Saw this on the news last night.
These guys are from Cambodia, but Thailand has its share of Fake Monks as well.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... eet-494495
Fake Monks
Re: Fake Monks
Some of the monks I saw on the last trip were very suspicious.
However, like many others, I don't donate to religious organisations anywhere in the world.
However, like many others, I don't donate to religious organisations anywhere in the world.
Re: Fake Monks
This is a cut n' paste from something I posted on SGT:
Growing up my father appreciated (and followed) the principles of Buddhism more than the bricks and mortar of formal religion - so transitioning to Buddhism just cam natural for me.
I was really excited to see how a total Buddhist culture lived when planning my first trip to Thailand, although disappointed to learn that only half of the Thai people actually incorporated the main principles (precepts) of Buddhism in their daily lives. And that includes the Buddhist monks.
Monks are constantly getting arrested and kicked out of the monestary for doing everything from getting drunk and gambling - to having sex parties, theft, using and selling drugs (yaba), etc. as reported on the nightly news. Some times Jai and I just let out a sigh - and sometimes we laugh hysterically at some of their antics.
It's a pretty easy job; Room & Board, meals around-the-clock- a clean and safe place to sleep - plenty of sanook and comradery...all at the expense of the town people via. a constant flow of donations including fresh food collected every day during the walking of alms. Not a bad life at all, especially when you compare it to slaving in a hot field all day for less than minimum wage.
This being the case, the obvious benefits of being Buddhist monk in Thailand attract all kinds: From the very devoted - to the lazy bunch who just want a free handout. I believe, or at least want to believe, that the majority are good, deeply committed men, who teach and practice the principles of Buddhism religiously
I'm sure everyone knows this already, but Buddhist monks NEVER beg for money. They never beg for anything. They simply provide a blessing to those who donate food during the walking of alms, and of course accept food, gifts, and even envelopes with money inside when performing private ceremonies, e.g., home blessings, blessing marriages, new child birth, funerals, etc. So if you ever have a monk put his hand out and ask for money, just smile and walk away. He's one of the fake ones.
Growing up my father appreciated (and followed) the principles of Buddhism more than the bricks and mortar of formal religion - so transitioning to Buddhism just cam natural for me.
I was really excited to see how a total Buddhist culture lived when planning my first trip to Thailand, although disappointed to learn that only half of the Thai people actually incorporated the main principles (precepts) of Buddhism in their daily lives. And that includes the Buddhist monks.
Monks are constantly getting arrested and kicked out of the monestary for doing everything from getting drunk and gambling - to having sex parties, theft, using and selling drugs (yaba), etc. as reported on the nightly news. Some times Jai and I just let out a sigh - and sometimes we laugh hysterically at some of their antics.
It's a pretty easy job; Room & Board, meals around-the-clock- a clean and safe place to sleep - plenty of sanook and comradery...all at the expense of the town people via. a constant flow of donations including fresh food collected every day during the walking of alms. Not a bad life at all, especially when you compare it to slaving in a hot field all day for less than minimum wage.
This being the case, the obvious benefits of being Buddhist monk in Thailand attract all kinds: From the very devoted - to the lazy bunch who just want a free handout. I believe, or at least want to believe, that the majority are good, deeply committed men, who teach and practice the principles of Buddhism religiously
I'm sure everyone knows this already, but Buddhist monks NEVER beg for money. They never beg for anything. They simply provide a blessing to those who donate food during the walking of alms, and of course accept food, gifts, and even envelopes with money inside when performing private ceremonies, e.g., home blessings, blessing marriages, new child birth, funerals, etc. So if you ever have a monk put his hand out and ask for money, just smile and walk away. He's one of the fake ones.