Question asked by Marc
Hello Pastors, a local Vietnamese Buddhist temple is struggling right now where I live. The teacher is a very compassionate person, but someone took advantage of his kindness. A cook that they hired to work in a restaurant (to pay for the temple) married a rich woman and they bought the restaurant out entirely. They did this when the head monk became ill and went away for treatment. The cook broke his verbal agreement to put profits towards the temple. This was the reason they leased the restaurant, so the temple had an income.
It's sad because they took this person off the streets and he had a criminal record with little chance to get back into society. They let him live in the temple, gave him spending money, a job and he repaid their kindness by stabbing them in the back. Now the temple faces a possible end. So to make a long story short, I was wondering what options monks have and if the few of us here in the local area can do anything? Are there any common things lay people can do that are in line with Buddhist principles and that won't be considered taboo in a cultural sense? I want to help but I don't want to over-step my boundaries in any way. If you could let me know I would appreciate any advice you or any other pastors have. Thank you!
Dear Marc,
It deeply saddens me to hear of this incident. This person has really taken advantage of the temple, which is supposed to be an institution to help others. Unfortunately this occurrence is all to common, and not just within Buddhist temples.
Each tradition has their own particular rules and regulations governing the relationship between the Sangha and the Laity. This relationship is symbiotic and should not be taken advantage of, however I am unable to help you on this matter since this is in regards to another tradition.
I would strongly encourage you to inquire at the temple about this issue and help them in trying to ensure that something like this does not occur again. If possible, think of ways that they can be supported and help them.