Posted by: Dhammañāṇa
« on: April 21, 2020, 01:51:22 AM »Sadhu, and a right vison of the receiver possible.
Another day, another possibility. We don't know what tomorrow might be. _()_
Ein neuer Tag, wieder eine Möglichkeit. Wir wissen nicht was morgen sein wird. _()_
ថ្ងៃ ថ្មី មួូយ ជា ឳកាស ថ្មី មួយ ទៀត។ យើង មិន អាច ដឹង មុន នូវ អ្វី ដែល នឹង កើតឡើង ថ្ងៃ ស្អែក
"Dhammo have rakkhati dammacāriṁ"
"N'atthi santi param sukham"
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa
The Blessed One said. ‘These are the four kinds of purity and further said
A virtuous donor offers to one without virtues, things obtained righteously, with a pleasant mind,
Believing the results of actions. That offering is purified on the side of the donor.
A not virtuous donor offers to the virtuous, things not obtained righteously, with an unpleasant mind,
Disbelieving the results of actions. That offering is purified on the side of the receiver
A not virtuous donor offers to the not virtuous, things not obtained righteously, with an unpleasant mind,
Disbelieving the results of actions. That offering is not purified on either side.
A virtuous donor offers to the virtuous, things obtained righteously, with a pleasant mind,
Believing the results of actions. I say, that offering brings great results
One not greedy offers to those not greedy, things obtained righteously, with a pleasant mind,
Believing the results of actions. I say, that is the highest material offering”
Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa
Paṇḍita Sutta: The Wise"These three things have been promulgated by wise people, by people of integrity. Which three? Generosity... going-forth [from the home life]... & service to one's mother & father. These three things have been promulgated by wise people, by people of integrity."
During the days of Vesak, dansals erupt all over the island in a variety of modes. Their extensive range of manifestations relates an interesting story. Before, entering that areana, we should cast a passing glance at their origin and evolution.
Charity, giving of alms, gifting food and drink are associated with almost all religious systems. Hindus practice “Anna dana” (food donations”.) Jains are required by religion to give knowledge, money etc. every day. There are Islamic religious practices in which the distribution of food and drink is imperative. Christians and Catholics, have their own feasts intrinsic segments of their religious discipline.
But, the Sri Lankan phenomenon of dansala (open house), occupies a special niche due to its profusion, its variegated aspects, the enthusiasm and the fervour it engenders and, above all, due to its innovative manifestations - year after year.
In the far past, in the days of The Buddha, some city-leaders provided meals to those citizens, who were socially marginalised.
In ancient Sri Lanka, this institution of providing food and drink free, emerged due to some realities of that day. Those pilgrims of yore had to embark on their holy tours, either on foot or in carts drawn by oxen. On the way-side, in that day, there were no hotels, restaurants or eateries. However an occasional philanthropist would give such pilgrims a free meal- as a gesture of religious charity.
Apart from the glitter of the pandals and Vesak lanterns, another popular and highly venerated aspect of Vesak is the act of giving, or daana, which take the form of the popular dansala or free food stall, during the Vesak season.
This Vesak season was no exception and saw dansal springing up in the city, with hundreds of people lining up to partake of the free meals, all in the spirit of giving and sharing.
Dansal or alms-giving stalls are another popular sight all over Sri Lanka during Vesak, rendering an immense service to the people. These roadside stalls offer anything from soft drinks, ice cream, coffee, rice and curry to noodles and fruit salad, all free of charge. The food is bought and prepared using donations of money and dry rations from devotees, and everyone is welcome at these stalls. Operating a dansala and providing free food and drink is considered one of the most meritorious acts one can engage in during the Vesak festivities.
On this holy day the ‘Dana’ (alms giving) plays an important role. This is a sign of sharing joy and peace with people. During the Vesak Festival week, the selling of alcohol and flesh is usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed.
On this holy day the ‘Dana’ (alms giving) plays an important role. This is a sign of sharing joy and peace with people. During the Vesak Festival week, the selling of alcohol and flesh is usually prohibited, with abattoirs also being closed.