Eye Sore – Bogus Monk

Lately, I been driving in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur and I frequently spotted men in monk robe begging for money. I knew these men are bogus monk (even if they are real monks, they have broke the Buddhist code of ethics).

Let me tell you the modus operandi of these fake monks. They shaved they head bald, wearing monk robe, with or without an alms bowl walking on the street. Usually, they will ignore the normal Malaysian as many knew that they are fake. They target foreigners, especially tourists. The bogus monk will walk towards their target(s) and beg for money. Sometimes, the target(s) generously and willingly “donates” money to them. Sometimes, the target(s) simply not willing to donate and the fake monk will persuade or even follow the target(s) until the target give the donation.

I read some articles reporting on the issues of bogus monks in Malaysia. A report also stated that that a true monk is to reject any offering in terms of monetary. Even if a monk offer blessing string in return of a monetary offer is inappropriate. When a monk collects alms it should be in terms of food. Those who offer food should give pure vegetarian food.

Maybe Malaysians and those who are visiting Malaysia are too generous in giving blindly. Some greedy people abuse the ignorant & generosity of these people to satisfy their own greed.

I want to urge all generous people to be careful and not to give out money blindly. Make sure the donations are fall into the use of people in need. Of course, stop giving to these bogus monks!