PINDAPATA (ALMS-ROUNDS)
 

To those who live in lands where the teachings of the Buddha have been long established, the sight of a bhikkhu (Buddhist monk) collecting food in the early morning, is a common one. But where the teachings are newly arrived, or where bhikkhus are few, the practice of giving food to wandering monks is known only by pictures or from written accounts. Here is man, without any other means of getting food (for a good bhikkhu has no money), and yet he makes no effort to attract the attention of anyone. Quite the contrary, he undertakes to train himself in a rule of conduct which forbids him to make any sound while he goes "among the houses."
If he comes to a house where a regular supporter of his lives or where he knows that food is to be offered, he just stands in silence, neither does he cough, nor stamp his feet, and unlike many other ascetic orders originating in India, he may not carry any musical instrument or sing as they do, to attract attention.
This is a time for cultivating patience (khanti), a virtue which in the Buddhist training finds its highest expression in the perfection of patience (khanti-paramita).
He may wait for many minutes before anyone sees him, or he may decide that no one is giving him anything that day and go his way.
It happens sometimes that a bhikkhu, who patiently waits, gets nothing at all. The food is placed in the bowl by the supporter and while this is taking place, the bhikkhu does not look to see who is giving him food. We notice that, with senses well-controlled, he keeps his eyed fixed upon the open bowl and is not inclined to speak to lay people unless they ask him something.

In this way his mind is not disturbed by the sight of the members of the opposite sex or any other desire-arousing object. This is one practical application of the step of Buddhist training called restraint of senses (indriya-samvara). The bhikkhu utters no thanks for his food. He goes as silently as he arrives and from what we see it appears indeed as though the lay-supporters feel more disposed to thank him for having taken the food from their hands. Why then does the bhikkhu offer no thanks for what he has received?

The answer to this lies in an understanding of the Buddhist teaching regarding merit (puñña). Merit is acquired by the performance of skillful action (kusala kamma).
An example of such an action which is easy for all to practice is "giving" (dana). It is so essential for the beginning of the holy life, that it stands first also in the triad of practices so often recommended for the Buddhist laity (giving, morality, meditation), and the bhikkhu practices it by giving to other bhikkhus and to lay-people the gift of Teaching (dhammadana), which is the highest (Dhp 354). Bhikkhus are allowed to consume food between the break of dawn (around 6:45am) and 12 noon and therefore, they do not collect alms after 12 noon.
 
 
 

How to Tell: Who is Real? Who is Bogus?

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Real Monks On Alms-rounds:

• Go on alms-rounds between 6:45am to around 11am. Consume food before 1pm.

• Stand still outside hawker centre.

• Wait for food donor to approach.

• Alms bowl covered with a lid which is opened only when donor wishes to offer food.

• Accept only food, and not money.

• Do not sell pendants/amulets/charms.

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Bogus Monks On Alms-rounds:

• Go on alms-rounds after 1pm.

• Walk from table to table in eateries.

• Approach patrons at tables.

• Alms bowl open all the time.

• Accept money.

• Try to sell pendants/amulets to donors.

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