A monk named Thich Thanh Cuong in Hai Duong Province has been dismissed from one of his positions after posting photos of himself in luxury settings and with expensive devices.
Cuong, the head monk of Cuong Xa Pagoda and the Buddhist Sangha of Tu Ky District, drew criticism after posting controversial photos on his Facebook account. On October 2, Thich Quang Tung, head of the provincial Buddhist Sangha and vice chairman of the executive council of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, said, "The provincial Buddhist Sangha reviewed Cuong's actions. We realised that Cuong violated Buddhist ethics and damaged the sangha's reputation."
Monk Thich Thanh Cuong in soldier outfit.
Cuong has been dismissed as the head of Tu Ky District Buddhist Sangha. However, because Cuong made many contributions to society, such as raising orphans, building houses for the poor, renovating old pagodas and other charity work, he will still keep his position as the head monk of Cuong Xa Pagoda.
Trying a Vertu phone
According to Tung, Cuong had already shown bad behaviour before, including bad-mouthing his higher-ups or refusing to follow the Charter of Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha. "Even before the incident, Cuong was dismissed from the provincial executive council for 2012-2017 period."
Tung said they wanted Cuong to do penance for his wrongful actions and to remove the offensive pictures from internet. They have also invited him to a meeting where they hope "to help him on his chosen spiritual path".
Today, October 2, the provincial Buddhist sangha will deliver the dismissal to Cuong and report the case to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.
