Kathina refers to the offering of a special robe (kathina Civara) carefully prepared by pious laity and presented by them to monks who have completed the three-month period of retreat called Vas in Sinhala and Vassana in Pali (literally, ‘the period of rain’). Katina literally means ‘firm’ or ‘solid,’ as the offering of a Katina robe helps one to earn good, solid karma. The Katina Ceremony has a history spanning more than 2500 years. A special element of the Katina robe offering is that it is not offered to an individual monk, but to the entire community of Sangha; to all noble disciples of the Buddha -- and not only to enlightened ones but also to those monks yet to be enlightened.
The Katina robe can be offered only during a specified period at the end of the rains retreat, between the full-moon day of October and the full-moon day of November. It is a monastic tradition long preserved and observed by Buddhists all over the world and is highly revered as a unique, once-yearly opportunity to acquire merit. Georgia Buddhist Vihara will celebrate Kathina on 20 and 21st of October 2017(below is the full program). This year Kathina Pinkama is sponsored by devout devotees; Dr, Amarasingha, Nanda family and Dhaminda and Sumudu Manamendra family. You are invited to attend this meritorious Pinkama. Signup for Dana contribution list; please click here more details:
Program | |
Kathina Maha Pinkama 2017 | |
Friday, Oct 20, 2017 | |
7:30; 9: pm | Pirith Deshanwa/Maha Piritha and Dhammacakka Deshana |
Saturday, Oct 21, 2017 | |
5:.45 6:30 am | Bringing the Kathina Robe to temple by devotees. |
7.30: 8:30 am | Buddha Puja and Heel Dana |
8.30 am | Breakfast for devotees |
9.15 10:30 am | Group Discussion. |
1:30 pm | The procession starts at the parking lot and heading onto the Vihara pathway to main preaching hall with Buddhist flags and Robe. All are invited for this parade to carry the Kathina Robe make use of this rare occasion. |
2: 2:45 pm | Offering of Kathina Robe by devout Dayaka. Dr, Amarasingha, Nanda family and Dhaminda and Sumudu Manamendra family and spiritual friends. |
3:00: 4:00pm | Kathina Dhamma Desahanawa/English and Sinhalese |
4:30 to 5:30pm | Atavisi Pujawa and conclusion of the Kathina Ceremony |
