July 02 -- THE Malaysian Buddhist Youth Foundation (YBBM) prohibits devotees from offering money or ang pow (red packet) to monks during the Pindapatta (offering of alms by devotees) at the National Maha Sanghikadana 2014.
For charity: (From left) YBBM director Lim Ka Siong, event organising chairman Lim Seng Yeow, YBBM directors Tan Eng Hock, Yeoh Kia Ghee, Gin Soon, food fair chairman Lim Siew Siew.
From The Star Online
The event will be held at the Penang Chinese Town Hall in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Penang.
YBBM director Datuk Tan Gin Soon said following the tradition of Buddha’s teachings, no money or anything in kind should be offered or put into the alms bowls.
“The alms bowls were originally meant to be filled with food instead of money.
“If devotees wish to serve the monks, they should offer requisites which can be purchased with coupons at the event,” he told a press conference in Jalan Seang Tek on Friday.
The annual event will be held on July 20.
The offering of alms to 200 monks and nuns will commence from the entrance of Khoo Kongsi in Cannon Square) at 8am.
Tan said food and other suitable items for the offering of alms would be prepared at the location.
They can be purchased with coupons priced at RM10 each which are available at the site or at YBBM’s office at 129, 1st Floor, Jalan Seang Tek.
“We hope to raise RM100,000 this year. Devotees wishing to donate can contribute using a sponsor slip. Any contribution is appreciated as all proceeds of the Maha Sanghikadana will be channelled into the Sangha Fund in aid of the Malaysian Sangha and devotees.”
Some 33 stalls offering an array of vegeta-rian fare will be set up during the food fair to be held on the same day from 7.30am to 2pm beside the Goddess of Mercy Temple in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.