Expert: Justin Choo - 12/27/2009

Question
Hi Justin ~ Greetings! Of late I have seen quite a number of "monks" with a small bowl "begging" for money in coffee shops. Are they real? Thought they are supposed to use almsbowl for going on almsround? What is your stand on this? A wise man told me once in Cantonese, "it's a good heart doing bad deeds by supporting a wrong person to continue 'cheating' the public". How true? Saddhu saddhu saddhu.

Answer
Hi my old friend,

I am very surprised that you are visiting this place.  Welcome.

As you know me for soooo long already, you would most propbably know my response.  Then why bother to ask?  Since you are here, it is my "job" to answer you, just the same; also for the benefit of the others who are reading this!

For those unaccustomed to what our good old friend is writing about, let me explain.  In Malaysia, you often find BOGUS MONKS literally begging for food?...no they expect you to put money in their begging bowls.  And there are plenty of ignorant so-called "Buddhists" in the coffee shops (cafes, eateries, restaurants), through their ignorance, fear, greed, or whatever reasons, will put money in the bowl.

Yes, these are BOGUS MONKS, scums of society.  Many are foreigners from up north, Thailand.

I usually give them a hard stare, and told them off in no uncertain term.  My good old friend, if you are braver than me, then I would recommend that you scoop up whatever cash in the bowl and said thank you to the generous "monk" who gives you the money out of compassion!!

<<"it's a good heart doing bad deeds by supporting a wrong person to continue 'cheating' the public">>


I would put it this way:  "Good-hearted fools."

For those whom are not aware, Theravada monks never go walking about asking for food, let alone money.  They would stand at a place with their alms bowl in front.  And this is just for food and always in the morning. Never past noon.

Take care, my good old friend.

And have a nice day.

Justin Choo