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FEATURES | EASTERN HORIZON 47

Ajahn Sumedho (pix from Amaravati Buddhist Monastery is situated in rural Hertfordshire and the original wooden
Amaravati website) buildings were dated from 1930s. (Picture taken from Amaravati website)

The Kaṭhina celebration, which Paritta chanting or blessings by day offers plenty of opportunities
comes at the end of vassa, the three- the Saṅgha which is then followed for Dhamma reflections. Firstly,
month rainy season retreat for by the offering of food known as we can practice dāna or the virtue
Theravāda Buddhist monastics, piṇḍapāta. The lay followers would of generosity. Dāna is not just an
is an occasion when lay devotees normally queue to offer rice and action, but also a state of mind. Do
bring donations to temples, other types of food to the monastic we always have the intention to give
especially new robes for the monks. community. After lunch, everyone and help? We are not just donating
At Amaravati the Kaṭhina ceremony gathers in the temple when the materials to the monastery but also
is simple, and yet it serves as a Royal Kaṭhina Robe, cloth and other offering our kindness, mindfulness,
very important reminder about requisites are offered to the Saṅgha. wisdom, and emotional and
our Dhamma practice. Early in the A senior monk would then give a spiritual support to each other. Dāna
morning, many devotees would talk on Buddhism (Dhamma Talk). is the medicine that the Buddha
drive in from different parts of the gives to counteracts and diminishes
country, wearing their best-looking Kathina is a day where the monastic our greed and attachment; so it is
traditional clothes and bringing Saṅgha and lay followers would an occasion for us to check if our
food and other requisites to offer come together and work together. mind is getting greedier. Secondly,
the Saṅgha, or monastic community. Can we see the Dhamma behind it is a wonderful day to practice
The celebration always start with all these activities? In fact, Kathina the pāramī of patience, because

Kaṭhina Day – the monastic and lay communities come together to make Paritta chanting by the Saṅgha
things happen.