Suttantaprija Ind
Suttantaprija Ind (Khmer: សុត្តន្តប្រីជាឥន្ទ, UNGEGN: Sŏttântâbreichéa Ĕnt, ALA-LC: Suttantaprījā Ind; 22 July 1859 – 8 November 1924) was a Cambodian monk, who later became a lay achar, writer, and famous poet. His title, Louk Oknha, or "Lord" in English, was bestowed upon him by the King of Cambodia due to his writings, poetry skills, and extensive works in preserving Khmer literature.
Suttantaprija Ind | |
|---|---|
| សុត្តន្តប្រីជាឥន្ទ | |
| Born | Suttantaprija Ind 22 July 1859 |
| Died | 8 November 1924 (aged 65) |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 1914–1924 |
| Spouse | Louk Yeay Tuot |
| Children | Son, San, Ly, Lone, and Yueon |
Biography
Suttantaprija Ind was born to Mr. Bongchong Keo in Rokar Korng Village, Tonle Thom, Muk Kampoul, Kandal Province, on July 22, 1859.
Ind studied Khmer literature when he was 10. When he was 15, he translated 'Prash Bakriyath', and then became a monk at Wat Pri Po for one year. He then went to study with Lok Archa Peach in Prash Tropang. When he was 18, he studied with Buddhist Professor Brak at Wat Una Lom in Phnom Penh. When he was 19, he studied with Lok Archa Sok at Wat Keo, Battambang. At age 20, he became a monk again at Wat Keo for one year, and studied in Bangkok.
After 7 years in Thailand, Ind came back to Cambodia during the time of Lok Prash Yakatha Choun Gnogn and stayed at Wat Kandal in Battambang for 10 years. He then married Lok Yay Tuet from Chomka Somroung village, Battambang, and lived in Chvia Thom village. Lok Prash Yakatha Choun Gnogn gave him the title of Khon Vichit Voha and then Hlung Vichit Voha. He wrote and translated Pali texts into Khmer for 44 different titles. After Lok Prash Yakatha Choun Gnogn left Battambang, Ind went to work in Phnom Penh for 10 years (1914-1924). When he was 55, he was promoted to be Lok Oknha Suttantaprija. He helped create the Khmer Buddhist Dictionary at the Pali school. Between the age of 55 and 65, he came back and spent the rest of his life with his family in Battambang.
According to his daughter, Lone Ind, Suttantaprija Ind was frequently invited to talk about dharma and tell stories when there was an event or ceremony such as a wedding, open house, etc. He would come back home with a lot of money, which he would like to give away to his grandchildren. At night, he would lay flat on his stomach writing all night long.
He died on November 8, 1924.
Works
Ind's works include the Katilok series, Nirasnatavat, Hombang Back, Bakthom Sompoth, Loknitbakor, Sopearseth Chbap Srey, and many poems. Some of his works, such as the Katilok series and Chombang Takoa, were written to reflect the Khmer culture and life during Lok Prash Yakatha Choun Gnogn's time. At the turn of the century, Lok Oknha Suttantaprija Ind was prominent in Battambang Province. Everybody called him Lok Archa Ind, admired his work, and respected him for his contributions to the society. Before there were books published in Battambang, his books were borrowed and hand-copied. These hand-copied books were circulated for reading and studying; some people memorized his poems by heart. He also worked with a French Catholic missionary, Father Sindulphe Tandart, and created a French–Khmer dictionary known as "Tandart Dictionary".
Following Ind's death, according to Lone Ind, the French government took many of his works, some of which were not yet published. This opens the speculation that some of his works may still be in circulation or custody with the French.
Family
Suttantaprija Ind had 5 children:
- Ind Son (son- deceased),
- Ind San (daughter - deceased),
- Ind Ly (daughter - deceased),
- Ind Lone (daughter - deceased), and
- Ind Yueon (daughter - deceased).
As of 2015, there is only one grandchild - Ind Yueon's daughter, who lives in Chvia Village, Sangke District, Battambang. He has many great-grandchildren, who live in Cambodia, France, America, and other countries.