Bhiksha (Sanskrit: भिक्षा, bhikṣā; Pali: 𑀪𑀺𑀓𑁆𑀔𑀸, bhikkhā) is a term used in Indic religions, such as Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism, to refer to the act of alms or asking.^[1] Commonly, it is also used to refer to food obtained by asking for alms.

In Buddhism, bhiksha takes the form of the monastic almsround (Pali: 𑀧𑀺𑀡𑁆𑀟𑀘𑀸𑀭, piṇḍacāra),^[2] during which monks make themselves available to the laity to receive alms food (Pali: 𑀧𑀺𑀡𑁆𑀟𑀧𑀸𑀢, piṇḍapāta).^[3]

Buddhist monks are called bhikkhu (Pali) or bhikṣu (Sanskrit) while nuns are called bhikkhunī (Pali) or bhikṣunī (Sanskrit) which translates to 'almsman' and 'almswoman' respectively.^[4]

Bhiksha signifies a Hindu tradition of asking for alms with the purpose of self-effacement or ego-conquering. Other forms of giving and asking include dakshina (offering a gift to the guru) and dāna (an unreciprocated gift to someone in need).^[5]

Usually, bhiksha is the meal served to a sadhu sanyasi or monk when that person visits a devout Hindu household. Occasionally, bhiksha has also referred to donations of gold, cattle, and even land, given to Brahmanas in exchange for karmakanda. It is given by disciples to a guru as an offering as well.

Bhiksha is incorporated into religious rituals as well, a prominent one being the bhikshacharanam, which includes begging for alms. In such a ritual, after thread ceremony must beg for alms, stating, "bhavati bhiksham dehi".^[6]

The concept of a deity or being seeking bhiksha occurs in Hindu literature such as the Ramayana. In this epic, in order to lure Sita out of her hermitage, Ravana disguises himself as a Parivrajaka begging for alms. When she subsequently offers him bhiksha, he abducts her to Lanka upon his pushpaka vimana.^[7]

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