Ven. Hak Sienghai (A Sacred Pause)

(He was sitting quietly in the waiting area by Terminal A. Even in a busy airport full of rushing people and loud announcements, he stood out. His orange robe made it clear,... he was a monk. But it wasn’t just his clothing. There was something calm around him, something peaceful.

The airport is a noisy place, but near him, the noise seemed to fade. People still walked by and planes still came and went, but the space around him felt quiet. Still. Like the world had slowed down.

I wanted to take a picture of him. I wanted to ask him something—maybe hear some wisdom. But something told me not to rush. So I waited.

I sat nearby for an hour. I watched, and slowly, I noticed I wasn’t as restless as before. My thoughts became quiet too.

After a while, he opened his eyes and stood up, moving gently, as if waking from a peaceful dream. He walked a little, calmly. I waited a bit longer, just to be sure I wasn’t interrupting his peace. Finally, I felt ready.

When I walked up to him, he turned to me with a soft smile. He didn’t seem surprised or bothered. He just looked… present. Like he was right there with me.

His voice was calm and kind. He didn’t say much, but he didn’t have to. Just being near him felt peaceful. Like I had stepped out of the busy world for a moment and into something quiet and good.

This photograph was created as two halves—the colorful and the calm,... with him at the center, like a still point between worlds.

I am Venerable Hak Sienghai, a Buddhist monk from Cambodia. I have recently arrived in Houston to participate in a Buddhist ceremony at the Cambodian temple located here. It brings me great joy to be among fellow practitioners and to witness the warmth and devotion of the Cambodian Buddhist community in Texas.

As a monk, it is my sincere aspiration to share peace, joy, and compassion with others. One of the most meaningful ways I do this is by encouraging the practice of mindfulness—a gentle, steady awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness helps us accept the reality of life as it is, without resistance or judgment. In this acceptance, we can discover true happiness and deep inner peace.

Although I have only been staying at the temple for a few days, I already feel a sense of serenity and spiritual connection in this sacred space. The atmosphere here is calm and welcoming—a place where individuals and families can come to reflect, meditate, and reconnect with themselves and their spiritual values.

If you are seeking a quiet refuge or a path toward mindfulness, I warmly invite you to visit the Texas Cambodian Buddhist Temple here in Houston. It is a place where you can find guidance, peace, and a supportive community on your journey.

May you be well, peaceful, and free from suffering.

With Metta,

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