by – Brian Conroy (From Awakin.org ) Early one morning, the Buddha and his disciples set off on an alms round. He announced that on that day all of the offerings they received would be given to the poor. The community sat beneath the red blossoms of a sala tree and waited. Soon all of the most important dignitaries from the surrounding area came to make offerings. First to arrive was King Bimbisara. He offered lavish gifts of gold coins, gilded lanterns, and necklaces spar