One of the most fundamental rules defining the life of a Bhikkhuni is that she is only able to eat food offered into her hands that day.

The Buddha established this rule to require the Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis to have daily connection with their householder supporters, for mutual benefit. Traditionally this meant walking on alms round each morning to receive food for the day, or accepting an invitation for a meal in someone’s home.

Bhikkhunis walking for alms round in the forest

For the monastic receiving these offerings, it’s a daily reminder that they live dependent on the generosity of their community, and their practice is for the benefit of all.

For those offering the food, it’s an opportunity to come into contact with the monastics, and offer direct support for their practice.

Every seven years, most of the cells in our body are renewed. Once a monastic has been in robes for more than seven years, nearly every cell in their body is made up of the nutriment offered to them out of generosity. For those who offer food, their offering continues to live on, in the body of the monastic, sustaining their practice, continuing the benefit of that generosity.

The Dhammadharini Bhikkhunis live as the Buddha guided, and only eat the food offered to them each day. For those who are nearby the monastic community, there is the opportunity to come in person and offer a meal with your own hands. For those further away, it is possible to make a financial donation, and the stewards staying with the community can shop for groceries and offer on your behalf.

Kathina meal offering

Monastic Meals