Healing Through Movement

The traditional Cambodian myth of Moni Mekhala begins with a contest to see who can collect a glass of morning dew the fastest. As the legend goes, the sage Lok Ta Moni Eysei had set the task for his three best pupils: Ream Eyso, a powerful storm demon; Vorachhun, a god of the land; and Moni Mekhala, the goddess of the seas. Relying not on her great speed or strength, but rather her cunning, Moni Mekhala won easily by laying her shawl out overnight to collect the droplets, and then wringing it out and filling the glass at dawn. Pleased by the efforts of his students, Lok Ta Moni Eysei proudly bestowed magical gifts to them all: Ream Eyso received a diamond axe, Vorachhun a magical dagger and Moni Mekhala a crystal ball. However, Ream Eyso coveted Moni Mekhala’s prize, and in a fit of rage and jealousy, tried to steal it, killing Vorachhun when he intervened. As Moni Mekhala faced off with Ream Eyso, the clashing of his axe and her sphere created thunder and lightning, and with them the rains came, replenishing the lands and reviving