Roaming "monks" descend on A group of monks who are thought to be frauds have been loitering outside of Tay Ho Papoda in  Fake monks line up outside Tay Ho Pagoda (photos:Petrotimes) Thousands of people flock to pagodas across the city to pray for health and happiness in the wake of the new year celebration. Fake monks are not a new issue, but it is difficult for the small security team to cover the entire area around the pagoda. These "monks" wear brown robes, shave their heads and often stand far from the entrance of the pagoda to avoid security, but get gradually closer to attract visitors' attention. Once their bowls are full, they throw the money into a bag and keep standing to wait for more.  Visitors give money Only on rare occasions do visitors ask questions. Many assume they are legitimate just because of their dress and looks, thinking their money will go to doing good deeds. Each day one "monk" may earn over one million of VND. When asked, they will usually admit they do not have any licence and are not from any pagoda. "We travel across the country earning money to do charity work. We practice praying at home," one "monk" said.  Some visitors give away large banknotes According to monk Thich Dao Minh, the roaming monks that collect alms must wear yellow robes and their heads and feet must be bear. He said, "According to traditional practice, monks will keep walking and receive whatever food they are given, not money. If these monks standing outside pagodas want to do charity work, they shouldn't use the reputation of real monks." Currently, only one branch in the southern region keeps the practice of taking alms. The monks that collect alms often only walk from 8am to 9am. However, the Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam tries to minimise this practice in order limit the number fake monks. By Nguyen Hung-Nguyen Duong | dtinews.vn |
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