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Q-05: We offer alms food and fruits in the morning to the Buddha image at the altars.  In  the  afternoon, we usually  remove such offerings from the alter.  On this, I would  like to know  whether the food and fruits could be consumed after we remove it from the altars.

A Lay Devotee

A-05:  Alms food and fruits which are leftover from an offering to the Buddha may be consumed by monks and lay people. According to the Dhammadayada-sutta of Majjima Nikaya, the Buddha’s heritage for monks (and lay devotees) is of two kinds: (1) that of material (amisa-dayada), which includes alms food, robes, etc. and (2) that of dhamma (dhamma-daya) which is the Buddha’s teaching. The latter heritage is very much appreciated by the Buddha. And in the sutta the Buddha allowed monks to partake in his leftover alms food.

Moreover, in the Mahavagga-atthakatha (Vinaya), it’s also mentioned that the Buddha was having alms food brought by Ven Maha Moggalana from Sona, a rich man. That alms food was sweet smelling. At that time King Bimbisara was visiting the Buddha at His monastery, and he wanted to taste the sweet smelling food. The Buddha noticed the king’s wish and gave the king a suitable amount of the food.

From the above it may be concluded that even today leftover alms food and fruits offered to the Buddha may be consumed by monks and lay people alike. However some of today’s Buddhists believe that such leftover alms food and fruits should not be consumed by anyone while some are consuming them.

We are taking time to observe this practice in the daily life of the Buddhists. Different views and practices will soon be shared with our readers. And different views and practices are welcome.

With Metta,

Ashin Acara

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Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.