Charity

In just three days, a video clip on YouTube, Rear View Girls has been viewed more than a million times. Two New Zealanders, Jessie Gurunathan and Reanin Johannink reportedly used a hidden camera to catch men leering at their behinds. Men who had sneaked a look reportedly, included a man dressed as Jesus. That reminds me of people who could have dressed as monks. Once, while eating in Jelutong market in Penang, I had come across a man in a Buddhist saffron robe who went round seeking alms. During Buddha's time, I suppose monks go round, if you'd prefer a more derogatory term, begging for food from the people. That is at least what it seems but times had really changed. Today, in most countries, I suppose, it is not common to see Buddhist monks going round on alms. If food were to be offered to monks, it will be done in the temples and most of the time, money is not offered. Monks, I understand are not encouraged to handle money and in public places like the market where the said monk solicited for money, one'd perhaps, on compassionate ground, just want to give money to an unfortunate man. That, you may say, is charity.