Course To Prevent Gay Expression By Monks

[camerata]

Course to prevent 'gay expression'

An etiquette course for novices is being set up after a reported increase in inappropriate behaviour among young monks.

The course, introduced by leading preacher and writer Phra Wor Wachiramethi, is borne out of concerns after reports of unconventional behaviour by monks in public, including using cosmetics, carrying pink bags and readjusting their robes for a fashionable look.

Some allegedly even had sex in their sleeping quarters, a severe sin under the code of conduct which incurs forced defrockment.

The course will be taught as a prototype at the Triam Sammanen school - the country's first Buddhist missionary school, located in the compound of Wat Krueng Tai in Chiang Rai's Chiang Khong district.

The school was established last year under an initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

School founder Phra Maha Wutthichai Wachiramethee said the course would educate and train novices in the necessary conduct - and could even "prevent some from homosexual expression".

Phra Wor Wachiramethi, a director of the Vimuttayalai Institute, a Buddhist research and education centre, said the course would be added to the school's curriculum and, if successful, would be introduced to other temples.

-- Bangkok Post 2009-04-27

[Texpat]

Oh dear. Monks wearing make-up? Am I allowed to think this is funnier than a fart in a spacesuit?

If I'm not, then ... it's horribly insensitive of the monks to stifle the wonderful self expression and individuality of these lovely, bright young, and fabulously fashionable people.

Edited April 28, 2009 by Texpat

[phetaroi]

Course to prevent 'gay expression'

I found this article quite interesting. I've yet to see the problem, but there are times I have seen situations that surprised me a bit -- novices listening to music with electronic devices and headsets, smoking in public, and so forth.

Personally I think too much is expected of monks in terms of living a spartan life. I was once invited to teach English to three monks in a monk's kuti. And yes, it was clear it was just to teach English...no hint of sexual advances...although I was surprised at the invitation (it was in a very poor temple in Thonburi). Spartan it was, although at least it appeared to be 20th century! There was a small refrigerator, a radio, and a very small television. However, I am not surprised that the number of monks appear to be diminishing.

On the other hand, in terms of personal behavior, particularly related to morality...there should be no relaxation of what is expected of monks.

Just my humble opinion.

[SeerObserver]

The course, introduced by leading preacher and writer Phra Wor Wachiramethi, is borne out of concerns after reports of unconventional behaviour by monks in public, including using cosmetics, carrying pink bags and readjusting their robes for a fashionable look.

Some allegedly even had sex in their sleeping quarters, a severe sin under the code of conduct which incurs forced defrockment.

While those with strong saddha will not be wavered by things like this, it is important to address it so as to not turn away those who are not quite at that point yet.

Cosmetics are a blatant violation of the 8th precept. Robes are not about being fashionable, but rather a renunciation of such worldly adornments.

With that said, this course is a double-edged sword. It could be useful as a reminder for what is and is not acceptable for monastic life, but I'm pretty sure that at least some of the monks/novices seen doing these and other such acts are aware of that already. Some of them simply have defiant personalities and wish to express themselves however they want regardless of this.

[camerata]

The recent ban on smoking in temples was initiated by the Mekong River Monk Network, a health foundation, and the Public Health Ministry. This "etiquette course" is being given at a school established by HRH. I don't see any mention of the Sangha or of temple abbots. Therein lies the problem. One would think that if monks are walking around wearing make-up that the abbot would do something. I guess they are afraid to because of the steady decline in the number of monks. By inaction, the bar is being lowered year by year.

[sabaijai]

Thailand's gay monks given 'good manners' guide

A Buddhist leader in Thailand has announced plans for a new set of guidelines to curb the behaviour of homosexual and transgender monks.

The "good manners" curriculum was devised to discourage monks from wearing make-up and tight robes.

More than 90 per cent of the Thai population are followers of Buddhism and most men spend at least one year in a monastery during their youth.

Phra Maha Wudhijaya Vajiramedhi, a senior monk, told the BBC the guidelines would address issues like smoking, drinking alcohol, walking and going to the toilet properly, which are all detailed in the traditional 75 Dharma principles of Buddhism, and the 227 precepts for monks.

But he was especially concerned, he said, by the flamboyant behaviour of homosexual and transgender monks, who can often be seen wearing revealing robes, carrying pink purses and sporting effeminately-shaped eyebrows.

Phra Vajiramedhi acknowledged that it was difficult to exclude transgender men from the monkhood but he hoped his course could at least persuade them to limit their more extrovert habits.

If successful, the "good manners" course, at the Novice Demonstration School, could be replicated at other Buddhist monasteries and seminaries, he said.

Tales of monks behaving badly are nothing new in Thailand.

In recent years, they have been accused of running fake amulet scams and violating their vows of celibacy, according to the BBC.

The guidelines will be introduced in the northern province of Chiang Rai.

The Telegraph