Kathina

Kathina is a Buddhist festival celebrated in many countries including Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Myanmar. It is usually held in the month following the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent. The festival is an important time for Buddhist communities as it involves the offering of new robes and other necessities to Buddhist monks.

Significance

The Kathina ceremony is significant for several reasons:

• It marks the end of the rainy season retreat for Buddhist monks.
• It provides an opportunity for laypeople to make merit by offering robes and other items to the monks.
• It strengthens the relationship between the monastic community and the lay community.

Celebrations

The Kathina festival typically involves the following activities:

• Offering of new robes and other supplies to the monks.
• Religious ceremonies and chanting.
• Community gatherings and feasting.
• Merit-making activities such as almsgiving and meditation.

Study Guide

To prepare for a study of Kathina, consider the following questions:

1. What is the significance of the Kathina ceremony for Buddhist monks?
2. How do laypeople participate in the Kathina festival?
3. What are the key activities that take place during the Kathina festival?
4. How does the Kathina festival strengthen the bond between the monastic community and the lay community?
5. What role does merit-making play in the Kathina festival?

By exploring these questions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and religious significance of the Kathina festival in Buddhist communities.