Question: If we come across someone dressed like a Buddhist monastic, behaving in clearly non-monastic ways, how should we regard this person?
Answer: There are 5 points to note on this:
[1] First, we should know that this person might not even be a real Buddhist, much less a real Buddhist monastic.
[2] Second, even if this person is a monastic, this person clearly does not represent proper monastics.
[3] Third, since [2] is so, we should not be misguided or disappointed by this person, who does not represent Buddhism adequately.
[4] Fourth, if possible and safe to do so, there should be polite reminding of this person to behave appropriately. If there is uncertainty on the cause of the ‘misbehaviour’, there can be polite asking for its rationale too.
[5] Fifth, if [4] is not possible or effective, inform the Buddhist authorities, or even report to the police on the person, if appropriate, to prevent misrepresentation of Buddhism and confusion of others. This is to protect the Dharma (护法).
It is good to remember that there are still many proper monastics, who do not stick out like the ‘sore thumb’ above. And they should be supported, so that they can continue to inspire others, as good examples of how monastics who live by the Right Dharma (正法) should be.
