My First Pindapata Experience in Singapore
Recently, I had the opportunity to witness Pindapata here in Singapore. The experience helped me relate to the traditions of Theravada Buddhism and left me contemplating the essence of generosity.
What is Pindapata?
Pindapata reflects the traditional monastic way of living, where the bhikkhus (also known as monks) receive food or material blessings in their alms bowls through the generosity and donation of the laypeople. In exchange, the bhikkhus provide spiritual guidance and support, such as mindfulness mediation and sharing of Buddha’s teaching with the community.
The Alms Round Experience
Our day began early at 58 Upper Changi Road, where we joined the alms round at 8:15am. Pindapata usually takes place in different locations of Singapore every day of the week, between 8:15am to 8:45am. It was an unusual sight to witness the community coming together to offer food to the bhikkhus right in the middle of the common street here in Singapore. There were bulks of donations ranging from packets of rice to cooked food and fruits. The food was then transported back to the Palelai Buddhism Temple by the volunteers, where they would use the food to prepare meals for the day.
First Visit to Palelai Buddhism Temple
After the alms round, we made our way to the Palelai Buddhism Temple. Feeling grateful for the companionship of my mentor, Sis Bee Li, she quickly acquainted me with the environment while sharing insights into the history and etiquettes. Thereafter, we headed to a small room at the top level for a 20-mins meditation session while waiting for the formal meal offering to commence.
Formal Meal Offering
By 10:45am, we gathered among the other visitors at the dining hall to formally offer meals to the Bhikkhus. Prior to the food offering, a senior bhikkhu led the community through the Three Refuges and Five Precepts prayers. Thereafter, everyone was invited to leave the Dining Hall to allow Bhikkhus to enjoy their meal in silence. That would be their second and last meal of the day before lining up the rest of their day with afternoon meditation, evening chanting and meditation with the visitors.
My Experience
As a first-timer, the Pindapata experience opened my eye to the monastic way of living — a life centered around the generosity from the community and the exchange of loving-kindness teachings without any monetary transactions. A different way of living. It also prompted me to think about the lives of less fortunate people in less affluent countries where food supplies and living conditions are challenged and how we can make an impact on others, even in smallest act of giving.
To my mentor Sis Bee Li, thank you for the experience once again. It helps nourish the seed within me and stretches my understanding of the way of living a little better through the community.
If you are curious about Pindapata or feel inspired to share your generosity, you can find more information about the practice and the food offering schedule here.
