Pure Inspiration

127
Postscript: Most Venerable Ñāṇavimala Mahā
Thera
Some twenty years ago in a residential part of the city of Colombo, an
ascetic monk of foreign origin walked from house to house, on
piṇḍapāta (going for alms food). Although this was the practice
enshrined in the Buddha’s monastic teaching, it was a very unusual
sight in the fast developing urban capital of Sri Lanka. The monk was
serene and pleasant, and he walked slowly, mindfully and silently.
After the morning meal was served into the alms bowl, he offered
simple blessings and on occasion a brief Dhamma teaching prior to
proceeding to his temporary abode, the Vajirarama temple. This
practice of piṇḍapāta by the elderly foreign monk continued even
when he was not in good health and had painful, swollen feet.
Typically, once a week, a pious and devout lady in her early fifties
residing in an affluent part of Colombo, used to eagerly await this
monk’s visit. Indeed she even had a pre-planned ‘menu’ ready and
waiting for this special opportunity to serve the morning dāna and to
venerate the monk every week. Her blissful face radiating with joy
was always an indication that the monk had, in fact, made his weekly
visit.
Residing with his grandmother during those times was a young student
named Kshanaka, who had the valuable opportunity of associating
with this bhikkhu and offering dāna on a regular basis. Years passed
by, and the young Kshanaka became increasingly interested in
exploring the teachings of the Buddha, whilst also studying other
religions and contemplative practices. Gradually, the visiting monk
became a teacher to the young student, and a special student-teacher