Another phenomenon inadvertently revealed by the fact of the sale is the ongoing commercialisation of Buddhism in the west.

He also suggested people make merit by donating money to an animal foundation instead. "In Buddhism, any action is considered right or wrong, good or bad based on two factors: intention ...

Without donations, Buddhist temples and monastic institutions could not exist. The lay community provides for monks and temples, in exchange for the spiritual currency of merit, which is believed ...