Thailand’s Sangha Council has once again made it clear: monks should not act as lottery fortune tellers. The reminder was issued after rising reports of monks engaging in superstitious practices, including predicting winning numbers. Officials say such actions break religious discipline, erode trust, and mislead people into gambling rather than focusing on honest living.
A Rule With Deep Roots
This prohibition isn’t new. The Sangha Council first officially banned monks from predicting lottery outcomes back in 1955, but the principle goes back even further. In 1860, King Rama IV issued a royal decree forbidding monks from lottery activities, drinking, attending nightlife, or disguising themselves as laypeople to gamble. The goal was simple protect Buddhism’s integrity and maintain the spiritual role of monks.
Why Fortune-Telling by Monks Is a Problem
Some might ask, what harm does a monk predicting numbers really do? The Sangha Council argues it encourages superstition and distracts people from their real responsibilities. Instead of working hard or making mindful choices, people may chase “lucky” numbers, feeding gambling addictions. For monks, it damages credibility and presents them as mystical figures rather than spiritual guides.
Examples of Prohibited Behavior
To better understand, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Prohibited Behavior | Reason for Ban |
|---|---|
| Predicting lottery numbers | Promotes gambling and superstition |
| Drinking alcohol | Breaks core Buddhist precepts |
| Visiting nightlife venues | Seen as inappropriate and damaging to reputation |
| Disguising as laypeople to gamble | Misleading behavior that erodes monastic integrity |
The Bigger Picture
Even though the ban has been around for centuries, the issue keeps resurfacing. Some monks still attract followers with promises of lucky numbers or supernatural blessings. The Sangha Council continues to warn that this not only damages Buddhism’s image but also risks pulling everyday people deeper into gambling habits.
Conclusion
The latest reminder from the Sangha Council isn’t just about lottery predictions it’s about preserving the purity of Buddhism. By steering monks away from superstition and gambling-related practices, the council hopes to keep monks focused on their true role: guiding people toward wisdom, mindfulness, and compassion.