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)
And the contents are nicely packed in small packages. Why ? So that you can distribute the small packages to the monks:
Rice:
Beans/Nuts etc:
Crackers:
So the monks will start the day chanting the scriptures:
People were lining up along the road, the hills, the staircases and finally inside a great hall for the monks:
This is the chief abbot of the temple:
And here’s photographs of the alm giving process:
I am pleased to do this. I feel this is a SUPER GREAT way to start a new year !