Our Founder's Story
An Upbringing in War
Born a few years before the tumultuous era of the Khmer civil war in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Mr. Panha Pal experienced adversity from the tender age of four. His struggle for survival under the Pol Pot regime led him and his family to seek refuge in Australia when he was just 10 years old.
Sought Refuge in Australia
Coming to a new country without any prior schooling due to the ravages of war, Mr. Pal faced considerable challenges and disadvantages. However, he demonstrated exceptional perseverance and discipline over the next two decades, excelling academically. Mr Pal's dedication culminated in a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering from a prestigious Australian university, paving the way for his successful career as an engineer, entrepreneur, and educator.
Downfall of a Personal Crisis
Mr Pal's success had been manifested through the success of his business ventures as a young entrepreneur in technology, retail and education.
However, his life took a turn in his mid-30s, when he faced yet another personal life crisis, which almost led him to give up everything he had built. His view of reality as people know it, became uncertain and ungrounded. It was the start of deep darkness that initiated his existential crisis, propelling him to search for the deeper meaning and the purpose of life.
The Turning Point
The turning point arrived in 2011 when Mr. Pal discovered the teachings of the Buddha - the Dhamma. These teachings presented a methodical, scientific exploration of the mind and its mental phenomena, offering a path to a more meaningful and purposeful life. With a mindset shaped by his engineering background, Mr. Pal had always struggled to align with religions or belief systems that lacked logical reasoning or clear explanations for the causes and effects of human suffering.
In the Dhamma, Mr. Pal found a 'user manual' to guide human beings through the darkness of ignorance. He views the Dhamma as the science of the mind, a compass to navigate life's complexities. This newfound understanding inspired Mr. Pal's vision for Pal Buddhist School, where these timeless teachings would be integrated into the fabric of holistic education.