Food & Tea offering during retreat
Summer Retreat food offerings
$40.00
In Buddhism, offering food to monks—especially during the Vassa (Rains Retreat)—is one of the most meritorious deeds a layperson can perform. Organizing a meal for 150 monks amplifies this generosity, creating immense spiritual benefits for both the donors and the Sangha (monastic community).
1. The Spiritual Significance of Offering Food to Monks
A. The Monastic Dependence on Lay Support
- Buddhist monks follow the Vinaya (monastic code), which prohibits them from growing, storing, or cooking food.
- They rely entirely on alms rounds (Pindapata) or organized donations from devotees.
- By offering food, laypeople support their spiritual practice, enabling monks to focus on meditation, study, and teaching.
B. The Power of Generosity (Dāna)
- Dāna (giving) is the first of the Ten Perfections (Pāramīs) in Buddhism.
- Offering food cultivates:
- Selflessness (reducing attachment)
- Compassion (supporting holy beings)
- Merit (Punya) (positive karma leading to happiness and favorable rebirths).
C. Special Merit During Vassa (Summer Retreat)
- Vassa is a 45 days retreat (July–October) where monks stay in one monastery due to monsoon rains.
- Supporting monks during this period is extraordinarily meritorious because:
- Monks engage in intensive meditation & Dhamma study.
- Laypeople have a rare chance to sustain them daily.
- Large-scale offerings (like for 150 monks) create collective merit for entire communities.