Volunteer inspired by ‘Pindacāra’

Volunteer inspired by ‘Pindacāra’

Nalanda volunteers walk reverentially behind the venerable monks on alms-round.

Nalanda volunteers walk reverentially behind the venerable monks on alms-round.

On Saturday 20 February, three venerable monks from Sentul Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple went on Pindacāra (alms-round) at Seri Kembangan morning market.  Nalanda volunteers arrived early to prepare for the Pindacāra and set up an information counter.  Their activity aroused much interest among the passers-by who wanted to know more about the significance of Pindacāra.

First-time volunteer Sis. Siew Lian was impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers who remained high-spirited throughout the event.  She was thankful to Nalanda and the venerable monks for bringing the Pindacāra programme to the community to enable devotees to practise generosity, which is an important quality the Buddha encouraged for the cultivation of our spiritual development.

Volunteers explain the significance of Pindacāra to market-goers.

Nalanda volunteers explain the meaning and significance of ‘Pindacāra’ to market-goers.

Venerable monks offering blessings to devotees and volunteers.

Venerable monks offering blessings to devotees and volunteers.

A young devotee learns to offer alms-food to the venerables.

A young devotee learns to offer alms-food to Sangha members.

Nalanda organises two alms-rounds monthly – once on the first Saturday of the month in Sri Petaling-Happy Garden-Kuchai Lama area, and once on the third Saturday in Seri Kembangan. The Pindacāra programme is meant to educate the community on the proper way to support the Sangha, and afford the public an opportunity to cultivate generosity.  May the merits accrued bring happiness to all beings.  Sadhu anumodana.