As a frequent traveler in Southeast Asia, I was quite surprised to learn that one has to pay an admission fee to enter almost every Buddhist temples in Laos.
The admission fees range from 5,000 to 25,000 Kip (approximately US$1 = 8,000 Kip.)
Some charge the fee upon entering the temple compound while others charge upon entering the temple.
This transaction goes against the philosophy of Buddhism that I thought I understood.
Buddhism often instills the teaching of stripping one’s worldly possessions, including any desire of needs or wants. Instead, one learns to understand to become part of the surrounding environment and accepts all that is bestowed by nature.
Traditionally, when a monk does the alms collection, he is to collect only food, not money, and is to eat whatever is offered, even if the food consists of garlic or meat. Of course, in most cases, the general public will offer the appropriate vegetarian food.
I understand that the temples require money to maintain the structures and compound. However, the acquisition of money is normally done using donation boxes, and the general public chooses if or the amount to donate.
In my humble opinion, a ticket counter for the collection of admission fee just commercializes a supposedly spiritual venue and contradicts the teaching of Buddhism.
Maybe the form of Buddhism in Laos is more entrepreneurial.
No comments:
Post a Comment