Lunch Dana
“If one knows the moral advantages of giving, one will be vigilant to seize opportunities to practice this great virtue. Once the Buddha said that if people only knew the value of giving as he does, they would not take a single meal without sharing their food with others.” ~It.p,18.
In the Theravada Buddhist tradition Bhikkhus (monks) and Bhikkhunis (nuns) do not cook for themselves according to the Buddha’s rules and thus they rely on the donations of ready-to-eat food for their general wellbeing and in order to maintain their practice
Buddhaloka Centre Malvern (BCM)
Can I come alone?
It is not appropriate or acceptable in the Theravada Buddhist tradition for a woman on her own to offer food to a monk or a man on his own to offer food to a nun.
Kindly observe this important practice by arranging for a companion.
Can I join a dana (meal offering) on a day that is booked?
Yes, you are most welcome. Please feel free to come along and join in with a lunch offering of a few dishes, just enough for the people in your group. These dishes will be included in the lunch offering for the monastics as well.
I am not the main dana person. Can I join?
Yes. The BSV encourages donors to particpate in offering lunch to the resident monastic but also be mindful and respectful of the needs of the main donor who may have booked that specific day to commemorate a special occasion (eg. the passing of a family member)
How do I offer the food to the monastic?
If you are not familiar with the Lunch Dana procedure don’t worry. Once you have made your booking you will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to offer food to the monastics.
Newbury Buddhist Monastery (NBM)
Can I join a dana (meal offering) on a day that is booked?
Yes, you are most welcome. Please feel free to come along and join in with a lunch offering of a few dishes, just enough for the people in your group. These dishes will be included in the lunch offering for the monastics as well.
How many monks/nuns/lay people will be there?
Please call (03 5424 1812) or email (dana@nbm.org.au), if you would like to confirm the number of monks, nuns and eight precept lay guests at Newbury on a given date.
Are there dietary requirements?
Vegetarian meals are strongly encouraged.
Less spicy food is much appreciated.
Please let us know if your food contains eggs and/or peanuts; we will label the food accordingly for the resident(s) with allergies.
How much food should I bring?
If you have made a booking to offer full lunch dana, please bring enough for the monastics and eight-precept lay residents on that given date; and your own group only.
Due to the monastic and 8-precept practice of not taking food after noon, your assistance in taking the leftovers home is much appreciated.
Can I cook at the monastery?
The kitchen is not available for cooking of meals.
However, heating/warming up food is possible.
Thank you for your understanding.
How to Reschedule/Cancel a Booking
Please refer to the email confirmation of your dana registration. At the bottom of that email, there are options for rescheduling/canceling your booking.
You can click on the appropriate link to reschedule/cancel your booking. This can only be done up to 48 hours before the time of your dana offering. Otherwise, you must contact the monastery to update your booking.