Saturday, January 7, 2023

Why Buddhist Monks Must Beg For Food (Alms round - Not Money) On The Street Daily? Ajahn Keng

Theravada monks follow the tradition of going for alms-round for food since Buddha's time 2500 years ago. Even though Buddha was a prince, he gave up his life of luxury to search for the truth of life. After his enlightenment, he lead the monks for alms round for food as it taught them to be humble, not to be greedy and give opportunity for laypeople to give dana and practise generosity. 

Do take note that monks only accept food and not money. 

If you wish to offer dana to the monks, you can find out more information from Singapore Palelai Buddhist Temple. 

Alms-round (Pindapata) (From Palelai Temple) https://palelaibuddhisttemple.org/visiting-palelai/#daily-schedule)

The daily alms-round, where monks (bhikkhus) gather alms-food in their alms-bowls while barefooted, is practised by the resident bhikkhus of Palelai Buddhist Temple. This practice allows the public to learn about the Theravada Buddhist tradition's monastic way of living and the mutual support between monastics and lay supporters. 

Anyone is welcome to offer only consumable and/or uncooked food requisites into the bhikkhus’ alms-bowls. The bhikkhus are accompanied by our volunteers to the alms-round that takes place at 8:15am to 8:45am at the following locations:

Monday           -       Blk 823 Tampines Market

Tuesday           -       Blk 85 Bedok North Street 4 Food Centre

Wednesday     -       Blk 216 Bedok North Street 1 Food Centre

Thursday         -       Blk 18 Bedok South, in front of Blk 16 Bedok South Market & Food Centre

Friday               -        Blk 511 Bedok North Street 3 Food Centre

Saturday          -       Blk 538 Bedok North Food Centre

Sunday             -       Blk 58 Upper Changi Road

Upon returning to the monastery, volunteers will re-offer the cooked food to the bhikkhus during the meal offerings of the same day. All uncooked food requisites will be utilised responsibly by the Kitchen to prepare the subsequent days’ meals


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