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Alms Bag taken from some Tapestry in Orleans, Fifteenth Century.
Alms Bag taken from some Tapestry in Orleans, Fifteenth Century.
This article is about the religious rite. For the racing series, see American Le Mans Series. The American Le Mans Series ( ALMS) is a Sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. For the album by Re:, see Alms (album). Re is a musical project of Aden Evens and Ian Ilavsky (also members of Sackville) who have been working together since 1996 Alms, released October 18 2004, is the second album of the Montreal -based electronic duo.

Alms or almsgiving exists in a number of religions. In general, it involves giving materially to another as an act of religious virtue. In Abrahamic religions, alms are given as charity to benefit the poor. In Christian Theology charity, or love ( Agapē) means an unlimited loving-kindness toward all others In Buddhism, alms are given by lay people to monks and nuns to nurture laic virtue, merit and blessings and to ensure monastic continuity. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices The word comes from Old English ælmesse, ælmes, from Late Latin eleemosyna, from Greek eleEmosynE pity, alms, from eleEmOn merciful, from eleos pity.

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Buddhism

Almsbowl as used by bhikkhus for going on almsround.
Almsbowl as used by bhikkhus for going on almsround.

In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk or nun. In English translations of Buddhist literature, householder denotes a variety of terms A Bhikkhu ( Pāli) or Bhiksu ( Sanskrit) is a fully ordained male Buddhist Monastic. It is not charity as presumed by Western interpreters. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humbleness and respect in the presence of normal society. [1] The visible presence of monks and nuns is a stabilizing influence. The act of alms giving assists in connecting the human to the monk or nun and what he/she represents. As the Buddha has stated:

Householders & the homeless [monastics]
in mutual dependence
both reach the true Dhamma. . . . (Itivuttaka 4. 7)[2]

In Theravada Buddhism, monks (Pāli: bhikkhus)and nuns go on a daily almsround (or pindacara) to collect food. History Origin of the school The Theravāda school is ultimately derived from the Vibhajjavāda (or 'doctrine of analysis' grouping which was a continuation Pali ( ISO 15919 / ALA-LC: Pāḷi is a Middle Indo-Aryan language or Prakrit of India. A Bhikkhu ( Pāli) or Bhiksu ( Sanskrit) is a fully ordained male Buddhist Monastic. This is often perceived as giving the laypeople the opportunity to make merit (Pāli: puñña). Merit ( Sanskrit puṇya, Pāli puñña) is a concept in Buddhism, and particularly in Theravada Money should not be accepted by a Buddhist monk or nun, although nowadays not many monks and nuns keep to this rule (the exception being the monks and nuns of the Thai Forest Tradition and other Theravada traditions which focus on vinaya and meditation practice). The Thai Forest Tradition is a tradition of Buddhist monasticism within Thai Theravada Buddhism, which uses remote wilderness and forest History Origin of the school The Theravāda school is ultimately derived from the Vibhajjavāda (or 'doctrine of analysis' grouping which was a continuation The Vinaya (a word in Pāli as well as in Sanskrit, with literal meaning 'leading out' 'education' 'discipline' is the regulatory framework for the Buddhist Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness In countries that follow Mahayana Buddhism, it has been impractical for monks to go on a daily almsround. Mahayana ( Sanskrit: mahāyāna, Devanagari: महायान 'Great Vehicle' is one of the two main existing schools of Buddhism and a term for In China, Korea and Japan, monasteries were situated in remote mountain areas where it could take days to reach the nearest town, thus making the daily almsround impossible. In the Himalayan countries, the large number of bikshus would have made an almsround a heavy burden on families. Competition with other religions for support also made daily almsrounds difficult and even dangerous; the first monks in the Shilla dynasty of Korea were said to be beaten due to the Buddhist minority at the time.

In Buddhism, both "almsgiving" and, more generally, "giving" are called "dāna" (Pāli). Bodhisattva and the Art of Giving The quality of giving is one of the virtues perfected over numerous lifetimes by Shakyamuni Buddha in his Bodhisattva [3] Such giving is one of the three elements of the path of practice as formulated by the Buddha for laypeople. Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder This path of practice for laypeople is: dāna, sīla, bhāvanā. Bodhisattva and the Art of Giving The quality of giving is one of the virtues perfected over numerous lifetimes by Shakyamuni Buddha in his Bodhisattva Samadhi ( Sanskrit: sa समाधि is a Hindu and Buddhist technical term that usually denotes higher levels of concentrated meditation or [4]

Generosity is also expressed towards other sentient beings as both a cause for merit and to aid the receiver of the gift. It is accepted that although the three jewels of refuge are the basis of the greatest merit, by seeing other sentient beings as having Buddhanature and making offerings towards the aspirational Buddha to be wihtin them is of equal benefit. The Three Jewels, also called the Three Treasures, the Three Refuges, or the Triple Gem, are the three things that Buddhists take refuge Generosity towards other sentient beings is greatly emphasised in Mahayana as one of the perfections (paramita) as shown in Lama Tsong Khapa's 'The Abbreviated Points of the Graded Path' (Tibetan: lam-rim bsdus-don):

"Total willingness to give is the wish-granting gem for fulfilling the hopes of wandering beings. Theravada Buddhism Theravada Buddhism 's teachings on the paramitas can be found in late canonical books and post-canonical commentaries Tsongkhapa ( (1357 &ndash 1419 whose name means "The Man from Onion Valley" was a famous teacher of Tibetan Buddhism whose activities led later to the formation
It is the sharpest weapon to sever the knot of stinginess.
It leads to bodhisattva conduct that enhances self-confidence and courage,
And is the basis for universal proclamation of your fame and repute. In the Buddhist context a bodhisattva (बोधिसत्त्व bodhisattva;; Vietnamese Bồ Tát; बोधिसत्त bodhisatta
Realizing this, the wise rely, in a healthy manner, on the outstanding path
Of (being ever-willing) to offer completely their bodies, possessions, and positive potentials.
The ever-vigilant lama has practiced like that.
If you too would seek liberation,
Please cultivate yourself in the same way. "[5]

In Buddhism, giving of alms is the beginning of one's journey to Nirvana (Pali: nibbana). Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices In sramanic philosophy Nirvana (निर्वाण| Nirvāṇa; निब्बान Nibbāna; Prakrit: णिव्वाण In practice, one can give anything with or without thought for Nibbana. This would lead to faith (Pali: saddha), one key power (Pali: bala) that one should generate within oneself for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Translation Pañca (Sanskrit Pali means "five" Bala (Sanskrit Pali means "power" "strength" "force Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder Dhamma ( Pāli: धम्म or Dharma (धर्म in Buddhism has two primary meanings the teachings of the Buddha which lead to enlightenment This article concerns the concept of Sangha in Buddhism. For information on other senses see Sangha (disambiguation.

According to the Pali canon:

Of all gifts [alms], the gift of Dhamma is the highest. Dhamma ( Pāli: धम्म or Dharma (धर्म in Buddhism has two primary meanings the teachings of the Buddha which lead to enlightenment (Dhp. XXIV v. The Dhammapada ( Pāli; Prakrit: Dhamapada; Sanskrit Dharmapada; sometimes translated into English as Path of the 354)[6]

Christianity

Whereas the principle of almsgiving in Christianity is not a legal concept as in Islam, giving to the poor is regarded as one of the highest duties for any Christian. Christianity ( Greek Χριστιανισμός from the word Xριστός ( Christ)is a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings The offertory is the traditional moment in every Roman Catholic Mass, and Anglican Eucharist when alms are collected. Offertory (from the Ecclesiastical Latin offertorium, French offertoire, a place to which offerings were brought the Alms The Mass is the Eucharistic celebration in the Latin liturgical rites of the Roman Catholic Church. Anglicanism is a tradition of Christian faith Churches in this tradition either have historical connections to the Church of England or have similar beliefs The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion or Lord's Supper and other names is a Christian Sacrament by which in a common interpretation those

In the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches the collection of alms and tithes has not been formally united to the offertory in any liturgical action. The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest single Christian Communion in the world This article refers to Eastern Churches in full communion with the Holy See However, either having a collection plate in the narthex or passing it unobtrusively during the service is not uncommon. The narthex of a church is the entrance or lobby area located at the end of the Nave, at the far end from the church's main Altar. In Orthodox theology, almsgiving is an important part of the spiritual life, and fasting should always be accompanied by increased prayer and almsgiving. Eastern Orthodox Christian theology is the Theology particular to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all Food, Drink, or both for a period of time [7] Almsgiving in the name of the deceased also frequently accompanies prayer for the dead. Wherever there is a belief in the continued existence of Man 's personality through and after Death, Religion naturally concerns itself with the relations Those whose financial circumstances do not permit the giving of monetary alms may give alms in other ways, such as intercessory prayer and acts of mercy. Distinguish from "inter-session" ie "between Sessions " Intercession, in both Christianity and Islam, The Works of Mercy or Acts of Mercy are actions and practices which the Roman Catholic Church considers expectations to be fulfilled by believers and which are also

In most Christian forms of worship, a collection is made of "tithes and offerings" given for the support of the church and for the relief of the poor, as an important act of Christian charity, united to communal prayer. A tithe (from Old English teogoþa "tenth" is a one-tenth part of something paid as a (usually voluntary contribution or as a Tax or levy In some churches the "offering plate" or "offering basket" is placed upon the altar, as a sign that the offering is made to God, and a sign of the bond of Christian love. An altar is any structure upon which Sacrifices or other offerings are made for religious purposes or some other sacred place where ceremonies take place [8] In addition, private acts of charity, considered virtuous only if not done for others to admire, are a Christian duty.

Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. -(Matthew 6:1)

The outward and an inward giving of alms: Here Jesus places the primary focus on the motives behind such acts, which should be love.

Rather, give as alms what is inside, and then everything will be clean for you! - (Luke 11:41)

Giving of the rich versus the poor: Here Jesus contrasts the giving of the rich and the poor

He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on. "- (Luke 21:1-4)

Hinduism

Main articles: bhiksha and karmkand

Bhiksha is a devotional offering, usually food, presented at a temple or to a swami or a religious Brahmin who in turn provides a religious service (karmkand) or instruction. Bhiksha is food obtained by asking for Alms. Bhiksha signifies a Hindu tradition of begging for alms with the purpose of self-effacement or ego-conquering Karmkand refers to ritual services proferred by Swamis or religious Brahmins in exchange for Bhiksha. Bhiksha is food obtained by asking for Alms. Bhiksha signifies a Hindu tradition of begging for alms with the purpose of self-effacement or ego-conquering Swami (Sw (स्वामी Svāmi, IPA:) is primarily a Hindu honorific title for either males or females Brahmin ( Brāhmaṇa, sa ब्राह्मणः is the class of educators scholars and preachers in Brahminical Hinduism. Karmkand refers to ritual services proferred by Swamis or religious Brahmins in exchange for Bhiksha. Bhiksha was a ritual for those who were monks so that their Ego was equated with all and self nullified. They asked for the material bhiksha for the survival and some educational social facilty. The greater value of the Bhiksha was in asking begging for good timely wisdom for all by these saints. Many did so and are doing today. One of such sanit 400 years ago was Swami samarth ramdas ji guru of Shivaji a warrior hero of India Maharashtra who fought for self rule then. Swami ramadas ji asks for alms for wisdom and divine peace for all. His work is available on the sites named after him. His work is in form of dasbodha a book of wisdom.

Islam

Main article: Zakat

Islamic scriptural rules on alms are quite reminiscent of the biblical instructions:

If you give alms openly, it is well; but if you do it secretly and give to the poor, that is better. This is a sub-article of Islamic economical jurisprudence. Zakaat ( زكاة zækæːh zakaat or zakāh, has the implied - (Qur-an 2:271a)

In Islam, zakat, or the giving of alms, is the third of the five pillars of Islam. This is a sub-article of Islamic economical jurisprudence. Zakaat ( زكاة zækæːh zakaat or zakāh, has the implied The Five Pillars of Islam (Arabic أركان الإسلام is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. Various rules attach to the practice, but in general terms, it is obligatory to give away 2. 5% of ones savings and business revenue, as well as 5-10% of ones harvest, to the poor. The recipients include the destitute, the working poor, those who are unable to pay off their own debts, stranded travelers, and others who need assistance, with the general principle of zakaah always being that the rich should pay it to the poor. Working poor is a term used to describe Individuals and families who maintain regular employment but remain in relative Poverty due to low levels of pay

Judaism

Main article: Tzedakah

In the Jewish tradition, charity represented by tzedakah, justice, and the poor are entitled to charity as a matter of right rather than benevolence. Tzedakah ( צדקה) is a Hebrew word commonly translated as charity, though it is based on a root meaning Justice Tzedakah ( צדקה) is a Hebrew word commonly translated as charity, though it is based on a root meaning Justice Contemporary charity is regarded as a continuation of the Biblical Maaser Ani, or poor-tithe, as well as Biblical practices including permitting the poor to glean the corners of a field, harvest during the Shmita (Sabbatical year), and other practices. Maaser Ani, or the "Poor tithe" reflects an obligation to set aside one tenth of produce grown in the third and sixth years of the seven-year Shemita ( Shmita ( Hebrew: שמיטה literally "release" also called the Sabbatical Year, is the seventh year of the seven-year agricultural cycle mandated by the Voluntary charity, along with prayer and repentance, is regarded as ameliorating the consequences of bad acts.

Notes

  1. ^ Indicative of the mutual nature of the almsgiving exchange, in some Theravada countries, if a monk were to refuse alms from someone — a gesture known as "turning over the rice bowl" — this would be interpreted as an act of excommunication. An example of such a refusal has occurred at times as a form of protest by Buddhist monks in response to offerings by military personnel in military-occupied Myanmar (Mydans, 20 Sept 2007, NYT).
  2. ^ Thanissaro (2001). [1] Almsgiving is also commended by the Buddha in a less prominent way in various other canonical texts such as the Dighajanu Sutta. The Dighajanu Sutta, also known as Byagghapajja Sutta and Vyagghapajja Sutta, is part of the Anguttara Nikaya (AN 8
  3. ^ Nyanatiloka (1980), entry for "dāna"[2].
  4. ^ Nyanatiloka (1980), entry for "dāna"[3]; and, PTS (1921-25), entry for "Puñña" (merit)[4].
  5. ^ Tsongkhapa & Berzin (2001), verse 15.
  6. ^ In Pali, this line is: "Sabba danam, Dhamma danam jinati. " This line can be found in the Dhammapada, Chapter 24, verse 354. The Dhammapada ( Pāli; Prakrit: Dhamapada; Sanskrit Dharmapada; sometimes translated into English as Path of the Thanissaro (1997)[5] translates this entire verse as:
    A gift of Dhamma conquers all gifts;
    the taste of Dhamma, all tastes;
    a delight in Dhamma, all delights;
    the ending of craving, all suffering
    & stress.
  7. ^ Kallistos (Ware), Bishop & Mary, Mother (1978), The Lenten Triodion, South Canaan PA: St. Timothy Ware (born 1934) also known as His Excellency the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia, is a titular Metropolitan of the Eastern Tikhon's Seminary Press (published 2002), pp. 35ff, ISBN 1-878997-51-3 
  8. ^ Cf. Matthew 5:23-24

Bibliography

External links

Buddhist

Islamic

Dictionary

alms

-noun

  1. Something given to the poor as charity, such as money, clothing or food.
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