MONKS and MONEY

[rufusredtail]

I have read in some posts that money is given to monks at various times , my now wife gives money to them , my question is how does it work , is one  to give every time they go to temple , or just on special occasions , i have yet to find out how much she gives , my wifes mother goes every day to temple, and gives money , been western goes against the grain giving money every time you attend church. may be its me been a tight a----e . be interested to know the history of it , has it always happened or just in the last century or so .

[Nobby]

I have read in some posts that money is given to monks at various times , my now wife gives money to them , my question is how does it work , is one  to give every time they go to temple , or just on special occasions , i have yet to find out how much she gives , my wifes mother goes every day to temple, and gives money , been western goes against the grain giving money every time you attend church. may be its me been a tight a----e . be interested to know the history of it , has it always happened or just in the last century or so .

You need to understand Nam Jai (spelling). Thai's believe that when giving money it makes the GIVER feel good. Thats why so many give small notes to the singers and sexy dancers for instance.

BTW, you are not alone with those western feelings but must learn to go with the slow or have problems.

[toffo]

I dont give the dancers money to feel good... .... I never give monks money, lots of them are ex criminals or druggies etc that go stay in the temple so thats my take on it but some will disagree..

[Murtle_71]

its about giving what you can and still feel good about it..
If you have bad feeling about giving then good luck wont come to you....
20baht is enough for a Thai to give on any single visit....

This doesn't include when they want to build a new temple or fix up something that's broken....

[Alan]

Each religion has its own methodes and they usually amount to a similar outcome. If you were a regular practicing christian you would no doubt contribute to the weekly collection bowl. Thais are generally more religious than "westerners" these days and therefore it would be wrong to compare your lack of religious attendance to that of those that wish to partake and support there church. I am happy being a non believer and give respect and good grace to those that treat my views similarly. Unfortunately there are those that feel its necessary to bash peoples beliefs. Live and let live!!!!!

[rufusredtail]

Thanks for the replies, i was at a temple last year was about to put the money in the box , only the monk and i in the room he said , "no no'' put his hand out "give it to me ", did not go into  the box, what he did with the money i dont know , got stuffed in behind all that yellow cloth,

Interesting that one person has said "makes the giver feel good", makes me feel poorer, will have to look up the history of it , if anybody can add to this , great. take care all.

[Starman]

Each religion has its own methodes and they usually amount to a similar outcome. If you were a regular practicing christian you would no doubt contribute to the weekly collection bowl. Thais are generally more religious than "westerners" these days and therefore it would be wrong to compare your lack of religious attendance to that of those that wish to partake and support there church. I am happy being a non believer and give respect and good grace to those that treat my views similarly. Unfortunately there are those that feel its necessary to bash peoples beliefs. Live and let live!!!!!

That's about it. Thanks Alan.

Respect others and they will respect you.

[candy]

Each religion has its own methodes and they usually amount to a similar outcome. If you were a regular practicing christian you would no doubt contribute to the weekly collection bowl. Thais are generally more religious than "westerners" these days and therefore it would be wrong to compare your lack of religious attendance to that of those that wish to partake and support there church. I am happy being a non believer and give respect and good grace to those that treat my views similarly. Unfortunately there are those that feel its necessary to bash peoples beliefs. Live and let live!!!!!

Nail on the head Alan.

IYDLIGSE.

[CO-CO]

PKC Nick where are you?  I feel this thread needs your input.

[Speros]

Churches have collection plates, fundraisers etc....i don't mind giving a small amount when i go to a temple on a rare occasion as it helps with upkeep of some quiet beautiful buildings....all religions cost there people money one way or another, yes there may be some ex junkie monks etc....but may be better than Catholic pedophile priests. each to their own, its an intricate part of the culture.

[CO-CO]

Churches have collection plates, fundraisers etc....i don't mind giving a small amount when i go to a temple on a rare occasion as it helps with upkeep of some quiet beautiful buildings....all religions cost there people money one way or another, yes there may be some ex junkie monks etc....but may be better than Catholic pedophile priests. each to their own, its an intricate part of the culture.

Monks - "an interesting part of the culture" would very much depend on your interpretation of culture.

Oh, and, of course, whether you have any idea at all what goes on with these leeches.

[Speros]

Churches have collection plates, fundraisers etc....i don't mind giving a small amount when i go to a temple on a rare occasion as it helps with upkeep of some quiet beautiful buildings....all religions cost there people money one way or another, yes there may be some ex junkie monks etc....but may be better than Catholic pedophile priests. each to their own, its an intricate part of the culture.

Monks - "an interesting part of the culture" would very much depend on your interpretation of culture.

Oh, and, of course, whether you have any idea at all what goes on with these leeches.

i was meaning more the Thai interpretation of Buddhism, to me which seems more like a "magic wand" for thinks you desire...and the temples themselves...being part of the landscape of the country..... which some are quite amazing.
Buddhism...and therefore monks are a part of the Thai culture being that it is a Buddhist Kingdom.

[CO-CO]

Now we are nearly on the same wavelength. IMO there is nothing wrong with Buddhism but (like most things the Thais copy) they have fcuked it up. Wearing a saffron robe does not make you a monk - it does give an excuse for another village piss up when someone goes into retreat for a few weeks. Monkhood should be a calling not something your mother wants you to do so you can become a better person an stop shagging village girls or drinking lao khao to excess.

I agree that (larger) temples are an attractive part of the landscape but you don't need one on every street corner. Cambodia is a Buddhist country but you don't see them having a fraction of these unemployment hostel!

Worse is the.pressure (intentional or perceived) for Thais to give what they haven't got.

Tam dee dai dee is a marvellous rule for life - it is not judged on how much you tamboon though!

[Speros]

I believe we are on the same wavelength as you would know there are enough "Christian " scam merchants on American tv who are preying on the stupid to hand over cash they cannot afford, and lets not get me started on the flagrant hypocracy of Islam and its followers. The basis of all established religions I believe is to prey on the feeble minded, lame and infirm. But others have their own beliefs, and it is their country, and in general they seem to be comfortable with it..... Live and let live

[CO-CO]

I believe we are on the same wavelength as you would know there are enough "Christian " scam merchants on American tv who are preying on the stupid to hand over cash they cannot afford, and lets not get me started on the flagrant hypocracy of Islam and its followers. The basis of all established religions I believe is to prey on the feeble minded, lame and infirm. But others have their own beliefs, and it is their country, and in general they seem to be comfortable with it..... Live and let live

I would not disagree with the hypocricy of any religion. Religion has a lot to answer for over the years.

However, this thread is about monks and money and, all too often, "mine is bigger than yours' is the driving force behind tambooning. Doing something for show - or worse - trying to buy a better next life is only bastardisation by the Thais of Buddhist concepts. Because they are content with it, does necessarily make it right.