Hello,
I remember reading something a while ago about the Buddha allowing one of his monk's family members to give alms to another religious tradition or something. Does this ring a bell to anybody? Does anybody know if this story is true and if so can someone provide the sutta where its mentioned? Much appreciated.
Giving alms to other traditions
-
- Posts: 1782
- Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 5:29 pm
- Location: United States
Giving alms to other traditions
"Do not have blind faith, but also no blind criticism" - the 14th Dalai Lama
"The Blessed One has set in motion the unexcelled Wheel of Dhamma that cannot be stopped by brahmins, devas, Maras, Brahmas or anyone in the cosmos." -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
"The Blessed One has set in motion the unexcelled Wheel of Dhamma that cannot be stopped by brahmins, devas, Maras, Brahmas or anyone in the cosmos." -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
In MN 56 a householer Upali, who previously was a follower of Jains became Buddha's follower. The Buddha advised him to consider to support jains:
Householder, your family has long supported the Nigaṇṭhas and you should consider that alms should be given to them when they come.
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
But Upali attained stream-entry and thus independence from the Teacher. I recall Upali did not follow the advice of the Buddha.
There is always an official executioner. If you try to take his place, It is like trying to be a master carpenter and cutting wood. If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand.
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/paticcasamuppada
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/anapanasati
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/paticcasamuppada
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/anapanasati
-
- Posts: 1782
- Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 5:29 pm
- Location: United States
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
Thats the one i was looking for!!! Thank you very much!Volovsky wrote: ↑Fri Aug 31, 2018 3:15 am In MN 56 a householer Upali, who previously was a follower of Jains became Buddha's follower. The Buddha advised him to consider to support jains:
Householder, your family has long supported the Nigaṇṭhas and you should consider that alms should be given to them when they come.
"Do not have blind faith, but also no blind criticism" - the 14th Dalai Lama
"The Blessed One has set in motion the unexcelled Wheel of Dhamma that cannot be stopped by brahmins, devas, Maras, Brahmas or anyone in the cosmos." -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
"The Blessed One has set in motion the unexcelled Wheel of Dhamma that cannot be stopped by brahmins, devas, Maras, Brahmas or anyone in the cosmos." -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
According to the sutta he did:
Then the householder Upāli, having delighted and rejoiced in the Blessed One’s words, rose from his seat, and after paying homage to the Blessed One, keeping him on his right, he left to return to his own house. There he addressed the doorkeeper thus: “Good doorkeeper, from today on I close my door to the Nigaṇṭhas and the Nigaṇṭhīs, and I open my door to the Blessed One’s bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, men lay followers, and women lay followers. If any Nigaṇṭha comes, then tell him thus: ‘Wait, venerable sir, do not enter. From today on the householder Upāli has gone over to discipleship under the recluse Gotama. He has closed his door to the Nigaṇṭhas and Nigaṇṭhīs, and he has opened it to the Blessed One’s bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, men lay followers, and women lay followers. Venerable sir, if you need alms, wait here; they will bring it to you here.’”
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
OK... i must have missed that part. However, the important message is to "not open the door of the house" to the other traditions; thus do not let them influence the mind. I suppose they can be fed with physical food; like feeding a hungry animal or ordinary person.
There is always an official executioner. If you try to take his place, It is like trying to be a master carpenter and cutting wood. If you try to cut wood like a master carpenter, you will only hurt your hand.
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/paticcasamuppada
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/anapanasati
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/paticcasamuppada
https://soundcloud.com/doodoot/anapanasati
-
- Posts: 2298
- Joined: Thu Aug 06, 2015 7:33 pm
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
I have read several stories of muslim families in SE Asia giving alms to Buddhist monks. Its considered good neighborly conduct/community participation and I am sure the Buddha would approve of it as an act of generosity, if one feels moved to give, one should do so.
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
For what it's worth, I agree too. If someone, or some group, is doing good things they are worthy of our support - especially in non-Buddhist countries, where opportunities for dana to Buddhist groups may be quite limited.dharmacorps wrote: ↑Fri Aug 31, 2018 4:32 pm I have read several stories of muslim families in SE Asia giving alms to Buddhist monks. Its considered good neighborly conduct/community participation and I am sure the Buddha would approve of it as an act of generosity, if one feels moved to give, one should do so.
Kim
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
Agree.If someone, or some group, is doing good things they are worthy of our support
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
-
- Posts: 1782
- Joined: Thu May 12, 2016 5:29 pm
- Location: United States
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
Yes the buddha didn't say to only give to his sangha. Those who say he did misrepresent him. What he said is giving to those who are worthy and virtuous is most fruitful.
"Do not have blind faith, but also no blind criticism" - the 14th Dalai Lama
"The Blessed One has set in motion the unexcelled Wheel of Dhamma that cannot be stopped by brahmins, devas, Maras, Brahmas or anyone in the cosmos." -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
"The Blessed One has set in motion the unexcelled Wheel of Dhamma that cannot be stopped by brahmins, devas, Maras, Brahmas or anyone in the cosmos." -Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
Re: Giving alms to other traditions
The Magha Sutta (Sn.p.86) gives a detailed account of the virtues of the arahant to show to whom alms should be offered by one desiring merit. The Brahmanasamyutta (S.i,175) maintains that offerings bear greatest results when they are made to those who know their previous lives, who have seen heavens and hells, who have put an end to birth and who have realized ultimate knowledge.
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/aut ... el367.html
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/aut ... el367.html
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”