Buddhist Walking for alms

In Buddhism, Alms or
almsgiving  is the respect given by
laypeople to the monks.  It is not
charity as presumed by Western interpreters. 
It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual realm and to show
“humbleness” and “respect” in the presence of the secular society. 

Walking for alms is
traditional monastic practice.  It offers
the opportunity for local members of the community to connect with the monks and offer support to sustain the monks for their daily meal.  Please feel welcome to approach the monks
with any questions or offerings you may have. 
It’s quite simple and uncomplicated. 
We have 12 monks in total. 

What to expect.

Monks walk in straight
line one by one.  The oldest or the abbot
leads the monks.  The other one follow by
seniority age spent in Buddhist Community. 

When giving alms, please kneel down and put food inside the monk’s
bowl.  The women cannot touch the monks
or his belongings.  Monks do not thank for

the food as they give opportunity for laypeople to do good deeds and earn

merits. 

Traditionally, rice
offered shall be recently cooked rice. 
People also offer curry dishes, sweets, fruits, flowers, incense
sticks.  You don’t have to offer all of

these.  Food offered shall always be the best of yours.  Giving good allows

receiving good deeds and merits.  Back to the monastery, the monks share the received food inside the community.

Please note that five out
of twelve monks  are newly
ordinated.  It is wise to prepare lean
cuisine, low fat & contains fiber to allow the adjustment in their

digestive system.  For queries of what to
cook, please write to PR@atamma.org or call
the monastery 425-481-6640.

Alms-routes

The walking for alms starts at 9am and finishes at

10am  Please check our website for the alms-routes.
http://atamma.org/content/view/392/1/lang,en/