Meal offerings and almsrounds
/Offering a meal
Almsround in Allston
As the monks have settled in to life at the vihara, they’ve established a routine of going on almsround in Allston or Cambridge each morning between 9 and 11 a.m., returning to the vihara to eat the meal there at 11 or just after. You are welcome to join them at the vihara (or meet them on almsround) any day, bringing a small offering of food if you wish, and joining them for the meal. It would be helpful – though not necessary – to let them know by email or phone beforehand that you intend to come, particularly because on some days they may be away.
You can also offer to provide a whole meal for the two monks and Jeff (the almsround can be modified or foregone for that day). Contact them to ask what and when might work best.
Almsrounds Routes
Harvard Square
While some days may differ, a routine has developed where most Mondays the monks will walk to Harvard Square and be in that area, standing or walking slowly, between about 9.30 and 10.30 a.m. before walking back.
Central Square
Similarly on most Fridays, the monks will walk along Western Ave. to Central Square, Cambridge. They will likely be in the Central Square area, standing or walking slowly, between about 9.45 and 10.15 a.m. before walking back.
Allston
On most Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays the monks walk from the vihara to Brighton Ave., and along Brighton to Harvard and Commonwealth Aves., ending up at the Brown Sugar Café on Commonwealth at around 10.15 a.m.