Why not help out at the Akong Tulku Rinpoche Soup Kitchen where volunteers are always welcome!
Why the soup kitchen?
Struck by the extreme poverty and suffering witnessed on the streets of India a group of volunteers, following the example of their teacher Akong Rinpoche, decided to give food to the local people even if it was for just one day.
From this small beginning the Soup Kitchen is now a regular event running alongside the annual Kagyu Monlam.
The Soup Kitchen continues to develop, offering nutritious hot food to the people of Bodhgaya, regardless of their religion or caste, during the entire week-long prayer festival.
Rice, dahl and vegetables to feed around 400 people per day is prepared by a team of cooks. Everyone is welcome to eat, and to assist with cooking with both local volunteers and helpers from many different countries including France, Germany, Scotland, England, America, Tibet, India, Nepal, New Zealand, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Peru, Lithuania and Taiwan.
The soup kitchen is not just about giving food. It is about showing respect and kindness to the people of Bodhgaya. It is an opportunity to express compassionate aspirations through serving others. In accordance with Akong Rinpoche’s advice, all who ask for food are given it in a spirit of friendship, equality and with no expectations.
The seeds of kindness and compassion are within all of us and the Soup Kitchen creates conditions for these innate positive qualities to flourish.
Information about when and how to volunteer will be posted and announced at the Monlam pavillion - no need to pre-arrange!
