Abhayagiri Kathina: November 1, 2015

Each year since the time of the Buddha, at the end of the three-month Rains Retreat, the lay community around every Buddhist monastery has 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. It is initiated by a lay supporter or a group of supporters who request to 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 deep bonds of friendship and commitment to mutual support. All year round, the monastery functions solely on offerings from the lay community.

Please plan on carpooling if possible. Parking is limited.

Please be here well in advance of the 10:45 am meal offering. Meal time is earlier because Daylight Savings Time begins Nov. 1.

Sunday, November 1st:

10:45 a.m. Meal Offering People are welcome to bring a dish to share.
1 p.m. Kathina Ceremony Refuges, Precepts and Dhamma Talk.

This year we are fortunate to have Ajahn Viradhammo, abbot of Tisarana Monastery in Canada, and Ajahn Jayanto, abbot of Temple Forest Monastery in New Hampshire, attending our Kathina. Ajahn Jayanto will give the talk on the Saturday night (October 31) before Sunday’s Kathina. Ajahn Viradhammo will give the talk in English at the Kathina ceremony after the offering of robe cloth in the afternoon. Ajahn Pasanno will give the afternoon talk in Thai on that day.

Additionally, Ajahn Viradhammo will give a talk at the Stanford University Humanities Center (Levinthal Hall) on Monday Nov 2 at 6:30 pm. Please visit https://hcbss.stanford.edu/events/venerable-ajahn-viradhammo-reflections-monastic-life-0 for more information.

Ajahn Viradhammo will also give the First Tuesday in Berkeley talk on Tuesday evening (Nov 3) at 7:30 pm, preceded by tea time Q&A at 5:00 pm. This event will take place as usual at the Berkeley Buddhist Monastery – see our website calendar for location and details.

Anyone who wishes to help can consult the Kathina Dana List.

For more information, please contact Catherine at AbhayagiriKathina@gmail.com or (415) 595-7050.