A year after a famous monk was brought down by his taste in designer bags and jet-setting lifestyle, attention has turned to a Buddhist nun reportedly seen driving a Porsche and toting Louis Vuitton bags.
The Chumphon Office of Buddhism yesterday said it will investigate “Sister Sherry,” a nun at Chumphon’s Tam Kwanmuang Temple, after photos online of her living a lavish lifestyle came under scrutiny.
“Maybe it’s not wrong for a nun, but her behavior is inappropriate,” an anonymous user wrote on Pantip. “It sparks curiosity and questions among Buddhists. It ruins the image of the religion and temple.”
As Buddhist nuns are expected to maintain a life of austerity, Sister Sherry’s photos have led to debates over whether it’s okay for a nun to be spotted in a six-million-baht car and holding THB30,000-worth of Louis Vuitton.
However others pointed out that nuns remain among the laity and do not commit to the same vows.
“A nun is not a non-ordained member of a temple. She is a common person like us, and it depends how many Buddhist commandments she chooses to follow,” an anonymous user wrote on Pantip. “It’s her business, and we should not judge her because we don’t know her faith in Buddhism.”
Paytai Sodsongsil, president of the provincial office, said they would look into the matter.
When the press arrived at the temple to see Sister Sherry, they were told she’d left for Bangkok on a business trip with no expected return date.
The locals around the temple say the brand-name bags were given by her disciples, while the sports car is a loaner from another of her fans.
Sister Sherry became a nun 10 years ago and was authorised by the temple’s abbot to manage the meditation programs at Tam Kwanmuang Temple, which hosts 50 to 60 participants each day, Manager reported.
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