"The non-doing of any evil,

the performance of what is skillful,

the cleansing of one's own mind:

this is the teachingof the Awakened."

Dhammapada

The custom of alms gathering (pindapata) is an ancient monastic tradition. The Sangha continues this practice both by visits to local supporters, and by what are now known as 'faith pindapats': visits to a local town - usually the high street - where the monks or nuns, who may not beg, stand quietly with their alms bowl visible allowing interested people to approach and offer food - if so inclined. Meanwhile, in the monastery itself time has shown that on large festival days the Sangha's alms bowls are never large enough to receive the generosity of the laity. So on these days people now make offerings of just a spoonful of rice. This provides the opportunity for the very graceful and intimate offering of food that practically and symbolically is at the heart of the lay person's relationship to the Sangha.

As well as the general Sangha contributing to the building work, teaching, publications and family activities, people such as Sisters Jotaka and Medhanandi, Ajahns Amaro, Attapemo and Jutindharo have made substantial efforts in overseeing the administration of Amaravati. As a response to all these activities, financial support has grown and the use of professional help has been more the pattern of the 90s. A movement towards lay management continues.