Alms gathering (piṇḍapāta) is the way in which Buddhist monks and nuns get their food and other necessities. The bowl (patta), in which the food is received and later eaten out of, is one of the eight requisites of monks and nuns. Wat Buddhametta holds an informal alms-offering every Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm, and a formal offering as part of the monthly ceremonies (also on Sundays, check with the temple for more information). You are also welcome to bring lunch offerings to the monks most days of the week, anytime before 11:00am. Offering food is one of the oldest and most common rituals of Buddhism. Offering alms is a meritorious act that helps us to develop an attitude of generosity, and also reminds us of our mutual inter-dependence. After the alms offering, food, fruit, and dessert from the ceremony is used to prepare breakfast or lunch to monks. In Theravada countries like Thailand, monks still rely on receiving alms 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. Laypeople wait for them, sometimes kneeling, and place food, flowers or incense sticks in the bowls.
Buddhist monks living in the United States now rarely go to out into the community to collect alms (because local communities are rarely Buddhist), so the alms offering will usually be held in a morning ceremony at the temple. When the ceremony begins, the alms bowls are placed in the front of the monks and people put food and other offerings into the bowl while the monks do the blessing chanting. After that lunch will be prepared for monks. Because the monks may only eat until noon (or in exceptional situations before 1pm), lunch is normally served around 11am. If they miss that time they will have wait until the morning of the next day to eat again. This is why the morning alms offering is so important in Buddhist cultures. After the monks eat lunch, the lay community will withdraw the offering, after which the community is served lunch.
In Buddhist cultures, many people who feel they do not have time to practice meditation and Dhamma (the teaching of Buddha), as the monk does, will support the monastic community with requisite things including the alms offering, or by donations to the temple. Again, these offerings remind us of our inter-connectedness and reliance on each other, and develop in both the monks and laypeople an attitude of selflessness, generosity, loving-kindness, and gratitude. The giving of alms is not thought of as charity. The giving and receiving of alms creates a spiritual connection between the monastic and lay communities. The monastic community has a responsibility to support the community spiritually, and the lay community supports the monks physically. Without the support of the lay community, the monastic community would be unable to study and teach the Dhamma, and would be unable to provide services to the lay community. Thus, by supporting the monastic community we are also supporting the needs of our community.
Although donations of money were not traditional throughout most of Buddhist history, because monks in the West often have a much smaller lay community to provide their necessary requisites, these days monetary offerings are accepted as a part of the traditional alms offering. Donations of money typically go towards personal necessities like medicines, books, travel expenses, etc. Although now a typical part of alms offering, it is by no means a requirement that a person give money. Offerings of fruit, rice, or household necessities are equally appreciated.
Persons, who would like to support the well-being of the temple directly, may make donations of money or other offerings under the "Offering Tree or Money Tree", or in the donation boxes in the temple, or by offering it to one of the monks (please be clear whether it is for the monk personally, or for the temple).
Although we have been talking a lot here about various forms of donations, please remember that no one is expected to make donations of any kind. Please give offerings only if you feel inclined to, only if it comes from your heart. As is traditional, we offer all of our classes and services absolutely free of charge, as an act of generosity and loving-kindness towards the lay community.
"Householders & the homeless (monastics)
in mutual dependence
both reach the true Dhamma..."
-Itivuttaka 4.8
Taking Refuge
Observance Days or Uposatha days are times of renewed dedication to Dhamma practice in the Theravada school of Buddhism. For monastics, these are often days of more intensive reflection and meditation. On New Moon and Full Moon days the fortnightly confession and recitation of the Bhikkhu Patimokkha (monastic rules of conduct) takes place. Lay people observe the Eight Precepts on Uposatha days, as a support for meditation practice and as a way to re-energize commitment to the Dhamma. Whenever possible, lay people use these days as an opportunity to visit the local monastery, in order to make special offerings to the Sangha, to listen to Dhamma, and to practice meditation with Dhamma companions late into the night. For those not closely affiliated with a local monastery, it can simply be an opportunity to step up one's efforts in meditation, while drawing on the invisible support of millions of other practicing Buddhists around the world.
Magha Puja (usually in February)
This day commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 arahants in the Buddha's presence.
Songkran Festival (Water Festival) 2013 Thai-Lao-Cambodia New Year’s Festival
Sunday, April 14, 2013
In Theravadin countries, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, the new year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April.
Songkran Festival is the New Year’s celebration of Thai, Laotian, and Cambodian people. On Songkran Festival or Water Festival, Buddhists and all people recognize and celebrate the beginning of New Year’s Day by going to a temple and offering foods and supplies to the monks, listening to sermons, and pouring clean water (in the garden) on the Buddha images, monks, parents, and senior people The pouring of water is a blessing to show respect and gratitude. At the end of the festival, in the afternoon, everyone in the community will have water poured on them and the children will be outside pouring and playing. The festival includes the freeing of animals and the Pungsukula Ceremony (Memorial Service.) For the Pungsukula Ceremony, people dedicate the merits they have earned to their deceased loved ones.
This year we are planning to raise money to build the wall around the temple (Wat) along Swan Road/ Calle Jabali Road. The project will cost us about $30,000 to build 10’ x 5’ brick wall around the temple property. In order to cover the cost of this project, we have divided this amount into 200 shares and each share is a $150 donation. If you would like to donate and help the temple raise money for our wall project , please consider doing so at the ceremony as you are able. For checks, please make your donation to “Wat Buddhametta” or “Tucson Buddhist Meditation Center” or for online donation please visit our website: www.tucsonbuddhistcenter.org. We also accept cash donation and your entire donation is tax deductible as we are a charitable nonprofit organization.
The Songkran Festival is traditionally on April 13. However, this we will be celebrating it at Wat Buddhametta on Sunday April 14, 2013. On behalf of Wat Buddhametta we would like to invite everyone to come join us. Bring your children, family, and friends.
Schedule
09:30 a.m. Religious ceremony begins.
10:30 a.m. The monks chant the holy stanzas and receive food offerings
11:00 a.m. Lunch offering to the monks (Sangha)
12:00 p.m. All Buddhists and guests have lunch together (Thai food buffet)
01:00 p.m. Listening to the sermon, memorial service, and receiving the blessing from monks (Sangha)
01:30 p.m. Pouring clean water on the Buddha images, monks (Sangha) and senior people
NOTE: When you pour water on the monk you can get him wet from the shoulders down, not on the head.
**You are expected to get wet or partially wet in the afternoon.**
Anyone may bring deceased loved one’s remains or pictures for the Pungsukula Ceremony or Memorial Service. Please bring these to the temple the day before the ceremony or the day of (early).
There will be a Feast of Thai Foods free for the public!
***Please help the temple raise money to build a wall.***
Your donation of generosity is always appreciated.
Temple Telephone: 520-745-4624
Wat Buddhametta: Tucson Buddhist Meditation Center
www.tucsonbuddhistcenter.org, www.meditation.meetup.com/229
Visakha Puja Ceremony (The Buddha’s Birthday Celebration)
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Time: 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
We will celebrate Visakha Puja Day to commemorate the Buddha’s birth 2,635 years ago, and his enlightenment 2,600 years ago and passing away 2,555 years ago. Each of these occurred on the full moon day of the month of Visakha (May). This year it’s on June 3rd. It is an auspicious occasion to celebrate the Dhamma, renew old friendships and to make new ones. You are all welcome to bring your family and friends to participate in this Buddhist ceremony. Whenever possible the ceremonies will be bilingual, Thai and English.
Schedule
09:30 a.m. Gathering
10.30 a.m. The Triple Gem Devotional for the congregation
10.45 a.m. The chanting of protection by the monks
11.00 a.m. Alms offering for the monks
11.15 a.m. Lunch served for the monks
12.00 p.m. Lunch for congregation
01.00 p.m. The Buddha Commemoration ceremony: The sermon by a monk, and Gift offerings for monks.
01.30 p.m. The closing blessing by the monks.
On behalf of Wat Buddhametta; you are all invited to attend and participate to the ceremony.
There will be lots of Thai food & Thai dessert.
It’s free to the public! If you would like to help the temple, your generosity of donation is always welcome.
Asalaha Puja Day Ceremony (Honoring Sangha Day Celebration) & Khao Pansa Day (The Beginning Day of Annual Rains Retreat) Saturday, August 4, 2012
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Asalaha Puja Day, one of the major Buddhist holidays, falls on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month (called Asalaha). On this day the Buddha delivered the First Sermon to the group of five ascetics. This group lived in a forest named the deer park near Baranasi, India over 2,500 years ago. The first sermon was called the “Discourse on Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion.” Not long after that, the head of the five ascetics, named "Kondanna" got "The Eye of Dhamma" and asked for ordination from The Lord Buddha. He became the FIRST MONK in Buddhism. The full moon day of the eighth lunar month became the day that honored the Sangha (the community of monks).
Khao Pansa Day, the day following the Asalaha full moon is called "Rains Retreat Day." It is when Buddhist monks begin the Rains Residence Retreat, a monastic observance that originated in the time of the Lord Buddha. Monks did not stay in one place but were on the move in their mission to spread the Buddha's teachings. At this time of year monsoon winds bring torrential rains and farmers cultivate their land and grow rice. Wandering monks could unintentionally damage the new-planted rice. The custom of ascetics to stop wandering was practiced in India long before the time of the Buddha. The Buddha thought it fit to make this rule for the Sangha. According to this rule, monks remain posted at a certain place, preferably a monastery, for a period of three months, starting from the day following the Asalaha full moon. The lay Buddhists may also apply this monastic practice to their lives in order to perform merit and support the Buddhist monks during this period of time.
Schedule
09:30 a.m. Buddhists congregation at Wat Buddhametta
10:30 a.m. The Chanting of Protection by the Sangha (Community of Buddhist monks)
10:45 a.m. The Alms Offering to the Sangha
11:15 a.m. Lunch Offering to the Sangha
12:00 p.m. Lunch to lay Buddhists and guests
01:30 p.m. The Sermon given by the Abbot in Thai & English
02:00 p.m. The Offering (Contribution to the community of monks): Robes, towels, candles, incense, etc.
The Chanting of Blessing for lay Buddhists by the Sangha
02:30 p.m. The Asalaha Puja Candlelight Procession and ending of ceremony
Sart Thai Day (Thai Memorial Day)Sunday, September 9, 2012
9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Sart Thai Day or Thai Memorial Day is a Thai Buddhist traditional ceremony to memorialize the ancestors, cousins, relatives or friends who have passed away. This ceremony will be commemorated at Wat Buddhametta on Sunday, September 9, 2012.
On the same day we would like to encourage all Buddhists and friends to pledge contributions to the Temple in the form of “The Gift Tree” or “Pha-Pa” which will be used to raise the money to buy the cooking materials for our booth at Tucson Meet Yourself which will be held October 12-14, 2012.
Schedule
09:30 a.m. Buddhists and guests congregate at Wat Buddhametta
10:30 a.m. The Preliminary Chanting of Salutation to the Triple Gem & Five Precept Observation by the Sangha (Community of Buddhist monks)
10:45 a.m. The Alms Offering to the Sangha
11:15 a.m. Lunch Offering to the Sangha
12:00 p.m. Lunch to lay Buddhists and guests
01:30 p.m. The Sermon given by the Abbot in Thai & English
02:00 p.m. The Offering of the Giving Tree to the Temple and
The Chanting of Blessing for lay Buddhists by the Sangha
02:30 p.m. The ending of ceremony
Anapanasati Day (usually in November).
At the end of one rains retreat (vassa), the Buddha was so pleased with the progress of the assembled monks that he encouraged them to extend their retreat for yet another month. On the full-moon day marking the end of that fourth month of retreat, he presented his instructions on mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati), which may be found in the Anapanasati Sutta (MN 118) — The Discourse on Mindfulness of Breathing.
Pavarana Day (Ending Vassa) Sunday, October 28, 2012 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Or Invitation Day will be held at all Buddhist monastery and temple monastic communities all over the world after the monastic communities end their three-month retreat. The Pavarana Day, or Invitation Day, is a time where the monks invite feedback from each other and ask for forgiveness for any wrong doing after having practiced together for three months. The Vassa is a period of the year when monastics establish a boundary and determine to stay in one location for the period of three months. During the Vassa, monks are able to travel and give teachings, but they cannot be away from their established residence for more than six nights. This is usually a time of heightened practice and also involves formal study of the Vinaya, or code of monastic discipline.
The day after the Ending Rain Retreat Day, according to the Sutta (discourse of the Buddha) at the seven Vassa at the time of the Buddha, he went to teach his mother in heaven and spent three months retreat in heaven. When the retreat ended he descended from heaven to the earth to collect alms and he also opened the vision for all living beings in three realms so they can see each other on that day. From that day, Buddhists have been giving a special alms offering called “Teworohana”(descending down from heaven) to mark the history of the day that the Buddha descended from heaven.
To mark the importance of this day, Wat Buddhametta will host “The Ending Rain Retreat Day’s Ceremony (Ending Vassa)” on Sunday, October 28, 2012. On behalf of the Board Directors and members of Wat Buddhametta, we would like to invite you and your family and friends to join this special alms offering to the monks as follows.
Schedule
10:00 a.m. The Preliminary Chanting of Salutation to the Triple Gem & Five Precept Observation
10:45 a.m. The Teworohana Alms Offering to the Sangha (monks) around the Buddha hall
11:15 a.m. Lunch Offering to the Sangha (monks)
12:00 a.m. Lunch for lay Buddhists and guests
01:30 p.m. The Sermon given by the Abbot
02:00 p.m. The Offering of the “Giving Tree” to the temple/monastery and The Blessing for lay community
02:30 p.m. Closing of ceremony
Kathina Offering Ceremony (New Robes Offering Ceremony) Sunday, November 11, 2012
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
On the succeeding days after the end of the religious retreat come the well - known "Thod Kathina Samakkee" festival; "Thod" means to lay down, and "Kathina" referred originally to a wooden frame used by monks for stretching cloth in making monks' robes.
The Kathina robes must be formally presented by the donor before a chapter of at least five monks and must be presented within one month after the end of the Buddhist Lent, i.e ; between the first day of the waning moon in the eleventh lunar month and the full moon of the twelfth lunar month (latter part of October). It is considered highly meritorious. Each temple can receive only one time a year.
On behalf of Board Directors of Wat Buddhametta, we would like to invite all Buddhists to be co-donors offering Kathina robe to the monks as follows.
Schedule
09:00 a.m. Preparing the Kathina Ceremony at Wat Buddhametta.
10:00 a.m. Homage to the Triple Gems & Five Precepts observation ceremony begins.
11:00 a.m. Offering food to the monks, guests are welcome to join us for lunch.
01:30 p.m. Sermon for the importance of Thod Kathina Samakkee.
02:00 p.m. Offering the Kathina (Robes) to the monks.
New Years Buddhist Blessing Chanting Meditation & Alms Offering
New Year's Eve Countdown Buddhist Chanting & Meditation - Monday, December 31, 2012
6:00 p.m. - Midnight of New Years Day
The Blessings Chanting Starts @ 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to stay until midnight for the ceremony or you may come and go as you please. Soup & other food will be available and you are welcomed to bring you own dish(es).
New Year's Day With Buddhist Blessing Chanting & Alms Offering - Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Schedule
10:00 a.m. The Blessings Chanting.
10:30 a.m. Alms Offering. You are welcome to bring your food (dishes) for the alms offering & sharing w/ the community.
12:00 p.m. Free Thai Food Feast. Available for everyone. Free of charge to the public. Donations are always appreciated.
3rd Year Anniversary of the founding of Wat Buddhametta
Sunday February 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join us for our 3rd Year Anniversary of the founding of Wat Buddhameta beginning with Community Alms for the monks (about 6-8 monks will attend.) The monks (or Sangha) chant the holy stanzas while receiving the offerings. Lunch served to the monks around 11:30 a.m., followed by Thai food lunch for everyone attending. After lunch, a talk by Ajahn Sarayut, Chanting of Blessing for lay Buddhists by the Sangha, and the celebration ends about 2:30 p.m. Lay people may bring offerings to the monks of cooked rice (small amount), candles, fresh fruit and a prepared dish to share with everyone for lunch (it does not have to be Thai food!)
* With Many Blessings to You *
AjahnSarayut Arnanta
