This thesis is aimed at analytical studying Pindapata as a strategy in Theravada Buddhism propagation in the aspects of historical background, alms gathering tradition, and analysis Pindapata as a shrewd planning in Theravada Buddhism propagation. The research results are as follows:

                    Pindapata means the falling of alms-food. Food put in the Buddhist monks’ alms-bowl is very significant because it is the Sangha’s way of life. Lives of Buddhist monks and novices are dependent on the alms-food. Going for alms collecting is requisite as the obligation i.e. it is the Buddhist monks and novices’ daily routine; as the Buddha’s way of life i.e. the previous Buddhas lived their lives on alms-offerings from the others; as the Buddha’s routine i.e. it is the Buddha’s daily duty for saving mankind from bad things; and as the good livelihood for Buddhist monks. To undertake the Pindapata as a routine is considered to be austere practice for eliminating the defilements. Alms-bowl is recognized as a requisite in the four requisites. Alms-bowls have been appeared before the Buddha’s time. They were made of gourd, or dried big cashew-nut, or clay, etc. which belonged to the ascetics for collecting alms. The first alms-bowl in Buddhism was seen when Ghatikara Mahabrahma offered requisites to the Buddha.

    The daily going for alms-gathering of the Buddhist monks is considered to be the Sangha’s tradition. It is a well custom of the Buddhist to get chance for merit-making and Dana-giving in early morning. It is also the custom of Buddhist monks and novices to prepare themselves before going out for alms-gathering. It is the norm that a Buddhist monk who is going for alms-gathering must don himself neatly before going to a village and conforms to the code of etiquette i.e. having a tidy and in order dressing, not to dress in loincloth, in seam leaving like fish tail, and not to dress in a fabric petal. If any Buddhist monks dress in unsuitable way, they will be accused of breaking an offence of wrongdoing. There is a provision about the place where is not allowed to go for alms-gathering called non-resorts for alms. It is proclaimed for the purpose of building faith and confidence those Upasaka and Upasika, and for supporting Vinaya. To collect alms-food must be moderately. And they must realize that we would collect with respect and conform to the Buddha’s permission. They must have alms-food with respect, not to underestimate alms-food. This is the way of self-development.