An Act of Charity

We were at the Dhammikarama Temple this morning (18th March), having arranged a "Dana"  in memory of our late mum. "Dana" is a Pali word and is generosity or giving (a form of alms). Here in Penang, it is common practice among Buddhists to do "Dana" by giving meals to the monastic order, in memory of a loved one who has passed away.  It is believed that "Dana" will gain merits for the deceased's soul as well as for members of the family who sponsor it.

Lord Buddha's shrine in the dining room

We arrived at around 10.30 a.m. as we were told that the monks usually eat at 11.00 a.m.  We proceeded to the dining room where a kind helper informed us about the proceedings, usually a short prayer by the monks before partaking of the food.  We found that the table had already been laid out.  I must say the skeleton kitchen staff certainly did an efficient job - I counted nine dishes to be taken with rice - but then this is not surprising as they have been doing this for years, bless them! 

The monks were quite busy this morning blessing visitors to the temple, so it was a little after 11 that they were ready for lunch.  Somebody sounded the gong and the monks trooped in, all seven of them.  We were told that this is their only meal for the day, they don't take any dinner!  After they sat down, prayers began.

We family members sat on a carpet on the floor where a teapot containing some water and a small bowl were laid.  As the chief monk chanted some more verses, I was asked to pour the water into the bowl slowly until the chanting ended.  (I was told that the act of pouring water is an invitation to the deceased to participate in the Dana).

Having done that, the monks settled down to eat.  There was also another table laid with desserts of all kinds - fruits, cakes, "kueh" - which the monks tucked into after finishing their meal.  We then presented the chief monk with a robe and red packets for him and the other monks.

After the monks finished, we were told it was now our turn to eat.  Oh, I forgot - at the end of the prayers, I was told to pour the water in the small bowl into a plant (any plant) at the same time mentioning my mum's name and also the names of other deceased relatives whom we wanted to share in this "Dana".

We were later joined by some of the helpers and had a chit chat with them.  We were encouraged to join them in future "Danas" if we wished to and also other temple activities like meditation.  It had been an interesting experience and it was nearly 1 p.m. when we left the temple.We also took the opportunity to walk around the temple as Sis hadn't been there for some time.

Incidentally, the Dhammikarama Temple is my favourite temple as I find it very peaceful and serene.  When I left, it was with a feeling of gladness that my Mum had been blessed by this simple act of charity, which she herself had practised many times during her lifetime.  Sadhu!  Sadhu!  Sadhu!