Meal Offering (Dāna) to the Monastics

What is pindapata? Each morning, the monks walk through the local area on alms round (pindapata — Pali for "the food morsels fall into the bowl"). This practice traces back to the earliest Buddhist records and remains central to the Theravada monastic tradition. It is a mutual relationship: the monks depend on lay supporters for their daily meal, and supporters have the opportunity to give voluntarily and make merit. If you happen to see the monks walking along Otter Point Road or the trails near Tugwell Cottage and wish to offer food, you are welcome to do so.

In-Person

Food is offered to the monks at 9:30am every day at the sala (meditation hall). You are welcome to bring food to offer to the monks. If you arrive after the offering time, you can give food to the resident laypeople, who will keep it and offer it to the monks the following day.

You are welcome to bring food on any day from February 2 through March 29, 2026. No need to let us know in advance — just come. If you have dishes that need heating or cooking, please arrive by 8:30am.

If you have questions, please email registrar@aranyarefuge.org.

After the meal offering, the food will be brought to the dining room area where you are welcome to take the food and eat in this area or outside (if it's warm enough).

Place: Tugwell Cottage | 7976 Tugwell Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0J8.

Sooke is 50 km from the city of Victoria, BC. Travel options to Sooke are available here. Tugwell Cottage is approx. 15 minutes from downtown Sooke.

Park in front of the cottage. Go to the right-side of the building where you will see an entrance to the Mud Room where you can leave your coat and shoes.

Bring your dishes to the Kitchen and Dining area.

Bring slippers to keep your feet warm.

Dietary requirements:

Please note: Monks cannot eat raw fish (e.g., sushi) or food items containing raw eggs (e.g., chocolate mousse) as per Vinaya rules (source). This also includes foods such as steak tartare, sashimi, oysters on the half-shell, and caviar.

All food must be fully cooked and ready to eat before offering, as monks are not permitted to cook or store food for later consumption. Additionally, all food is served at once and only offered one time. If you’re unsure about a particular dish, feel free to ask in advance.

It's best to bring everything with you to serve the meal although there are pots/pans for warming and some basic utensils.

CONTRIBUTE TO a meal

If you're unable to offer food in-person but are inspired to give, you can help purchase food items for a meal. Email registrar@aranyarefuge.org for more info.

We appreciate your generosity - anumodana! 🙏