BUDDHISTS are invited to offer alms to 68 forest-dwelling monks at the National Day Blessings and Mahasanghikadana ceremony in Penang on Sept 1.
The event, organised by the United Buddhist Order of Malaysia (Ubom) with support from the Royal Thai Consulate-General, will take place at Dewan Besar Phor Tay, SMJK Phor Tay, in Sungai Dua.
It is held to mark the nation’s 68th National Day and is expected to draw more than 5,000 devotees.
Almsgiving (dana) is a long-standing practice where lay devotees support monks with their daily requisites.
While their bowls are meant only for food and medicine, the monks may also receive robes and basic necessities such as toiletries.
Items outside these bounds, including luxury goods or valuables, are not accepted.
Ubom reminded Buddhists not to place money in alms bowls.
Monks in the Theravada tradition are forbidden by their precepts to handle cash.
Offerings of robes and other requisites will be made available during the event.
Around 1,000 robes, offered without price tags, will be prepared so that devotees of all means can take part.
The ceremony will begin with a barefoot alms round at 7.30am, followed by a blessing session led by over 100 monks, invoking peace and harmony for Malaysia.
A dhamma talk and merits transference session will close the gathering in the early afternoon.
Ubom said the occasion would also highlight unity among different Buddhist traditions, with adherents of all invited to join the programme.
For details, text 016-435 5693 or email ubom-admin@ubom.org
