Every Thursday is a special day for our PLC Homeless Program as we go out to serve our homeless brothers and sisters living on the streets. Today, we traveled to downtown San Diego to offer dinner to the street community. Because they know we come every Thursday, many people were already waiting in line when we arrived.
Today, we offered pizza, bananas, and bottled water. Although these offerings may seem simple, they bring comfort, nourishment, and hope to those facing difficult circumstances. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and to share kindness with those in need.
We sincerely pray that everyone may have their basic needs met, including food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and the support of a compassionate community.
Today's offering was generously sponsored by the Ladakhi couple Nilza and Gyaltson. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for their loving-kindness, generosity, and compassion. Through their support, many people were able to receive a warm meal and experience the kindness of others.
We dedicate and transfer the merits of this wholesome deed to Nilza, Gyaltson, and all their family members. May they enjoy good health, long life, happiness, peace, prosperity, and success in all their virtuous aspirations. May the Triple Gems—the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha—always bless and protect them.
A Reflection from the Buddha's Teachings
The Buddha taught that generosity (Dāna) is the foundation of all virtuous qualities and the beginning of the path to awakening. In the Dhammapada, the Buddha said:
“The gift of Dhamma excels all gifts, but all acts of giving bring happiness.”
The Buddha also taught in the Itivuttaka that if people truly understood the benefits of giving as he did, they would not let a single meal pass without sharing with others whenever possible.
When we offer food to those who are hungry, we are not merely filling their stomachs; we are cultivating compassion, reducing selfishness, and creating causes for future happiness and well-being. Every act of kindness plants a seed of merit that benefits both the giver and the receiver.
May all beings be free from hunger and suffering.
May all beings find peace, safety, and happiness.
May the merit of this offering contribute to the welfare of all sentient beings and the flourishing of compassion throughout the world.
Namo Buddhaya 
