Synonymous with ‘Alms-round’ and can be used in conjunction with it.
Having right understanding when offering alms and performing wholesome deeds purifies our actions. On 1 September, we organised the third monthly pindacāra (alms-round) at Taman O.U.G. morning market. This time around, the public were much more aware of alms-giving; some had even prepared food in advance to offer to the monks. It was heart-warming to see that consistent efforts to organise this programme is leading to such positive responses from the public.
Read morePindacāra, the practice of collecting alms-food, is observed by Theravada Buddhist monks who have gone forth from ‘home-life’ to ‘homelessness’. A Buddhist monk is known in Pāli Language as a ‘bhikkhu’ - meaning ‘one who lives on alms’.
Read more'Pinda' in the Pāli language means “a lump of food, especially of alms”. 'Pāta' refers to “bowl” whereas 'cāra' is “to move about”. Hence 'pindapāta' is “food received in the alms-bowl (of a monk)” whereas 'pindacāra' means “going on alms-round; wandering for alms”.
Read more"If a person acts or speaks with a pure mind, happiness follows him like his shadow" Dhammapada Verse 2 Embarking on a wholesome journey, about 30 Nalandians and volunteers gathered at NEO @ Happy Garden on Saturday morning to participate in the first pindacara at the Taman O.U.G. morning market. With high spirits and good morale, everyone was united in their aspiration to spread happiness and peace with the performance of dana (offering). Entering the market, the public were educated on the meaning and significance of giving alms. Food was offered to the Venerables with faith and goodwill. What a joyful occasion indeed!
Read more“The performance of good actions gives rise to merit (punna), a quality which purifies and cleanses the mind.”
“What Buddhists Believe” by Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda