Bhiksha

Bhiksha is a Sanskrit term for the act of alms or asking.^[1] In indigenous Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, bhiksha most commonly refers to food obtained by asking for alms.

Bhiksha signifies a Hindu tradition of asking for alms with the purpose of self-effacement or ego-conquering. Other forms of giving and asking include dakshina (offering a gift to the guru) and daan (an unreciprocated gift to someone in need).^[2]

Usually, bhiksha is the meal served to a sadhu sanyasi or monk when that person visits a devout Hindu household. Occasionally, bhiksha has also referred to donations of gold, cattle, and even land, given to Brahmins in exchange for Karmkand. It is given by disciples to Guru as an offering as well.

References[]

^ Monier-Williams, M. (2007). A Sanskrit-English Dictionary. New Delhi: Bharatiya Granth Niketan. p. 756. ISBN 978-81-89211-00-4.
^ Venkatesan, Soumhya (2016). "Giving and Taking without Reciprocity: Conversations in South India and the Anthropology of Ethics". Social Analysis: The International Journal of Social and Cultural Practice. 60 (3): 36–56. doi:10.3167/sa.2016.600303. ISSN 0155-977X. JSTOR 26404938.

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[1] Monier-Williams, M. (2007). A Sanskrit-English Dictionary. New Delhi: Bharatiya Granth Niketan. p. 756. ISBN 978-81-89211-00-4.

[2] Venkatesan, Soumhya (2016). "Giving and Taking without Reciprocity: Conversations in South India and the Anthropology of Ethics". Social Analysis: The International Journal of Social and Cultural Practice. 60 (3): 36–56. doi:10.3167/sa.2016.600303. ISSN 0155-977X. JSTOR 26404938.

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