Beware of Monks

[BigFatCow]

Just a word of caution to those of you approached by monks for donations while walking along clark quay river. I've seen them almost everyday walking up and down the river for the past couple of weeks. They'll start by offering you a "blessed" buddha card/photo and then ask for some donation in return. You sign on book when giving them the money. These "monks" were highlighted in the newspaper almost a year back as cons.

They tend to approach tourist and westerners. Do beware.

[E.R.N]

Yes, they are out and about on a regular basis again I noticed. One in particular is quite persistent. I am certain he must recognise my child and I by now, he always get the No thank you, though one week he tried on almost a daily basis to get some donation!

[Job]

These are not genuine monks, I take it?

[Mr Hyde]

genius!

[prana]

these fake monks are mostly from China. *real* theravada monks (orange robes as in thailand, burma, srilanka) are only allowed to go out in early morning, and then to accept only what is offered. even the mahayana monks (grey robes) are not supposed to "sell" things like photos or beads. it upsets me as a buddhist. it gives such a bad impression of the sangha (monks & nuns) and not a good impression of the buddhist philosophy in general.