9 January 2014

The Buddhist Council of NSW has noted reports of individuals posing as Buddhist monastics and approaching people in public areas of Sydney, asking for money. These are not authentic monastics and their actions are not representative of Buddhist values.

The Buddhist Council of NSW would like to raise awareness that these individuals are not genuine monks or nuns and are not representing Buddhist teachings. Financial requests like those described would not take place by genuine Buddhist monastics.

“These are not authentic monastics, or representative of Buddhist values and we are saddened by this behaviour”, says Chair of the Buddhist Council of NSW, Mr Brian White.

“Buddhist monks and nuns are traditionally supported by their community and would never ask for money from strangers in this way. Instead, people voluntarily give requisites to monks and nuns and this is a practice which is done with a sense of joy because it is unsolicited.”

The members of the Buddhist Council of NSW include well over one hundred Buddhist temples, associations and Buddhist centres across NSW and ACT, representing all the traditions and cultures of Buddhism. The Buddhist Council runs government recognised community programs in hospitals, prisons and government schools and supports the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils.