ្រូឲ្យយក

ពុតគ្រូកុំត្រាប់ ច្បាប់គ្រូឲ្យយក

I’d like to start my piece with a question “Have you ever watched a Professional Pool Player on TV?” The most common complaints they have for themselves is about shooting a straight ball into a pocket.. It’s a straight ball, why complaining? That’s what most of us would ask why.. myself included. It seems a lot easier to shoot a straight ball than to any other balls that are way away from the intended pocket. But it is not that easy for those people.. Why..? I’ll tell you why…

A good pool player is getting used to “Bang”, “Cutting Conner, or multiple-bang Side Pocket”, “Combination”, and so on. In other words, they’ve invested their skill training heavily on the most difficult ones and taking for granted on the most simplest others – the straight ball pockets, thus, there might be a very good chance that they’ll miss it! Looks and sounds ridiculous, right? But it’s true…!

Now, we’re coming back to our topic. This is a very direct, plain, and straight forward “Proverb” --  “Do not copy our teacher’s behaviors, but just follow his advices or disciplines”. I am not asserting any “Pro Credentials” on any of these, but it sure is difficult for me to shoot a straight illustration on this one. Because it is already straight. There is not much for me to maneuver! I could miss it!

ពុតគ្រូកុំត្រាប់ ច្បាប់គ្រូឲ្យយក

DISCARD THE TEACHER’S HYPOCRISY

BUT PURSUE HIS/HER DISCIPLINES!

Hypocrisy= The practice of claiming to have standards or beliefs that are contrary to one's real character or actual behavior.

That doesn’t sound nice.. Why should I listen to you when you’re not even capable of doing it yourself? Does it matter? It sounds like a rebellious student, doesn’t it? Perhaps, I once was in the classroomsJ

Well, when we get a little more mature, look back, I feel sorry for my teachers for my messed-up behaviors, then. And I’m thanking them for not kicking me out of the classes. But there was a teacher who really did, though! He really did expel me for challenging him on some type of math problems!… But that was then, this is now. I’m happy that this subject is being brought up for our discussion.

This is a “Proverb” that has a direct meaning, no connotation attached! It means what It sounds!

The word “Teacher”, in our Khmer Society, is referring to those in the positions of teaching, educating, preaching and/or giving advices, etc,. But it is not necessarily limited to just those.

As our topic of discussion goes, the proverb advises us to embrace one thing and to let go of the other. In other words, metaphorically, enjoy the fragrance and the beauty of roses, but stay away from their thorns… Does it make sense..?

Who are our “Teachers”?

There are more than one person who possesses or earns this title in our life – “Teacher”. But I want to emphasize on just two related aspects of this proverb as it is being intended – To discard what is Hypocritical, and To absorb what is of the  Essence.

As afore-mentioned, this is a proverb that bears a direct meaning, serving us as a reminder of the imperfect world in which we live, the imperfect society to which we belong, and the imperfect individuals from whom our knowledge/education and/or advices, etc., we receive.

Modern Aspect

Most Educators/Teachers “=Kru” are up to their ethical standard or disciplines whether it’s moral or educational/academic. And that is great! Because this proverb is not intended for them. We can look up to them as our role model if one desires to “Emulate”.

Yesteryear Aspect

Cambodian Culture derives its moral values almost entirely from Buddhism along with Hinduism that generally define us who we are. But what is that having to do with “Teaching and/or Learning, Giving and/or Receiving Advices?” – Trust and Respect Factors could influence critical rationalization of a person!

“Kru/Teacher”, typically, is the second most influential figure in our society besides our own mom and dad. In some cases, they really come in first..! Their Influence is practically tremendous!

With a person’s mind rigidly anchored on our belief system combined with the “Kru-Teacher’s Authoritative Influences”, some adverse potentials could ensue:

1) A good teacher could turn into a morally corrupt teacher,

2) Moral conscience could be compromised.

3) Followers/Advice Takers, Knowledge Absorbers could model themselves after  those “Few bad apples” over-shadowed or blind-sighted by those influences.

4) The Hypocritical Factor, where Rules Enforcers break his/her very own rules, and he/she is still being revered as is, because of those figurative influences. This factor applies to almost every aspect of life. It happens in our own family, among our friends, in and outside of our own worshipping places, and a lot more elsewhere..!

ពុតគ្រូកុំត្រាប់ ច្បាប់គ្រូឲ្យយក

To discard what is Hypocritical, and To absorb what is of the  Essence.

Mom and Dad are our first Teachers who’re obviously not getting proper credits where credits are due. They don’t earn this “Title” – “Teacher”, they own it! They’re in the position of teaching, educating and/or Giving Advices instantly and righteously so! This is one of many areas that this proverb is addressing – It’s a Plain and Direct Statement.

Often comes into conflict is a majority of parents in Cambodia, even today, are not living, or not able to live their very own Advices, rules and/or standard that they themselves are trying to enforce or instill in us. Are they hypocritical..? As a child of theirs having been instilled with moral concept of “Trust and Respect”,  it’s very very difficult for me to say “Yes”, Mom and Dad are…  “Hypocritical”. They fit this “Proverb’s” Characteristics. But would I dare confront them with this truth? I would scream out loud in my brain “Noooooo!”. Would I dare calling my parents “Hypocrites?” Hex, Noooo!!!. Why not ? – Trust, Respect and a lot of Love. These factors influence me as their child to not make any rationalization of their conducts, behaviors, social standing and/or educational status. It’s just not something a child would do to their own parents – Moral Element is being compromised.

As it had already been commented on, “Anybody could be Kru/Teacher”, and the “Double Standard” exists anywhere; in our own home, School, Religious Institution, or Work Places, and so forth – Advices could be given or offered. Generally, they’re tailored toward certain circumstances or given moments as they fit. And they could come from a variety of individuals’ backgrounds.

We may wonder as to who authored this proverb. And the next questions are “Does it matter to know who he/she was..? Why does this proverb exist in such a long time in our culture? Is it worthy to take its advice?”.

One answer for sure is “We don’t know” who authored it. And it does not matter to know!  It’s irrelevant!

The Proverb does not evidently suggests a person’s choice as to whether or not a certain teacher/Kru’s could be emulated. What it does advise is, however, to embrace the contents of what is wisely and beneficially being taught or given. Even that, this proverb, by no means, supersedes any individuals’ rational thinking! The decision is yours. The Action is yours! and the Moral Guidance is of the “Unknown Author’s” whose message is deeply rooted in Cambodian Culture, still!

“To Discard what is Immoral or Hypocritical , But To embrace or pursue what is wise and moral”.

B Boy

10/05/09