piṇḍacāra

Dāna, the practice of giving, is often related to the quality of generosity (cāga). The highlight here is not so much the physical act of transferring an object from one’s hands to another’s, but rather the inward transformation that gradually takes place as we experience the joy of giving, naturally loosening the knots of greed and hate, allowing us to feel happier and more at peace within. DID YOU KNOW that piṇḍa in the Pali language means “a lump of food, especially of alms”? Pāta refers to “bowl” whereas cāra is “to move about”. Hence piṇḍapāta is “food received in the alms bowl (of the bhikkhu)” whereas piṇḍacāra means “almsround, wandering for alms”. If you are in good health and would like to practise giving, come and help someone who is ill get well by giving one pint of blood during this Wesak Day! Everyone is invited to contribute food, and practise serving the food! This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a Buddhist community, and enjoy engaging in meaningful service with family, friends and neighbours. Volunteers are welcome to join in the preparation from 4pm.