Newsletter – October 2019
“Kathina” means “solid” or “unbreakable.” This Pali word indicates that the merits acquired by offering a Kathina robe are extremely powerful. Nagita Apadana, a scripture in the Tipitaka, notes that the Kathina offering is the highest meritorious deed one can perform in the sensual world.
Why is Kathina offering is so significant? It is a ceremony performed at a temple only once a year. It is a ceremony performed after both monks and lay devotees accumulate lots of merits throughout the Vassana season. Kathina ceremony is the culmination of all the meritorious deeds performed during the Vassana season. More than anything else, offering the Kathina robe signifies the highest respect to the Maha Sangha without whom the Buddha’s teachings remain unseen by the world.
Original Buddhist texts identify five specific worldly benefits of offering the Kathina robe. They are:
1.The donors, wherever they travel, will always have safe journey without worry, danger, or obstacle.
2.They will never suffer shortage of food and will not be harmed by food poisoning.
3.They will not suffer loss by robbery or theft.
4.They will not suffer loss by natural disasters.
5.They can easily accomplish what they set out to do.
Importantly, whatever items the donors offer to the monks during the Kathina ceremony will be a part of the Kathina Robe offering, and the merits acquired through that are also immeasurable.
Nov. 2nd & 3rd: Kathina Ceremony Weekend
Video-recorded Kathina program will be telecast on ITN. Dr. Hasantha Hettiarachchi will be at the Vihara both Saturday and Sunday for recording.
Saturday evening and night: Atavisi Buddhapuja will be held on Saturday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, honoring all the Buddhas. All-night chanting will follow.
Sunday: Around 22 Bhikkhus will participate in traditional Pindapatha around 11:00 a.m. Dana and lunch will follow. Kathina procession will begin in the afternoon, and Kathina ceremony will be held from 2:00 pm.
You are cordially welcome to attend!
