Offering almsfood to monks and nuns

[Guy]

I am relatively new to Buddhism and would like to know how should I go about offering almsfood? Is there a right/wrong way to do this? I have heard that if I offer fruit I need to pierce the skin first, is this true?

Don't worry I won't offer meat.

[Dhammanando]

Hi Guy,

This guide by Ven. Ariyesako covers most of the questions that laypeople might have concerning their dealings with bhikkhus:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/auth ... guide.html

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu

[Guy]

Thanks Dhammanando Bhikkhu.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Guy,

Are you talking about offering alms somewhere in W.A.? This may well be a little different to in a traditional Buddhist country.

It might be worth contacting the local vihara, and find out about their processes. They may for example have a roster for dana, sometimes dana will actually be given in a laypersons home if they're invited bhikkhus to do a service etc. If you ask, it will be hard to go wrong and will help prevent your offering going to waste.

Metta,
Retro.

[Guy]

Yes, I intend to offer almsfood to Bodhinyana Monastery in WA. I found this has answered most of my questions relating to the local monastery. I will probably ask someone as well when I go there to make sure. Thanks Retro

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Guy,

It's excellent when this information is made available online as per the link provided.

It makes things easier, more comfortable and more rewarding for everyone involved.

Good find.

Metta,
Retro.

[David N. Snyder]

Don't worry I won't offer meat.

It is interesting that you mentioned this, because monks normally abide by the 3 fold rule, but then I went to that link and see that the monks have dropped a nice 'hint' about what they prefer:

What do you bring and how much?

Bring a plate or item of food for the monks/nuns to eat. What you bring and how much you bring is completely up to you. Bring something you think the monks/nuns would like to eat. You might bring enough for say four people, but there is no rule about this. If it is vegetarian this is appreciated but it doesn¹t have to be and the monks/nuns will eat whatever you are generous enough to offer them. It can be a hot dish or a cold dish. Possible suggestions for food include potato casseroles, potato salad, vegetable curry, quiche, eggs in some form, cheese dish, lentil dish, vegetable dishes, fruit salad, bread, a cake, a packet of biscuits, anything is fine. There is no expectation to bring an Asian style dish. If you like Italian, French, German, Turkish or some other style of food it is most welcome. Please feel able to bring whatever you can afford and wish to offer. (There is no need to bring cooked rice as rice is prepared by the Anagarikas, at the monastery.)

In my opinion, that is a great way to drop a hint without making a 'formal' request of what they would prefer.