Monks have strayed so far from Buddha’s teachings
Many Thai Buddhists, including myself, have turned their backs to temples for quite some time now.
There are two reasons for this abandonment: First, monks cannot govern themselves and lead society by example. And second, the government has failed to deal with crimes that happen within the temple walls.
Just a few decades ago, it was a normal sight to see Thai Buddhists give a “wai” to monks upon meeting them on the streets. Some even kneeled on the ground to offer help, or ask for counsel – since monks were supposed to have all the knowledge and moral excellence.
Nowadays, if you do that you might expose yourself to the whims of con artists behind the purified robes.
It is amazing how some Thai Buddhist monks have turned Buddhism in this country into something utterly different from the teachings Buddha gave us 2,500 years ago – in such a short period of time.
Vint Chavala
Bangkok
