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Buddhist Alms Round (Pindapat) in Sebastopol
Pindapat in Sebastopol You may have noticed Buddhist monks in Sebastopol. These are the bhikkhunis, fully ordained Buddhist women, of Dhammadharini Sangha. Ayya Sobhana and Anagarika Michelle are from Aranya Bodhi Hermitage in Jenner. Ayya Tathaaloka and Ayya Suvijjana join from the Dhammadharini Vihara in Santa Rosa.

The Tradition Pindapat is the traditional monastic almsround, practiced by the Buddha and all the following generations of Theravada Buddhist monastics. Traditionally, one sees the fully robed monastics carrying the round almsbowl through towns and neighborhoods, having emerged from the seclusion of their dwelling places … walking silently, mindfully, slowly, with senses guarded, not soliciting donations and not proselytizing. Money is not accepted. Whoever wishes to offer food may approach or invite them to pause on the street or at a house or shop. The bhikkhu/ni receives food from anyone who offers, without discrimination.

For those who give, however little, the almsround is the chance to savor the blessings of generosity. For monastics, the Buddha's exhortation to make ourselves worthy of the people's generosity inspires us to develop our practice and moral virtue to the highest level.

Where & When This Sebastopol alms walk begins at 10:00 am, in front of the Community Market on Highway 12, concluding at the Sebastopol Town Plaza in front of Whole Foods, around 11:30 am. The bhikkhunis come on the second and fourth Thursday of each month during Daylight Savings Time.

The bhikkhunis begin at Community Market, walk past Whole Foods to Main Street, to the Ginger Thai Restaurant, and returning to the Sebastopol Town Plaza in front of Whole Foods.

If there is interest, the bhikkhuni/s will be available to discuss the Dhamma after completing their silent meal.

07-23-2015

Buddhist Alms Round (Pindapat) in Sebastopol

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