Monk reform no easy task

Monk reform no easy task

If the Prayut Chan-o-cha government has its way, Buddhist monks are to carry smart cards that show their backgrounds -- a move that is designed to enable the authorities to scrutinise those in saffron robes.

According to PM's Office Minister Ormsin Chivapruck, a proposal on monk smart cards has been approved by the cabinet and the authorities involved are about to draw up an implementation plan while the National Office of Buddhism (NOB) studies the idea.

The move is aimed at tackling temple corruption following a series of graft scandals committed by monks seeking financial gain from the temples.

Last month, the nation was shocked by the murder of a novice at Wat Wang Tawan Tok in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. The suspected murderer is a former monk who allegedly wanted to silence the victim as the latter knew of his scams worth millions of baht.

It is believed that several temples draw hefty cash donations like Wat Wang Tawan Tok but as long as those at the temple can share a piece of the donation cake, they are not subject to scrutiny.

Under the plan, data centres will be set up to process the smart cards which will contain key information about the monks they are assigned to, including when they were ordained, which temples they are attached to, when they were elevated, whether they had left the monkhood before, and if they had any record of criminality or drug abuse. Currently, monks hold identification documents on paper that are difficult to track.

In addition to the cards, there is a plan to train monks and temple officials in making income statements and expense accounts available for examination for the sake of transparency. The NOB has required temples to submit their financial statements, but most temple accounts do not meet accepted standards and lack details. Disparity also exists between large and small temples.

The attempt to regulate monks is a welcome move. But the fact is temple corruption, though involving huge amounts of money, and wayward monks -- involved in sex scandals and other worldly sins -- is just the tip of the iceberg in Sangha affairs.

The more serious issue is the failure of monks to perform as spiritual leaders as so many fail to adapt to the modern world, while some restrict themselves to ceremonial roles -- only chanting in Pali which people find difficult to connect to.

A loose screening system which aims to promote Buddhism throws up a dilemma as it lacks a selection process to put the right people into that spiritual role.

Under the system, almost every man can be ordained and become a monk. Unless they commit a serious worldly sin, they will be fine.

Admittedly some men choose to enter the monkhood as a way to escape poverty, and others want to be ordained as part of tradition, rather than to seek dhamma knowledge, or reach -- and help others to reach -- nirvana as preached by the Lord Buddha. Many monks are not reluctant to gather wealth, which is against dhamma rules.

Sadly, some monks pay more attention to climbing the Sangha's bureaucratic ladder and detach themselves from the community. Such circumstances result in widespread loss of faith among disciples, with many turning to new sects, such as Wat Dhammakaya, that become major rivals to mainstream Buddhism.

Smart cards are just one measure. The real challenge to Buddhism is how to restore people's faith. A key term is Sangha reform but as most of us know it is an uphill task.

Editorial

Bangkok Post editorial column

These editorials represent Bangkok Post thoughts about current issues and situations.

Email : anchaleek@bangkokpost.co.th

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