Significance of Alms-food
Alms-food in Buddhism encompasses various forms of food provided to monks, reflecting the dynamic relationship between laypeople and the monastic community. It signifies acts of charity, support, and generosity, where food is either offered directly to monks or collected through begging. This practice is crucial for the sustenance of the monks and symbolizes the spiritual connection with the community. The tradition underscores core Buddhist values such as humility, the importance of giving, and the interconnectedness between donors and recipients.
Synonyms: Charity, Donation, Offering, Gift, Benefaction, Food offering, Help, Sustenance
In Dutch: Aalmoezenvoedsel; In Finnish: Almu-ruokaa
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Alms-food'
Alms-food in Buddhism signifies the food collected by monks through donations, reflecting generosity and support from laypeople, essential for sustaining monastic life and embodying key Buddhist teachings on charity and community interdependence.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Food collected by monks during rounds for sustenance, a reflection of the supportive community around the Buddhist monastic life.[1] (2) Food offerings provided to the Buddha by the rich men on designated days as he stayed in their respective monasteries.[2] (3) Food offered to monks and ascetics in the practice of generosity, a central theme in Buddhist teachings.[3] (4) Food offered in charity to help beings in need, particularly to monks or the impoverished.[4] (5) Food offered to monks during their alms rounds, an essential part of Buddhist practice.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The food offered to monks and the needy, representing an act of charity.[6] (2) Food offerings made to the Buddha and his disciples as an act of respect and devotion.[7] (3) Food offered to the Buddha and his monks after the construction of the hall by Rohini.[8] (4) Food offerings made to monks which signify generosity and the practice of giving in Buddhism.[9] (5) Food offered to monks as a form of donation or support, which the Buddha accepts regardless of its consumption state.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Designated food given to monks, which can also be implicated in the rules against bartering.[11] (2) Food collected by monks, which figures into guidelines for consumption at meals.[12] (3) Food collected through begging, which was previously abundant in Aliavi but had become short.[13] (4) Food that is collected by monks as part of their religious practice, which is discussed in the context of being procured through a nun.[14] (5) Food offered to monks as a form of support for their monastic life.[15]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Food donated with the intent of sharing merits, particularly significant when given to deceased family members.[16] (2) Food offered as charity, typically to monks or religious figures; in the text, it represents the rich man's initial charitable act.[17] (3) Food offered as charity, especially to monks or holy figures, which serves as a means of spiritual merit.[18]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Food offered to bhikkhus and bhikkhunis typically received from laypeople, regulated by Patidesaniya rules concerning its acceptance and consumption.[19] (2) The food offered to bhikkhus by the people, which they are entitled to receive when following the Buddha's guidance.[20]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Food given as offerings or charity to the ascetics by the villagers, reflecting the communal support for their spiritual endeavors.[21]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Food received as offerings from lay followers, which is essential for the sustenance of bhikkhus.[22]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Food received by Ratthapala during his time as a monk, symbolizing his renunciation of wealth.[23] (2) The food that the Buddha and his bhikkhus relied on, typically acquired through begging.[24] (3) Food prepared and offered during the minister's time spent with the king and later delivered to the Master.[25] (4) Food offered to the Buddha or monks, which symbolizes generosity and sustenance within the monastic community.[26] (5) Food obtained by begging, which the Bodhisat sought after becoming a monk.[27]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The food that Mahakashyapa received while practicing the Dharma during the eight days leading to his attainment of Arhatship.[28]
Hindu concept of 'Alms-food'
Alms-food in Hinduism embodies dependence on others through begging by ascetics, charitable offerings after rituals, and food received by sannyasins, highlighting a spiritual detachment from materialism and reliance on communal generosity.
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Food obtained through begging, a central practice of many ascetics emphasizing dependence on the generosity of others.[29] (2) Food that is accepted by a sannyasin, typically obtained without request, symbolizing detachment from material possessions.[30]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Offerings of food meant for distribution to those in need, performed after the completion of rituals.[31]