THE Singapore Buddhist Federation does 'not encourage' the insertion of golden needles and talismans.

Its secretary-general, Venerable Seck Kwang Phing, said he has never witnessed such insertions himself.

'It is not a Buddhist practice,' he said.

'It's more of a Thai tradition, and people believe it gives them power or luck.'

However, he stopped short of condemning the practice.

'During our lectures, we tell our students it's not a Buddhist practice,' he said.

'They can then decide for themselves if they want to go ahead.'

This story was first published in The New Paper on Nov 13, 2008.