Buddhist $$$

Vagabond

One thing I really liked about Buddhism when I first started reading into it, is the fact that I didn't find anyone taking advantage of converting people in order for them to gain a profit.

You know them "Lawd Jesus COMMANDS you to give me your money!!!" blatant bullshit schemes? I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on if any exist in regards to Buddhism.

(Moderator Edit: Moved to "Modern Buddhism")

ThailandTom

I have seen and heard of schemes and I live in thailand. I have seen nuns with wallets full of money and monks with ATM cards. However, this is negligible to your path, this does not matter to your experiences and your practice

Cinorjer

Not really, not in the same way there are respected Evangelists who have turned their ministry into a big profit-driven business and live like multimillionaires tax free. Temples do have to pay the bills, though, and that means Buddhism is just like every other religion, sometimes more involved in fundraising for a leaky roof than is healthy.

I have to point out, though, that there has been criticism of the lack of transparency in the Tibetan government in exile's finances, since they take in a huge amount of money with no accounting of where it's going to. While not strictly a Buddhism problem, they do of course receive much of their donations from Western Buddhists in the "Free Tibet" movement. The biggest complaint seems to be many of the Dalai Lama's relatives are in positions of government power and nobody can say where all those multi-millions of dollars went to that come in. However, I also have to point out that there has never been a complaint about the Dalai Lama himself or instances where officials have been accused of curruption, so it's probably more in line of a need for professional, competent bookkeeping and accounting rules. This is one of the dangers of mixing religion and government.

Kunga

In my own experience on the East Coast, all the Sanghas I have been to have mostly asked for donations, and when there was a requested pay amount, I could always do volunteer work instead. This is true for Shambhala and some others.

vinlyn

There have been some financial scandals at some temples in Thailand. Wat Phra Dhammakaya is probably the best example.

Theswingisyellow

****** EIGHT BIG SECRETS EVERY BUDDHIST SHOULD KNOW******
Yes, you heard that right! For a minimum fee of 250 dollars I will reveal to you the secrets of the "Buddha". Why struggle along "the path" when with minimal amount of effort and time you'll be on your way to "enlightingment" with my 8 step course. And if you act right now I will throw in the "Budda's" long kept secret, the "Four things that are true", a 100 dollar value, absolutely free!!

StaticToybox

****** EIGHT BIG SECRETS EVERY BUDDHIST SHOULD KNOW******
Yes, you heard that right! For a minimum fee of 250 dollars I will reveal to you the secrets of the "Buddha". Why struggle along "the path" when with minimal amount of effort and time you'll be on your way to "enlightingment" with my 8 step course. And if you act right now I will throw in the "Budda's" long kept secret, the "Four things that are true", a 100 dollar value, absolutely free!!

Who do I make the check out to?

Dakini

One thing I really liked about Buddhism when I first started reading into it, is the fact that I didn't find anyone taking advantage of converting people in order for them to gain a profit.

You know them "Lawd Jesus COMMANDS you to give me your money!!!" blatant bullshit schemes? I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on if any exist in regards to Buddhism. )

This does happen in Buddhism. I've been told of Tibetan lamas (or people posing as lamas (Rinpoches) who haven't actually done the retreats and fulfilled the requirements to qualify as a Rinpoche) who are very aggressive with sanghas, and even "guilt" people into making large donations, by pointing out what comfortable lives they live, and such. But I think such individuals are fairly rare.

Mr_Serenity

There are Buddhist "retreats" I know of where you stay to learn the dharma, they give you food and room for a few weeks, and you pay around $3,000. I'm not sure how long you stay, but if you ask me that's a whole lot and not worth it lol. So that could be mostly about $$ if you ask me.

taiyaki

we live in a different world and sometimes "spiritual teachers" need to make some money. whether through selling books, asking for donations, or teaching the dharma at the end of the day there needs to be food on the table.

whatever works?

Floating_Abu

One thing I really liked about Buddhism when I first started reading into it, is the fact that I didn't find anyone taking advantage of converting people in order for them to gain a profit.

You know them "Lawd Jesus COMMANDS you to give me your money!!!" blatant bullshit schemes? I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on if any exist in regards to Buddhism.

You crack me up (Thankyou)

Teachers also need to eat but yes of course there is a line
Well wishes, and good day

Abu

Floating_Abu

In my own experience on the East Coast, all the Sanghas I have been to have mostly asked for donations, and when there was a requested pay amount, I could always do volunteer work instead.

Yup, centers need to pay for electricity, gas, heating, water, food etc as well so it happens. And also payment if it can be afforded is OK and fair enough I think.

Liesel

In Europe, theravada monasteries and Goengka suggest a donation, meditation centers usually ask for lodging and food and a donation seperate for the teacher. Depending on the center that could add up. One of my Dhamma friends, a monk in the northern thai tradition, can accept money personally and uses a cell phone all the time to talk to his students. But he is a real good guy.

andyrobyn

Yeah, cell phones and internet access all cost $$$$$ - my teacher is fully self supporting from donations to keep him " online " ...... he is one of the good guys too

Vagabond

So the main thing I'm hearing here is they ask for money because they're just like all human beings who live in a society, it's just a necessity. But there's not too many greedy people who take advantage of someone's strong belief in the religion/philosophy. Of course, it happens, but not for the most part. Good to know.

Malachy12

Where there are humans, there will be greed. It isn't safe to assume that Buddhist's will always be above approach. Scandals can happen anywhere.

PawPawTree

when you look at world history, religion developed in each state to justify kleptocracy and war and has come to play a big part in evolution and the domination of different societies. Maybe that's why buddhism tries to move away from calling itself a religion. I struggle with this and the idea of any kind of taxation since people in power tend to misuse it.

Kundo

I don't have a problem paying taxes to
help those in need. I was once one of those in need. I have an issue with the govt misusing my taxes though.

In metta,
Raven

DaltheJigsaw

One thing I really liked about Buddhism when I first started reading into it, is the fact that I didn't find anyone taking advantage of converting people in order for them to gain a profit.

You know them "Lawd Jesus COMMANDS you to give me your money!!!" blatant bullshit schemes? I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on if any exist in regards to Buddhism.

(Moderator Edit: Moved to "Modern Buddhism")

Well, it's made into a Religion now.
And of course you will get individuals who do make money from it.
It is amazing that Buddhism knowledge is free.
It doesn't take much to sit, shut up and breathe.;)

DaltheJigsaw

I don't have a problem paying taxes to
help those in need. I was once one of those in need. I have an issue with the govt misusing my taxes though.

In metta,
Raven

Right!