Towards a more constructive Dansal culture

Towards a more constructive Dansal culture

During Vesak and Poson we see dansals everywhere. Ice cream, rice, sweets, kottu, noodles and soft drinks are distributed to all along the roadside.

It’s good, it’s meritorious. But here’s the reality. Most people who come to dansals today aren’t missing meals at home. They come in posh vehicles. Going to a dansal has become more like a fashionable fun pastime these days.

But in villages and nooks and corners of cities, there are still thousands of people who struggle to get two meals a day. Families without jobs, without income, with sick members. They don’t even have time to think about going to a dansal.

Instead of giving more food to people who already have full stomachs, it would be more meaningful to give dry ration packs to those who are actually hungry. Don’t think it’s too expensive. A Rs. 2000-3000 pack can last a family for a week. The relief, happiness, and blessings that gives them is far greater than what a dansal can offer. Money is donated by the people,  so use it wisely.

The Buddha taught compassion and wisdom. Compassion means helping the person who is actually suffering. Wisdom means thinking carefully about how you give.

Ask your Grama Niladhari, ask the monks at the temple. They know who in the village is really struggling.

It’s not just about giving alms. It’s about TO whom you offer them.

Sumith de Silva