Cambodian Folk Stories from the Gatiloke
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Authors
Muriel Paskin Carrison from a The Venerable Kong Chhean
Issue Date
1993
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Book, Whole
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Abstract
Apparently originally published in hardbound by Tuttle in 1987. The first paperback edition was in 1993. I am surprised and encouraged by the four fable texts that show up in this book of minimal margins. First among them is "The Polecat and the Rooster" (49). This is a replay of UP, skillfully told, with a good illustration. Next is "The Foolish Man and the King's Minister" (97). This story reveals well the Buddhist inspiration of this book. The supposedly foolish man has compassion with his buffalo. Rather than put his basket on his buffalo as he rides, he puts it on his own head. In "The Bee and the Frog" (100), the two principals argue about going to the Himalayas -- and with what speed they can make the journey. The bee wins the day when she declares "I was flying around the Himalayas all day yesterday, and I did not see you there!" The fable is followed by a comment highlighting humility as a Buddhist virtue. I bought the book because I noticed the last fable right away: "A Father, a Son, and a Donkey" (102). I am glad that Aesopic material not only made it to Cambodia, but was integrated into their own folklore! The order of events in this good telling is unusual, since the father and son carry the donkey both first and last. This version ends with the two perplexed. The following comment is "The Cambodian monks constantly reminded the people to use reason and to think for themselves."
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Publisher
Tuttle Publishing
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Identifier
10686 (Access ID)