A controversial temple with a reputation for encouraging followers to donate cash for spiritual merit said it will go after a netizen who accused it of taking credit cards for donations.
Dhammakaya Temple, housed in what looks like a giant UFO on the northern outskirts of Bangkok, said Monday it will accuse a Facebook user identified only as “Puk Boo” for defaming the organization in comments made online.
In a screenshot taken by Khaosod, the user posted a message claiming Buddhists may earn merits by swiping credit cards at the Phra Dhammakaya Temple, even if they cannot afford it.
“Swipe the card for fast merits. Borrow if you can’t afford it!” read the post, which has since been deleted. “Phra Dhammakaya Temple’s new promotion: Get a Krung Thai Bank ATM [card] today and make merit through the temple. No money? Get a loan to donate to the temple. Promotion supported by Krung Thai Bank.”
Although Puk was referring to a real temple promotion with Krung Thai, he might have confused how debit and credit cards work. The bank does offer a Dhammakaya-themed debit card to facilitate their merit-making, suited to the lifestyle of merit-needy spiritual seekers short on time for good deeds.
Under the card’s rewards program, customers can trade 3,000 points for a THB300 donation to Dhammakaya, according to Krung Thai Bank vice-president Wade Nuchchareon’s statement last week to Daily News.
Meanwhile, in an official announcement from the temple, it suggested the collaboration was only meant to help worshippers by not freeing them from carrying hard cash to the temple for donations.
Lastly, the temple says merit cannot be bought, and it does not support Buddhists taking loans to make merit through donations.
