Significance of Alms Giving
Synonyms: Charity, Donation, Philanthropy, Benevolence, Tithe, Gift, Aid, Contribution, Offering
In Dutch: Aalmoezen geven; In Finnish: Almujen antaminen; In Spanish: Dar limosna; In German: Almosen geben; In Malay: Sedekah; In Swedish: Allmosor att ge; In French: Don d'aum么nes
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Alms Giving'
Alms Giving in Buddhism signifies the act of generously providing food or necessities to monks and those in need, fostering merit, compassion, and community support, while being celebrated as a fundamental aspect of spiritual practice.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A significant practice in Buddhism centered around the offering of food to monks, which was discussed by the Buddha in his teachings.[1] (2) Another term for dana; it represents the practice of generosity and is considered an essential virtue.[2] (3) Acts of giving, particularly in a religious context, performed by King Kosala and the citizens, highlighting the competition in generosity.[3] (4) A significant ceremony held by Prince Narivahana to honor Buddha Tissa and facilitate the renunciation of his princely rights.[4] (5) Acts of charitable giving performed by Ugga in honor of the Buddha's visit.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Acts of generosity towards the monastic community, fostering goodwill and merit.[6] (2) The act of offering food or resources to those in need, often regarded as a significant good deed in Buddhism.[7] (3) A Buddhist practice where laypersons offer food and resources to monks, symbolizing generosity and support for the monastic community.[8] (4) A practice within the Buddhist community where food and resources are offered to monks, fostering generosity and community support.[9] (5) The act of offering food and support to monks, which is a traditional practice in Buddhism signifying respect and support for the monastic community.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The act of giving to those in need, which the king undertook alongside abstaining from strong drink as a path to virtue.[11] (2) The practice encouraged by the son of the gods for the brahmin after they discuss his grief.[12] (3) The act of providing for others out of generosity, which is highlighted as a virtuous practice leading to spiritual merit.[13] (4) The act of providing charitable donations or food to the needy, especially in a religious context.[14] (5) The act of providing food and resources to the needy, reflecting generosity and compassion.[15]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) This is considered a benevolent act contributing to good moral standing, also involving seven impulse moments similar to that of murder.[16] (2) A kammic act perceived by some as a waste of money; however, it creates joy for the donor and benefits the recipient.[17] (3) The practice of generosity, contributing to others' welfare, regarded as a virtuous action.[18] (4) A form of dana involving the donation of food or goods to those in need, seen as a virtuous act.[19] (5) The act of offering food or goods to monks or holy men, particularly emphasized in the context of Ugga's virtuous actions.[20]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The practice of offering food or provisions to monks, which is a significant aspect of Buddhist community life and a means of generating merit.[21] (2) A practice discussed by the Blessed One, emphasizing the spiritual benefits gained from charitable acts.[22] (3) A practice discussed by the Blessed One emphasizing the merits gained from the act of giving to those in need.[23]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A practice emphasized in the first vagga as part of accumulating virtues during the Bodhisatta's existences.[24] (2) One of the ten paramis, referring to the practice of generosity and sharing resources with others.[25] (3) Alms giving refers to the act of donating food or resources to monks or those in need as a meritorious deed.[26]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The act of giving alms, which a generosity-driven person practices without hesitation.[27] (2) The act of donating food or resources to those in need, often practiced as a form of charity.[28]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) The act of giving to those in need, considered a wholesome deed.[29] (2) The act of giving to others, which is a crucial wholesome deed that fosters generosity and aids in achieving better states of existence.[30]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) The act of giving, often performed as a way to accumulate merit and detach from suffering.[31]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The practice of providing food or resources to the monastic community, which is encouraged to cultivate generosity.[32]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) The act of donating or sharing resources with those in need, which can generate various levels of merit and blessings.[33] (2) The act of giving, typically referring to donations made by the wealthy to those in need, which is associated with generating karma and merit.[34]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The act of giving offerings, particularly food and other goods, to monks and those in need, as an important Buddhist practice.[35]
Hindu concept of 'Alms Giving'
Alms Giving in Hinduism encompasses charity as a duty for Kshatriyas, a special responsibility of Shudras, and is viewed as a purifying act that fosters spiritual growth and generosity towards those in need.
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The act of giving to those in need, believed to purify one's mind and contribute to spiritual growth.[36]
Jain concept of 'Alms Giving'
Alms Giving in Jainism involves donating food or resources to those in need and specifically supporting monks, reflecting a vital aspect of their mendicant lifestyle, emphasizing compassion and community support during Lord's time and beyond.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The act of giving food or donations to those in need, which was not well understood by the people at the time of the Lord's wanderings.[37]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The act of providing food or assistance to monks, which is central to their practice of mendicancy.[38]
The concept of Alms Giving in local and regional sources
Alms Giving encompasses charitable acts and donations integral to cultural traditions, especially in Indian and Semitic societies, exemplified by a Princess distributing resources to those in need, reinforcing the significance of generosity and support.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The act in which the Princess distributes money and resources to those in need, including her husband's son.[39]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Charitable donations and acts of generosity that are deeply rooted in various cultural traditions, particularly in Indian and Semitic cultures.[40]