Nalanda volunteers accompanying the monks on their alms-round  and giving them a helping hand.

On Saturday 16 January, three venerable monks went on Pindacāra (alms-round) at Seri Kembangan morning market.  Many devotees were keen to start the New Year by performing wholesome deeds, and thus waited patiently to offer food to the venerables.  Meanwhile, Nalandians took the opportunity to explain the significance of Pindacāra to passers-by and curious onlookers at the market.

The practice of collecting alms-food is observed by Theravada monks, also known as ‘bhikkhu’ – which means ‘one who lives on alms’.  In Thailand and Myanmar, Pindacāra is a daily ritual, where monks walk through a village from house to house, allowing devotees to make food offerings.

Nalanda volunteer explaining the significance of ‘Pindacāra’ to bystanders.

Since the time of the Buddha, lay people have been supporting monks with food, robes, shelter, and medicine.  In return, monks provide guidance to the laity on Buddhist teachings, forging a respectful and symbiotic relationship between the two communities.

We thank the venerable monks from Sentul Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Nalanda volunteers and devotees for their support and participation in this wholesome educational programme.  May the merits accrued bring happiness to all beings.  Sadhu anumodana!

A devotee offering alms-food to the venerable monk.

Youths offering the venerables a drink to quench their thirst after the alms-round.