Surprising Scene at Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple During Chinese New Year
During the bustling Chinese New Year celebrations, many devotees visiting the renowned Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple were taken aback by an unexpected sight: a group of 15 monks soliciting alms. This unusual situation caught the attention of a reader who reached out to Shin Min Daily News, expressing concern over the monks’ conduct, which they felt lacked dignity.
What Happened at the Temple?
On February 12, a reporter from Shin Min visited Waterloo Street and found about a hundred people gathered near the temple. Barricades had been set up to manage the crowd effectively. The monks had strategically positioned themselves around the temple, ensuring that anyone entering or exiting would encounter at least one of them.
As devotees approached, the monks would step forward, asking for alms whenever someone paused or pulled out cash. While some passersby chose to ignore the requests, others willingly offered $2. One monk, particularly proactive, stood at the exit, intercepting devotees and kindly requesting their offerings. He would swiftly collect the money and place it into his bag.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The monks seemed to focus on the elderly as well. An 80-year-old retiree named Yu shared that she viewed giving alms as a way to accumulate merit. However, a nearby stall holder revealed that some monks would surround individuals with cash, with a few even taking money directly from their hands.
According to Hong, a tissue seller in the area, the monks had been at the temple since the first day of Chinese New Year, from dawn until dusk. He expressed disappointment, stating, “They pestered devotees for ang baos, and some took money from devotees’ hands.” He added that their presence impacted his business negatively.
Monks’ Background and Practices
When interviewed, one monk, who preferred to remain anonymous, mentioned that he and his group had been in Singapore for about a month. They hailed from various countries, including Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand. He claimed to be leading the group and stated they came to Waterloo Street to pray for the devotees, but did not elaborate further.
Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, president of the Singapore Buddhist Federation, clarified that based on their attire, the monks practiced Theravada Buddhism. He noted that monks typically accept only food items and not cash when collecting alms. “This practice is essential for maintaining the dignity and good image of Buddhism and preventing misuse of funds,” he explained. If financial assistance is needed, monks can seek help from relevant organizations or Theravada Buddhist temples in Singapore.
Understanding Fundraising Regulations
Under the Charities Act, organizations raising funds for foreign charitable purposes in Singapore must apply for a permit from the Commissioner of Charities at least 30 days in advance. Additionally, 80% of the funds raised from the public must be allocated for charitable purposes within Singapore, while the remaining 20% can be used for overseas charitable causes.
Opportunities for Education and Improvement
This incident highlights a significant opportunity for the temple and relevant organizations to educate the monks on proper conduct and guidelines for accepting alms. Here are some steps they can take:
1. **Develop a Comprehensive Training Program**: Create an engaging program covering monk conduct, ethical guidelines, and the significance of accepting alms.
2. **Provide Mentorship and Guidance**: Pair experienced monks with younger or less experienced ones to foster understanding and adherence to proper conduct.
3. **Conduct Regular Workshops and Seminars**: Organize events focused on monk conduct, featuring respected scholars and senior monks to share insights.
4. **Utilize Technology and Multimedia**: Use educational videos, podcasts, and online courses to enhance learning and accessibility.
5. **Encourage Open Communication and Feedback**: Foster an environment where monks feel comfortable discussing challenges and providing feedback.
6. **Lead by Example**: Ensure that the temple and organizations model the conduct they wish to promote, inspiring monks to follow suit.
By taking a multi-faceted approach that combines structured training, mentorship, workshops, and open communication, the temple and relevant organizations can effectively educate the monks on proper conduct and the guidelines for accepting alms.
For more information on this topic, visit Singapore Buddhist Federation.