Another Buddhist reminder comes from a veteran luk thung singer and director. Ekkachai Srivichai. He opened up after following news about the arrest of "Sameecho" a former monk from a famous temple involved in a scandal. He admitted feeling sorrowful and distressed like all Buddhists but considered it positive to purify and remove evil from Buddhism. Additionally, Ekkachai left a mystery, asking reporters to further watch southern temples.
After the news about "Sameecho," have you been following it?
"Yes, a round table, right? Glad it was found, glad they discovered it. And I still believe there are many more treasures to find. Maybe not a round table, but perhaps under some pavilion—we must find them all."
How do you feel witnessing this event?
"Actually, as Buddhists, it's normal to feel sorrow and distress. But ultimately, those who practice well and rightly still outnumber the bad ones. Perhaps this will inspire the gradual elimination of evil, leaving only the good behind, like cleansing out the bad."
When you first saw the news, were you angry because it's within Buddhism?
"Of course. Some past monks I used to respect, even prostrated before them. When such incidents occur, it hurts. But some say, think of it as bowing to the saffron robe; if you bow to the robe, then go to the donation shop and bow there. We must be vigilant and investigate thoroughly. Finding this one is good, but we must continue searching."
Do you think there will be more cases?
"As long as greed exists, I believe there will be."
Many Buddhists hesitate to visit temples for merit-making. What message do you want to share?
"Honestly, I think everyone can decide for themselves since we are all educated and can reflect. This is only a small number of cases. You must choose wisely. Whether you hit the jackpot or not depends on your karma. But as Buddhists, we have to face this. We've seen so many such news and incidents that sometimes we don’t even want to read about them. I've seen some myself, and it's not few in the south either."
Are there really many in the south?
"Yes (high-pitched). Definitely."
Have you ever seen them yourself?
"(Laughs loudly) I'm asking reporters in Nakhon Si Thammarat to check it out themselves. (Is it a famous temple?) I won’t say; reporters can investigate on their own. My job is to sing. I don’t know for sure, but I believe there are. Karma is real; whatever you do, you receive accordingly."
Click to read moreEntertainment news/ More
