For 2,500 years since the time of the Buddha, Buddhist monks have walked the Alms Round. This practice is said to create a field of merit for sentient beings, an opportunity to show the true qualities of the heart. Freely giving from a generous heart loosens the grip of selfishness. Both donor and recipient are enriched by this practice. I am very grateful and humbled to carry on this tradition. I am indebted to my friends, family, strangers, and the community of Buddhist and non-Buddhists practitioners for years of allowing me to practice the ancient way of the Buddha. I walk, with no expectations. 

Though, I come to you today humbled by my extraordinary experience of being able to live and teach and make friends and connect with the wonderful people of Kansans City Missouri. For the past 6+ months I have been in the company of the wonderful resilient people of this Dharma Community practicing and striving to commit to the Dharma and Sangha building. And also training the monastics that have taken the brave leap of faith to "go forth". Through all of their trials and successes, Disappointments and accomplishments, we have managed to build a small determined Sangha. 

And although, not yet ready for the enormous task of building a living residential community and the continued support of full time Monastic program, I am afraid I will have to be moving on, for the time being, back to my little Hermitage in Ohio. 

An exciting development to my move is that I have one novice student who will travel with me during this time! In that vein we are seeking travel funds for our move this spring. We have estimated the move to cost around $800 for renting a car from Kansas City to Ohio, Gas, insurance, Food, Incidentals, Ect. 

 We hope that you can all find it in your Bodhisattva hearts to dig deep and bless us with any offerings you can spare! We are and will always remain greatful! As alms are our method of living we rely on the kindness and generosity of others for our livelihood.

The sight of a monk was one of the Four Sights that moved Shakyamuni Buddha to renounce the world and become a monk. The Alms Round is a ceremony of Dana, selfless giving, that is based on the reciprocal respect between monastics and those who live in the world. The Alms Round reminds monks that our practice is not just an individual matter and that we depend on, and are indebted to, others for food and sustenance. The alms bowl symbolizes dependence on others, acceptance and generosity. 

Traditionally food is offered during the Alms Round. Although in this day of modern technology and a culturally western society, alms may come in many different forms. And we are most grateful for all donations small or large. During traditional Alms Round monks walk in silent meditation. When making an offering during the Alms Round, donors may ask that the merit from their offering benefit a friend or relative, as well as sentient beings caught in distressing conditions or difficult situations.  If you wish to request an individual blessing for yourself or someone else. Please feel free to fill in the request form on my website page by following this link --->BLESSINGS PAGE. 

The alms round itself is a gift that goes both ways.  Contact with donors reminds monastics that our practice is not just an individual matter. We are indebted to others for the opportunity to practice, and should do our best to practice diligently as a way of repaying that debt.  Requesting alms from the rich and poor, the happy and unhappy, gives plenty of opportunities to reflect on the human condition and the need to find a way out of the grinding cycle of samsara.