Taiwan Forum

Jono55
Joined 2019
Posts: 2

4 years ago

Taiwanese Laws on Impersonating a Buddhist Monk?

4 years ago

Hi,

I'm considering moving to Taiwan to teach English after graduation and I was wondering if there are any laws that forbid people from looking or appearing like a Buddhist Monk?

I'm asking because I am a devout Buddhist and as part of my practice I abstained from wearing all other clothing except for a cotton maroon, grandad shirt, cotton drawstring trousers and a large shawl measuring 9" by 6".

When I dress in the shawl, it can somewhat look like a robe and often many people mistake me for a Buddhist monk in public, although there are many signs that prominently tell that I'm not.

I do not have a shaved head and I retain some stubble, I also have two small stretched ears, whereas a true Buddhist monk would not have these qualities. So I believe a Taiwanese person or official could easily see I'm not a monk, but I wouldn't want them thinking that I'm trying to impersonate a monk for any sort of gain. I never have and never will tell people I am a monk unless I took the vows to do so.

I know that in Thailand, the impersonation rule exists. I follow the Buddhism of South-East Asia and Sri Lanka, so I wouldn't specifically look like a Taiwanese Monk in anyway, but I'd like to not get questioned by any Taiwanese officials or police on a weekly/daily basis about the way I'm perceived.

Any help with this will be deeply appreciated!

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