A tradition continuing since the time of the Buddha.
The tradition of receiving food for the day directly from donors while walking through a town or village was integral to sustaining the life of the monastics in ancient India and Nepal at the time of the Buddha. This practice, that clearly shows our interdependence, is still lived today.
Tuesday Alms Round in West Olympia
On Tuesday’s the Passaddhi Vihara monastics have changed the alms walk that had passed by the Soul Healing Center of Olympia, unless we have visiting monastics or there is an in person invitation to meet at Woodruff Park. Due to the strain on Ayya Niyyānika’s back, the bhikkhunīs will stop the additional walk part of the almsround.
Therefore, the Tuesday almsround will again only be to West Central Park at ~10:50 am. If you would like to share in the meal and have Dhamma in Woodruff Park, meet the monastics at West Central Park to confirm a gathering at Woodruff Park. If no one meets the bhikkhunīs for a picnic & Dhamma we will take the 11:15 am bus back to the Vihara from Division/Harrison.
Friday Alms Round in Downtown Olympia
On Friday’s the monastics will start alms round earlier than previously scheduled and will be at the Olympia Farmer’s Market by 11 am. Please be sure to meet us by 11:20 am on Friday at the Farmer’s if you wish to offer food. The monastics are happy to stay for a picnic and Dhamma in the Gallacci Peace Garden at the Farmer’s Market or go together to the nearby Port Plaza Park to eat and have some Dhamma discussion after the meal. If no one has offered a meal, the bhikkhunīs will be departing the market at 11:30 am to catch a bus.
Due to changes in the bus routes and the change to Standard Time in the Autumn, the Friday alms round will be discontinued in Downtown Olympia in November. The bhikkhunis will be considering a more suitable alms round location for the Spring of 2027.
