The Survivor by wysiwig
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One cannot approach the subject of Cambodia without a profound sense of sadness at its history. Preparing for this post last night I was reminded of Doctor Haing S. Ngor, who had been trained as a medical doctor. In 1975, when the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia, he and his pregnant wife, along with most Cambodians, were driven out of cities and towns and into the fields to work growing crops. Conditions were brutal and starvation was common. Anyone who had worked for the government was executed. Nuns and monks were executed. Anyone who was educated was executed. Anyone who wore glasses was presumed to be literate and could be executed. Ngor hid his profession and education to avoid this fate. Pol Pot, the leader of the Khmer Rouge, had plans to create a new society, free of all Western influence. This included a rejection of western medicine. When Ngor's wife went into labor there were complications. The Khmer Rouge let her die.
In 1979 the Khmer Rouge regime ended when Viet Nam invaded the country. By then up to three million of Cambodia's seven million people had died. Ngor later immigrated to the United States where he starred in The Killing Fields, an account of journalist Dith Pran's experiences under the Khmer dictatorship. In February 1996, Doctor Haing S. Ngor was murdered in Los Angeles after being robbed by members of a Vietnamese street gang called the Lazyboys. He was shot for refusing to give up a gold pocket watch. And why would someone die for a watch? Inside the cover was a picture of his wife.
This is Charanai, which means exquisite or polished jewel in the Khmer language. She seemed very sweet and truly surprised that a group of westerners would have any interest in her. Our Cambodian guide Pol translated for us. When we met she was eighty years of age and had endured everything; the wars, the starvation, the killing fields. Among her extended family, she alone survived.
The word Nirvana in Buddhism can be interpreted in several ways. The most often used definition is a liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth and freedom from the effects of karma. To honor the dead and to increase her chance of attaining Nirvana, Charanai had dedicated her life to prayer and good works. Part of that involved caring for Shiva. I sometimes wonder if she reached her goal. I hope so.
Comments (17)
Faemike55
interesting and very fascinating information and great photo
Raindroptheelf
I thank you so much for sharing this with us.
whaleman
One of many similar stories, sad to say.
0rest4wicked
Would say she has done just that Mark. I look at her and see the intelligence of time, no regime could take from her. Strength, perseverance and constitution yet a humbled wisdom and kind heart. Thanks so much for sharing!
netot
You can be sure she did it. Her faith and dedication must have a reward. I,m sorry about Dr. Ngor. If I,m not wrong, He won an Oscar for "The killing fields" and was an excellent actor. Great image and great history, Mark.
auntietk
A most excellent portrait, my friend. Your good heart shows in this as well as hers.
MrsLubner
Such goodness after such harshness... Her face is that of an angel. excellent shot.
blondeblurr
'The Killing Fields' a stark reminder and never forgotten, I am sure her beliefs are true - the serene look upon her face is the proof. BB
durleybeachbum
The horrors of her life have been transcended by her spirit.
wotan Online Now!
Drammatic shot and history... both FV!
dakotabluemoon
Such horrible and cruel world we live in and tragedy's like this must makes us more thankful to be in this world great info and wonderful pic.
bobrgallegos
Outstanding portrait of this wonderful old lady!!! One can truly wonder what her eyes have witnessed. Super narrative on such a sad piece of history!!1
JuliSonne
Thanks for the interesting but sad story. As a human goes through hell, be historic witness and will again to the victim. I have told your story on my job, and so also made a small contribution that crimes against humanity do not fall into oblivion. A wonderful portrait! Respect for the woman!
mariogiannecchini
Very beautiful photo and great , interesting info !
sandra46
WONDERFUL PORTRAIT
tennesseecowgirl
Thank you for sharing this, amazing what some people have had to endure in their lifetimes. I am with you I hope she met her goal.
myrrhluz
I did not know that Doctor Haing S. Ngor was murdered. I am very sorry to hear it. Earlier today, I sat with tea in hand, and went through the galleries to chose images to comment on. When got to your gallery, I started at the bottom of the page and read with renewed interest your posts on Cambodia. They were all very interesting when I first saw them, but as I have recently begun to reread "The Great Transformation" (about the Axial Age of religion and philosophy) by Karen Armstrong, they were even more so. I first read Armstrong's book about 5 years ago and had decided that someday I wanted to read it differently. Rather than chronologically as written, I wanted to read all of each religious and philosophic tradition in its entirety before going to the next one. The first one was of the Indo-Europeans who would settle in India. I am about to enter the time of Buddha. Your images and narrative about Cambodia are rich with history and haunting beauty. You have captured the warmth of the people as well as giving an idea of the horrors they have suffered. Your images and words have power to touch the heart and bring dispersed humanity closer together. Charanai is aptly named. I have no idea what happens at death, but in life, her achievements are unsurpassed. Beautiful portrait of her in words and image.