File picture of venerable monks on alms-round at the Seri Kembangan market.

On Saturday 15 July, Nalandians gathered with much enthusiasm for the monthly ‘Pindacāra’ programme at Jalan Besar morning market in Seri Kembangan.  The educational programme aims to inform the public on proper ways to support the Buddhist monastic order.  Market-goers once again had the opportunity to offer food to venerable monks from the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple in Sentul.

Volunteers actively went around the market explaining to curious on-lookers about the wholesome practice of alms-giving.  Due to frequent public engagement, this wonderful monthly programme has been well-received by the local community in Seri Kembangan.

Nalanda founder Bro. Tan recently taught Nalandians about alms-giving. The first precept in Buddhism dissuades us from killing, to preserve life and cultivate compassion for all beings.  Consequently, a central practice in Buddhism is the giving of food, which is required to sustain life.

There are three levels of sharing our food with others.  At the lowest level is ‘feeding’: such as giving food to animals and thus may not be done with respect and love for the recipients.  The second level is ‘giving’: where we share a part of our food with those we care about.  The highest order of giving is ‘offering’, where we give selflessly to another with compassion and reverence.

Nalanda volunteers engaging with the local community during the monthly alms-round.

It is of great merit for us to offer to monastics, parents, teachers, and good Dhamma practitioners.  Let us therefore continue our wholesome practice of generous giving with Right Understanding.

NOTE :

The next ‘Pindacāra’ programme will be held on Saturday 2 September, 8.30am, at Taman O.U.G. and Happy Garden morning markets.  We invite everyone to participate in this wholesome activity and offer venerable monks cooked food on their alms-round.  All are welcome!