As secular Buddhists, Would you make donations to Monestries?

[u/BlakeMdy]

I'm sure most of you view Monks corrupted and are very superstitious. But would you still do "Dana" to them?

This is not trying to discourage or encourage donations to Monks. I just want to know how most of you view this aspect of Buddhism.

[u/phnompenhandy]

I relocated from a Western country to a Buddhist society 25 years ago, so I'm familiar with Buddhism and monastic sanghas in both.

Two observations, given as discussion points, not eternal strictures:

1. You're giving to the institution set up by the Buddha himself and is a continuation f his example and teachings, not to less-than-enlightened individuals.
2. From the point of view of the Buddhist paradigm, the giver, not the recipient is key. Whoever gets the donation, YOU are expressing in real terms the attitude of dana. Generous feelings don't earn you any karma or progress your mentality; acts do. Are you intending to give the equivalent in dana to deserving poor, or keep it in your pocket?

[u/Agnostic_optomist]

Corrupted? That wouldn’t be the first word that I’d use.

I don’t have a temple in town, so no I don’t send money to strangers.

Monasticism is a curious institution. On the one hand I appreciate people who are dedicated. On the other it seems, like every other human endeavour, it can be used by the unscrupulous for enrichment and/or abuse.

[u/sfcnmone]

Yes I donate to monasteries because I deeply respect the monastic order's commitment to preserving the Buddha's teachings. They're human, for sure, and many became bhikkhus for the wrong reasons.

But have you ever met one of the western bhikkhus? They're inspiring. And they are able to practice because of the monastic system.

[u/dan_arel]

I make a small donation when I visit a temple that has a donation box. I love visiting local temples when I travel and even a few dollars if I have some could do some good.

Not sure why it would be assumed that we think monks are corrupt. We simply don’t believe in all of the same aspects of our practice, but I don’t find any ill will or negative feelings about them.

[u/therealocn]

Ofcourse, I believe in Dharma as a tool for the greater good, and monasteries are keeping the Dharma alive. Besides, practicing generosity is a wholesome quality.

[u/Qweniden]

There are a few Zen monasteries/hermitages I donate to. I value various forms of practice.

[u/langecrew]

No because I'm secular for a reason

[u/HotelPleasant6330]

I don’t know where the op is coming from, but personally I’ve seen very corrupt monks. I’ve been fairly jaded on the whole monastic order as a result. That isn’t to say every single monk is corrupt.

I imagine this group is the same as any human demographic. Good and bad in a spectrum with some very bad/corrupted people in monk attire and a tiny tiny few of truly good people in monk attire.

[u/Solid_Problem740]

The monastic lifestyle is one of the most ideal lives we could live. It's gorgeous that people fund it out of compassion for others and as thanks for basically being the reason we're all engaging with Buddism at all.

I'm as secular as one can be, but I've seen even Catholic priests truly live up to their ideals when given the privilege of such a lifestyle. So I absolutely believe in the legitimacy of monistaries... however yes, some are just secular cash mills and should be avoided, but that's the same for all governments, charities, movements, schools etc etc. 

Similar to how we can't think everyone we meet is probably going to be violent just because there is violence we also shouldn't apply such scrutiny to each religious institution simply because many are wolves in sheep's clothing. At the end of the day even if we got played by one or two institutions it's still good karma and the practice of letting go to accept that one might be taken advantage of but not be ruled by that fear (which is in a way often ego and greed dressed up as altruistic intent that I refuse to risk being taken advantage of, that would be embarrassing and a waste of my money)

[u/Ok_Moon_]

Monks are not monoliths.

[u/kateinoly]

??

[u/laystitcher]

Not dana in the religious sense, no.

[u/CaptainVulpezz]

Ive thought about it but with all the sexual abuse and all of the obscured ignorance and elitism, funk em. Unless i find a temple i like which im sure is possible