Men in monk's robes spotted collecting alms in Bedok, but money strictly not accepted
Are they real monks?
Stomper Sweetie shared a photo of four men in monk's robes outside the Bedok 85 Market at Bedok North Street 4 on Dec 31.
"Is collecting alms by Thai monks allowed here?" asked the Stomper. "At least four other men looked after these monks."
Palelai Buddhist Temple president Chao Khun Keng Khemako told Stomp that the four monks were from his temple, a Theravada Buddhist society registered with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
Ajahn Keng said: "The image shows the monks on their daily alms-round, where monks gather alms-food in their alms-bowls while barefooted, a daily practice by the monks from Palelai Buddhist Temple for the past 25 years.
"This practice allows the public to learn about the Theravada Buddhist tradition's monastic way of living and the mutual support between monastics and lay supporters."
He added that money is strictly not accepted to be placed into the monks' alms-bowls, only consumable or uncooked food requisites.
For the short period they are there, the monks stand still with their alms-bowl, and do not ask nor gesture to seek alms - not even food.
"From the day of their ordination, Therevada Buddhist monks are told that their means of survival is to go on alms. In return for lay support, monks teach the lay people how to apply Buddhism to live a happy stress-free life. This is something we continually strive to educate the public on starting 25 years ago," said Ajahn Keng.
But it is understandable why the Stomper was concerned.
A man in monk's robes was seen asking tourists to donate $20 for beads outside Bras Basah MRT station on Jan 5, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, the president of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, condemned such conduct, saying that it hurt the image of Buddhism.
He told Shin Min: "These people are probably not local monks. It is wrong for them to sell beads or beg for money on the street. If they really need help, they can seek help from the relevant organisations."
Ven Kwang Phing added. "I hope the public will not give them money and encourage such behaviour."
