Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

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Lentor Mansion Preview Starts on 1st March

Did something pretty unique today. Went for an event known as Alms Offering to the Sangha at Phor Kark See Temple. It is a traditional in Buddhism to present alms to monks for most of their food. The monks leave the monasteries early in the morning. They walk single file, oldest first, carrying their alms bowls in front of them. Lay people wait for them, sometimes kneeling, and place food, flowers or incense sticks in the bowls.

Of course in Singapore, things are always different 🙂

For this case, you will purchase the “alms” ahead of time. You can choose between Rice ($48), Salt ($48), Dried Goods ($88), Medicinal Herbs ($138) or Daily Necessities ($228). The contents might not reflect the true value of the amounts but that’s not the point. The proceeds go to a good cause. I choose 2 different sets and these are what I received.

A nice plastic box (that you can take home after that :p)
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

And the contents are nicely packed in small packages. Why ? So that you can distribute the small packages to the monks:

Rice:
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

Beans/Nuts etc:
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

Crackers:
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

So the monks will start the day chanting the scriptures:
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

People were lining up along the road, the hills, the staircases and finally inside a great hall for the monks:
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

This is the chief abbot of the temple:
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

And here’s photographs of the alm giving process:
Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

Alms Offering to the Sangha at Temple

I am pleased to do this. I feel this is a SUPER GREAT way to start a new year !

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