The meaning of …..
The Kathina Robe Offering Festival
The day after the full moon of July is the day Buddhist monks and nuns begin to observe their three month rainy retreat called, in the Pali language, Vassaopanayika, or Lent in the Christian tradition. This observation, according to the teaching of the Buddha is one of the most important aspects of practical Buddhism.
For the last 2550 years, Buddhist monks, nuns and lay people have observed this three-month Vassa period with utmost respect. During this period, they spend their time observing special precepts, meditation, teaching, practicing, and learning the Buddha’s teachings. After this three-month retreat, monks and nuns emerge once again and are regarded as one year older in life as a Buddhist’s monks or nuns. To celebrate this “birthday”, they are allowed to be presented with a new robe. Offering a robe to a monk/nun who has observed the three-month Vassa retreat has been praised by the Buddha. The only robe that can be offered once a year in one monastery is called the Kathina Robe and this ceremony should be performed within the month after the retreat, which is called the Festival of the Robe Offering.
Buddhist celebrate this robe offering ceremony with profound respect and devotion to the community of the Sangha (monks and nuns). Along with the Kathina Robe, they also offer numerous other requisites and household items for the use of the Sangha. This has been given paramount importance in Buddhist communities. The Devotees who participate in this ceremony enjoy immeasurable happiness.
In honor of this holy occasion, Buu Mon Buddhist Temple will celebrate the Kathina Robe Offering Festival on Sunday November 5, 2006. All are warmly welcome to participate in this ceremony to make merits for themselves and their families, thus creating wellness, happiness and peace to all living beings of the world.
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