Chinese Americans in NY warned about bogus monks  

美华人假和尚频现 佛教人士称真出家人不外出化缘

据美国《世界日报》报道，近日假和尚、尼姑敛财诈骗事件频传，到底该如何辨别宗教人士真假身份？美国佛教联合会会长释瑞法21日表示，“所有在路上化缘的和尚都不是真的出家人，因为真的出家人不会出外化缘。”释瑞法提醒民众，如果民众有意捐献，可以直接捐献给寺庙或是宗教团体，而不要白白将钱财交给在路上敛财的假僧人。[查看全文]

(ECNS) -- The American Buddhist Confederation has asked Chinese Americans to be aware of bogus Chinese monks who beg for alms on the streets of the United States, according to the World Journal (US).

Shi Shuifa, head of the confederation, said that some saffron-robed monks who show up not only in Chinese American communities but also in other places in New York ask for donations, which has ruined the image of Buddhism.

Shi said Buddhism has discarded the tradition of begging for alms after it was brought from India to China. "If you want to do charity, please donate to the temple or the temple's website," he added.

Several Chinese Americans said that they were approached by monks offering amulets, talismans, pendants, beads and strings in alms bowls to passers-by in exchange for money. If they are refused, they would utter evil words.