News writer
Fortune-telling monks may sound like something out of a legend, but in Thailand, the practice has resurfaced among some members of the clergy, and it has authorities concerned. The country’s Sangha Council is once again reminding monks that offering lottery predictions and promoting superstition is not only a breach of religious discipline, but also a violation of national law.
Despite rules dating back decades, a few monks continue to use social media and public influence to attract followers with promises of lucky numbers, prompting the council to take action to restore trust in the monkhood.
A reminder for monks
Amid growing concerns over monks engaging in inappropriate activities, Thailand’s Sangha Council has reiterated its ban on monks acting as lottery fortune tellers. The Sangha Council warned that this practice breaks religious discipline and the law.
The need for this reminder comes from recent inappropriate activities, which even involve senior clergy members. Officials said these inappropriate actions not only undermine Buddhist principles, but they also erode the faith of devotees.
In a statement, officials said, “Monks who present themselves as mystical figures or fortune tellers are breaching discipline. Such behaviour fosters superstition, distracts people from honest work, and misleads society.”
Century-old rule
These rules are not something new that the Sangha Council is putting into place. The Sangha Council first issued the prohibition on September 1, 1955.
At the time, it was stated that monks and novices were banned from predicting lottery numbers or engaging in gambling-related practices. These actions were declared to be immoral and illegal.
Any violators would face disciplinary punishment or defrocking, officials said.
However, the roots of the rule go back even further, during the reign of King Rama IV in 1860.
At that time, a royal decree explicitly banned monks from inappropriate conduct, which included lottery activities, drinking alcohol, disguising themselves as laypeople to gamble, or attending nightlife venues. It was stated that the decree was put in place to preserve monastic integrity and prevent behavior deemed damaging to Buddhism.
Issues continue to happen
Despite having these rules and regulations in place, officials said the issue has resurfaced frequently. Some monks are still promoting themselves as mystical figures.
These monks are attracting followers with promises of lucky number predictions and other forms of superstition. They are using social media platforms to amplify their reach.
The Sangha Council is once again stressing how this behavior not only misrepresents Buddhism, but it is also putting people at risk of luring them into gambling addictions.
These concerns about misconduct among monks have been getting more and more intense in recent years. The image of the clergy has been damaged because of cases involving undisclosed business dealings, money, and relationships with women.
The Sangha Council made the announcement in hopes of curbing these practices and restoring the public’s trust.
The Council stated, “Monks must focus on discipline, meditation, and teaching Dharma. Any monk or novice found violating these principles by engaging in gambling-related practices will face disciplinary action.”
Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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