http://www.bswa.org/modules/news/art...hp?storyid=693 Buddhist News : Ajahn Brahm's advice - inappropriate monastic behaviour.
Posted by tom on 2009/4/21 13:08:43 (842 reads)
A prominent Buddhist Abbot in Singapore is in the news lately after
being charged with fraud. A lay Buddhist in Singapore wrote to Ajahn
Brahm seeking advice on how to deal with the inappropriate behaviour of
some Buddhist monastics. Here is Ajahn Brahm's response ..
Dear .......,
Thankyou for your recent email regarding how to deal with the
inappropriate behaviour of some monastics. It would be wonderful if all
Buddhist monks and nuns were fully enlightened but, of course, that is
not the case. When a person becomes a monk or a nun, they begin a
training. They are not all holy from the time that they first have
their head shaved.
So what should the ordinary Buddhist do about this problem?
First of all, it would be helpful to learn more about the rules binding
on all monks and nuns, from all traditions, that were laid down by the
Lord Buddha. When the lay Buddhists know more about these rules, then
they will not be confused. Some of my own articles on Vinaya, the
Buddhist monastic code, can be found on our web site here.
Secondly, it is recommended to distinguish between misbehaviour that is
a serious problem, and misconduct that the monastics will be able to
correct by themselves. Serious misbehaviour includes illegal activity,
such as fraud, that tarnishes the reputation of Buddhism. In Thailand,
a monk is automatically disrobed before he enters the courtroom for his
trial. If found innocent, then he may put on his robe again. Such a law
is designed to distinguish Buddhism from the behaviour of the monk.
Other serious misbehaviour is sexual intercourse. The very first rule
that is binding on monks and nuns from all Buddhist traditions is that
one who commits sexual intercourse (with the exception of being a
victim of rape) is by that very act no longer a monk or nun. Lay people
should be aware of this.
Then there is the misbehaviour of monks and nuns who receive and keep
money, have bank accounts, and other non-monastic possessions. The
Buddha made it clear that this is unacceptable (Nissaggiya Pacittiya
23). Unfortunately few Buddhist monks and nuns keep this rule these day
but, at the very least, they should have few possessions and little
money. The very meaning of the word monk implies one who lives simply.
A monk on a big salary, with an expensive apartment and substantial
savings does not deserve to be called "monk".
Once the lay Buddhists know the conduct that is expected of a Buddhist
monk or nun, then they should speak out at misconduct. It is because
people either did not know what a monk or nun is allowed to do, or
because they were too timid, that there are now monks on trial in
Singapore! Speaking out earlier could have nipped the problem in the
bud.
However, your correctly point out that speaking out could cause
disharmony and a crisis of faith if done in the wrong way. So, before
criticising the misbehaviour of a monastic:
1. Make sure that you have your facts correct.
2. Choose the right time and place. For example, it is not advisable to
criticise the monastic publicly. It should be done in private, if
possible.
3. Be kind when you criticise. Your intention is to help the monastic
to be a better person and to support Buddhism, so it should be easy to
be kind with such an intention.
4. Put the criticism in context by using the sandwich method. Comment
on all that you admire about the monastic first. Then point out the
faults.
5. Emphasise that your still respect the monastic which is why you have
taken the time to speak to him. This way, you do not come across as
someone trying to destroy that monk or nun, but someone sincerely
wanting to help.
6. Lastly, always remember to criticise the act, not the person. Never
say something like "You are a bad monk for committing fraud". Instead
say "Fraud is a bad thing to do".
If you follow such advice, then we can all protect the peace, wisdom
and compassion of Buddhism and help our monks and nuns be better
leaders at the same time.
I hope that this helps,
With metta, Ajahn Brahm.