It is a practice in eastern parts of the world where monks / yogis / sadhakas / Boudha Bhikhsus/mendicants go for alms on day to basis without the intent of accumulation and spare them hassle / hindrance earning their livelihood to enable them to dedicate their energies & full time towards spiritual practices , gaining knowledge and meditation.
I personally experienced this benevolent practice, when as a teen I was wandering alone along the canal in interior Andhra Pradesh, an elderly unknown farmer took me to his house and his kin introduced me to their neighbours as their relative and offered the same sumptuous lunch they eat. Their hospitality to a stranger despite of limited means of that house-hold has stumped me. Still I remember those people, especially the lady of the house as Annapurna, a goddess for bestowing the food for all.
On Oct 23, 2012 Chandeeswar wrote :
I personally experienced this benevolent practice, when as a teen I was wandering alone along the canal in interior Andhra Pradesh, an elderly unknown farmer took me to his house and his kin introduced me to their neighbours as their relative and offered the same sumptuous lunch they eat. Their hospitality to a stranger despite of limited means of that house-hold has stumped me. Still I remember those people, especially the lady of the house as Annapurna, a goddess for bestowing the food for all.