Buddhist Walking for alms

In Buddhism, Alms or almsgiving  is the respect given by laypeople to the monks.  It is not charity as presumed by Western interpreters.  It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual realm and to show “humbleness” and “respect” in the presence of the secular society. 

Walking for alms is traditional monastic practice.  It offers the opportunity for local members of the community to connect with the monks and offer support to sustain the monks for their daily meal.  Please feel welcome to approach the monks with any questions or offerings you may have.  It’s quite simple and uncomplicated.  We have 12 monks in total. 

What to expect.

Monks walk in straight line one by one.  The oldest or the abbot leads the monks.  The other one follow by seniority age spent in Buddhist Community.  When giving alms, please kneel down and put food inside the monk’s bowl.  The women cannot touch the monks or his belongings.  Monks do not thank for the food as they give opportunity for laypeople to do good deeds and earn merits. 

Traditionally, rice offered shall be recently cooked rice.  People also offer curry dishes, sweets, fruits, flowers, incense sticks.  You don’t have to offer all of these.  Food offered shall always be the best of yours.  Giving good allows receiving good deeds and merits.  Back to the monastery, the monks share the received food inside the community.

Please note that five out of twelve monks  are newly ordinated.  It is wise to prepare lean cuisine, low fat & contains fiber to allow the adjustment in their digestive system.  For queries of what to cook, please write to PR@atamma.org or call the monastery 425-481-6640.

Alms-routes

The walking for alms starts at 9am and finishes at 10am  Following is the schedule:

July 15   Kirkland  Resident area  13425 NE 133rd St. Kirkland WA 98034

July 16  Everett    Lanna Thai Restaurant 7825 Evergreen Way #B Everett WA 98203

July 17  Fremont              

Tawon Thai Restaurant     3410 Fremont Ave. North, Seattle WA 98103

Jai Thai  Restaurant          3423 Fremont Ave. North, Seattle WA 98103

Kwanjai Thai Restaurant   469 North 36th St, Seattle WA 98103

Kaosamai Restaurant       404 North 36th St., Seattle WA 98103

July 18  University District  Along the University Ave: from 47th to 42th and turn into the Red Square, UW

July 19  Cross Road Park      Bellevue 8th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98008

July 20  Woodinville        

from P.O.-Irene Thai Restaurant   17530 132nd Ave NE Woodinville, WA 98072

Racha Thai Restaurant                 13317 NE 175th St. Woodinville, WA 98072

Thai Woodinville Restaurant          17610 140th Ave NE Woodinville, WA 98072

July 21 meet at  Atammayatarama Buddhist Monastery

                        19301 176th Ave NE Woodinville WA 98072

Please feel free to bring kids along with you.  It’s would be another great experience for them to learn new culture.  We look forward to seeing you.