Ayya Medhanandi

Source: This anthology prepared by jtb for Access to Insight.

For free distribution. This work may be republished, reformatted, reprinted, and redistributed in any medium. It is the author's wish, however, that any such republication and redistribution be made available to the public on a free and unrestricted basis and that translations and other derivative works be clearly marked as such.

The Food of Kindness by Ayya Medhanandi (2005; 84k/4pp., illustrated (80k)): A senior ten-precept Theravada nun eloquently reflects on the hardships and joys of the daily pindapat (alms-round). By this ancient monastic tradition the spritual mendicant — the "true beggar" — both receives nourishment from the tangible generosity of others, while at the same time offering others the rare opportunity to practice giving with an open heart. In the words of the author: "I receive and I give back."