Takuhatsu

Takuhatsu (托鉢) (Pindacara) is a traditional form of dāna or alms given to Buddhist monks in Japan.[1] In the practice of takuhatsu, monks travel to various businesses and residences to chant sutras in Sino-Japanese (thus generating merit) in exchange for donations of food and money.

A monk begging at Hantaji Temple in Matsuyama.

Monks generally wear traditional takuhatsu clothes reminiscent of medieval Japanese garb and wear the names of their monasteries on their satchels to confirm their identities. This system is used by Zen monks in training to beg for their food, and is generally done in groups of ten to fifteen. The group walks through a street in single-file, chanting Hō (法, dharma), and the faithful gather to fill their alms bowls. This is the monks' offering of the Dharma and their lives of guardians of the Dharma to the people. According to Zen tradition, the givers should be grateful.[2]