9 hours ago, Inn Between said:

So you're assuming the Benz was owned by the monk, and he also arranged a conspicuous police escort? Interesting how people's minds can see things so differently. I'd assume that the Hi-SO homeowners arranged to have the monk picked up in such a manner to show their respect and gratitude.  

Our area has a huge number of temples, of differing sizes and with different religious laws being applied. Never a week goes by without one of the temples hosting  a "special event", attracting huge numbers of locals bearing gifts. I have seen the arrival of senior monks, in huge Mercedes Benzs complete with Police Protection teams. Something is wrongly amiss when this can be countenanced. 

"Naked men in orange robes" is what comes to mind with me when I see them wandering the streets.

32 minutes ago, stereolab said:

Our area has a huge number of temples, of differing sizes and with different religious laws being applied. Never a week goes by without one of the temples hosting  a "special event", attracting huge numbers of locals bearing gifts. I have seen the arrival of senior monks, in huge Mercedes Benzs complete with Police Protection teams. Something is wrongly amiss when this can be countenanced. 

Interesting the use of the phrase 'Police Protection Teams'.

Makes you wonder if it's to protect the monks from the public who might have caught on to the fact they've been gullible, and used in the past.

11 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Interesting the use of the phrase 'Police Protection Teams'.

Makes you wonder if it's to protect the monks from the public who might have caught on to the fact they've been gullible, and used in the past.

It is apparent to me that a decline in attendance has already started, as an aging population dies off, the new generation is less inclined to believe in the religious nonsense being spouted. 

It is apparent to me that a decline in attendance has already started, as an aging population dies off, the new generation is less inclined to believe in the religious nonsense being spouted. 

My friend is a monk. He says Buddhism is the only atheist religion. Buddha never said he was God. He just said if you follow his teaching you will achieve Nirvana. People approach religion in different ways but calling Buddhism "religious nonsense" is a simplistic and naive interpretation of a philosophy of life that has been around for thousands of years. I believe that if you go to the temple for a few months and ordain as a monk you are exempt from national service so I don't think numbers will decrease enormously.

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(He) needs a new decorator.  

Looks like a cheap Hospital room. Like the idea of the bed in a big closet.

 

 

Edited May 8, 20197 yr by Date Masamune