Venerables receiving offerings from devotees.

Last Saturday (2 January), Venerable Sumanaransi and Venerable Sukhi were invited to participate in the first alms-round of the year at Sri Petaling and Happy Garden markets.  This monthly ‘Pindacāra’ programme is part of Nalanda’s efforts to educate the public on the importance of supporting the noble monastic order and to understand what is proper Buddhist practice.

It was heartening to see more than the usual number of devotees turning up to support the programme and to start their new year with an auspicious act of generosity.

Devotees waiting to make offerings to the venerables on alms-round.

Venerables and volunteers on the first alms-round of the new year at Sri Petaling and Happy Garden market.

Venerables receiving offerings from devotees.

While devotees were waiting in line for the venerables to arrive, Nalandians took opportunity to inform passers-by and curious on-lookers of the significance of ‘Pindacāra’. Those who took time to listen and talked with the volunteers gave very positive feedback. After the alms-round, there was a short Dhamma-sharing and lunch ‘dāna’ at NEO Centre Happy Garden in Kuala Lumpur.

Young devotees offering the venerables wet towels to refresh themselves.

A Nalandian helping Ven. Sumanaransi to wash his feet after the alms-round.