Kathina

Description:

Each year since the time of the Buddha, at the end of the three-month Rains Retreat, the lay communities around Buddhist monasteries have gathered to celebrate the completion of the retreat and to offer to the monastic community gifts of cloth and supplies that will be useful for the coming year. The cloth is then cut, sewn and dyed by the monks to make a robe on that day to offer to one of the saṅgha. This 2,500-year-old tradition is still carried on here in the West in the Theravadan monasteries. Lay supporters help organize the preparation and formal offerings. It is both a significant and joyful occasion that, over time, has become emblematic of the richness of the relationship that exists between the lay people and the monastics. This relationship is characterized by bonds of friendship and commitment to mutual support. All year round, the monastery functions solely on offerings from the lay community.

This year, due to global circumstances, we will be limiting the number of people who can come for the kathina. Abhayagiri will have a “kathina week” starting on October 5, and culminating with a live streamed kathina ceremony on Sunday, October 11. A limited number of people are able to visit Abhayagiri in honor of kathina and participate in the daily food offering for one day during October 5 to 11, but advance registration is required.

UPDATE as of September 7: There is currently still a limited amount of space available on October 5 & 6. There is no longer space available to attend in person on October 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11.

Please note that we need your help to maintain Abhayagiri’s good reputation and standing with Mendocino County and with our neighbors. If you would like to register to visit on October 5 or 6, please write to abmkathina2020@abhayagiri.org to check for availability.

On Saturday, October 10, there will be a daylong retreat via Zoom and YouTube live stream. On the 11th, the kathina ceremony will be live streamed on Zoom and YouTube, followed by a Dhamma Talk in English and Thai. Then there might be an opportunity for Q&A via Zoom. More details about the schedule of these days will be announced closer to kathina.

If you wish to visit Abhayagiri outside of October 5 to 11, no registration is required, but please see this link for the current guidelines and restrictions that are in place.
https://www.abhayagiri.org/news/337-covid-19-precautions-update-august-26-2020

Thank you for your cooperation during these unusual times.