Buddhists celebrate Wesak by paying respect to Lord Buddha on his birthday for attainment of enlightenment and to commemorate his death.
Making their way to temples early in the morning to pray, attend chanting sessions, have vegetarian food, all of it would not be complete if you do not practice Dana (act of giving).
Source: Naemghazali
But unfortunately the festive day was not as wonderful as it would seem as many beggars were there to take advantage of this auspicious practice, preying on generous passersby.
Taking place nearby a temple in Brickfields known as Budhhist Maha Vihara, we witnessed a long line of beggars expecting Dana from Buddhists and visitors of the temple on Wesak Day.
Along the street leading towards the temple was this crazy amount of beggars as shown in the picture. There were easily atleast 50 of them.
Clearly in need of some dana, we can’t help but question as to how many of them were bona fide beggars, truly in need of our pocket’s short change to survive.
Source: Whatsapp
Closely observing these beggars, we noticed that many were just banging on the sympathy or generosity of visitors because it’s a religious day.
Some were very capable of working but resort to begging instead. They still could stand, walk and most of them have all their limbs intact. One was even smoking a cigarette.
This article is not written with the intention of ridiculing those who are in need, but rather to highlight that there are those out there who strive to take advantage of the generosity of others.
It is important to note that Wesak should be a day where devotees do NOT indulge in negative activities, but instead do good.
Is taking advantage of another’s Dana, really the way to celebrate Wesak? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section.
Also read: Fake Beggars are Targeting Selangor as Its People are the Most Generous
