A Wisdom Archive on Alms

Alm may refer to: the non-existent singular form of alms, a form of charity. alpine grassland. Alm River in Austria, tributary of the Traun. See also the acronym ALM. Other related archivesALM, Austria, Traun, alms, alpine, grassland

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Alms or almsgiving, or, simply, charity, is the practice of giving money or other material aid to the poor. In many religions, charity is considered a mandatory element of ones spiritual practice. For instance, although the practical applications differ, the Islamic scriptural rules on alms are quite reminiscent of the biblical instructions: If you give alms openly, it i ...

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In Pāli, a bhikkhu (male) or bhikkhuni (female) is a fully ordained Buddhist monk. The respective Sanskrit versions are bhikṣu and bhikṣunī. The word literally translates as "beggar" or more broadly as "one who lives by alms". It is philologically analysed in the Pali commentary of the Buddhaghosa as "the person who sees danger (in samsara or cycle of rebirth)" (Pali = bhayam. ikkhatīti bhikkhu) He therefore seeks ordination in order to release from it. A bhikkhu has taken a vow to enter the Sangha (

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The next stage is that of a Sannyasin. When a man becomes a Sannyasin, he renounces all possessions, all distinctions of caste, all rites and ceremonies and all attachments to any particular country, nation, or religion. He lives alone and spends his time in meditation. He lives on alms. When he attains the sublime state of deep meditation he rejoices in his own Self.
 
Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda
 

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Buddhist music is music created for or inspired by Buddhism and part of Buddhist art. Buddhist music - Honkyoku. Honkyoku are the pieces of shakuhachi or hocchiku music played by wandering Japanese Zen monks called komuso. Komuso played honkyoku for enlightenment and alms as early as the 13th century. In the 18th century, a komuso named Kinko Kurosawa of the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism was commissioned to travel throughout Japan and collect these musical pieces. The results of several years of travel a ... Including: Buddhist music - Honkyoku Buddhist music - Buddhist chant Buddhist music - Shomyo Buddhist music - Buddhist music in the US Buddhist music - Source

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The Prophet of Peace Revealed Islam
Mohammed, the prophet and messenger of God who revealed Islam to the world was a descendant of Prophet Ismail. In 610, Mohammed declared that he was Allah's apostle and said: "There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet." The Prophet said that righteousness alone was the criterion to distinguish one person from another. The Prophet enjoined upon Muslims to treat the poor kindly and to help them with alms, zakat, and in other ways. He said, "He is not a perfect Muslim who eats his fill and lets his neighbour go hungry." He asked, "Do you love your Creator? Then love your fellow beings first."
 

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Hindu Quotes: Penance and Faith in the Forest
 
Children, when they have long lived in ignorance, consider themselves happy. Because those who depend on their good works are, owing to their passions, improvident, they fall and become miserable when their life (in the world which they had gained by their good works) is finished.
 
 Considering sacrifice and good works as the best, these fools know no higher good, and having enjoyed (their reward) on the height of heaven, gained by good works, they enter again this world or a lower one.
 
 But those who practice penance and faith in the forest, tranquil, wise, and living on alms, depart free from passion through the sun to where that immortal Person dwells whose nature is imperishable.
 
- Mundaka Upanishad

 
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(See also: Hinduism Archives, Hindu Quotes, Inspirational Quotes, Love Quotes, Friendship Quotes, Life Quotes )

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Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda
 

Read more here: » Karma: The Devayana And The Pitriyana

The nature of Atman is pure consciousness, and though the phenomena are perceived to be taking place, in reality they are only aspects of consciousness. Consciousness is not affected by them. The Atman is 'hidden’ inside all of us, as a bee is hidden inside a lotus flower. It will be futile to seek it in the water or air outside.

 
(See also: Nirvikalp Samadhi, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul )

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Lent, commencing is the 40-day period of preparation before Easter. For Christians worldwide, it is a time for repentance, fasting and almsgiving, all of which calls for a change of mind and heart.
 
Gerard Hughes says a change of mind and heart cannot in a sense be achieved by us alone, as all Christian renewal starts not from self-effort but by attentiveness to God, who alone is good. It is God who does the transforming. A real change of mind and heart means an inner surrendering of our mind and heart to God, so that whatever we do, we do in his Spirit.

 
(See also: Lent, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul )

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Samanya Dharma is the general Dharma or law for all men. Varnasrama Dharmas are special Dharmas which are to be practised by particular castes and by men in particular stages of life. The Samanya Dharmas must be practised by all, irrespective of distinctions of Varna and Asrama, creed or colour. Goodness is not the property of any one class, creed, sect or community. Every man should possess this virtue.
 
Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda
 

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The Samanya Dharmas must be practised by all, irrespective of distinctions of Varna and Asrama, creed or colour. Goodness is not the property of any one class, creed, sect or community. Every man should possess this virtue.
 
Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda
 

Read more here: » Dharma: Fundamentals Of Dharma