Begging bowl meaning

A begging bowl is a vessel used for collecting donations or charity from others.


Begging bowl definitions

Word backwards gniggeb lwob
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division beg-ging bowl
Plural The plural of the word "begging bowl" is "begging bowls."
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) e,i,o
Consonants (5) b,g,n,w,l

Begging bowl is a traditional utensil used by beggars and monks to collect money, food, or other donations from passersby. It is typically a round or oval-shaped bowl with a handle on one side for easy carrying. Begging bowls have been used for centuries in various cultures around the world.

Begging bowls are commonly associated with Buddhist monks who rely on the generosity of others for their sustenance. In the Buddhist tradition, monks are not allowed to handle money, so they use begging bowls to receive alms from the community. This practice is seen as a way for monks to practice humility and gratitude.

History of Begging Bowls

Historically, begging bowls were made from materials such as wood, clay, or brass. They were often simple in design, yet functional for collecting donations. In some cultures, the size and shape of the bowl were symbolic, representing different aspects of the monk's spiritual practice.

Symbolism and Meaning

The act of using a begging bowl is symbolic in many religious traditions, representing detachment from material possessions and the willingness to rely on the goodwill of others. It is a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of generosity and compassion.

Modern Use

In modern times, begging bowls are still used by monks in traditional Buddhist practices. However, they are also used by street beggars in some parts of the world as a way to collect money or food from sympathetic individuals. While begging is often stigmatized, for many people, it is a means of survival in the face of poverty and homelessness.

Overall, the begging bowl serves as a powerful symbol of humility, dependence, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Whether used by monks or beggars, it carries with it a profound message about the human experience and the importance of compassion and generosity in our society.


Begging bowl Examples

  1. The monk held out his begging bowl as he walked through the village seeking alms.
  2. The homeless man sat on the street corner with his empty begging bowl, hoping for a kind soul to help him.
  3. In some Eastern cultures, it is customary to donate food to those with a begging bowl during certain religious ceremonies.
  4. The beggar extended his begging bowl towards the passerby, silently pleading for assistance.
  5. She reached into her purse and dropped some coins into the beggar's begging bowl.
  6. The sight of the children with their empty begging bowls touched the hearts of the onlookers.
  7. The elderly woman humbly accepted the food offerings placed in her begging bowl by the generous villagers.
  8. The sound of coins clinking into the begging bowl echoed through the quiet street.
  9. As a symbol of poverty, the begging bowl is often used in literature and art to evoke themes of charity and compassion.
  10. He felt a pang of guilt as he passed by the beggar with the empty begging bowl, knowing he had spare change in his pocket.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 21/04/2024 - 00:24:31