Kathina
Kathina is a sacred and joyous event in the Buddhist tradition, observed at the conclusion of the Vassa (Rains Retreat), a three-month monastic retreat that takes place during the monsoon season. Since the year 2000, Santi Forest Monastery has held the Kathina Ceremony annually, usually in October or November.
Understanding Vassa
Vassa, also known as the Rains Retreat, is a traditional three-month period of retreat observed by Theravāda Buddhist monks, nuns, and sometimes lay practitioners. It typically takes place during the rainy season—from the full moon of July to the full moon of October (in the Theravāda calendar).
This practice dates back to the time of the Buddha, who encouraged monks to refrain from wandering during the monsoon season to avoid harming crops, insects, and newly planted rice fields, and to spend the time focusing on Dhamma practice.
This retreat period is both a time of discipline for the Sangha and an opportunity for laypeople to offer regular support through daily alms and service.
Ending Vassa: The Pavarana & Kathina
At the conclusion of the three-month Rains Retreat (Vassa), the Sangha observes a special internal ceremony known as Pavarana. During this gathering, each monk formally invites feedback from fellow monastics regarding any faults they may have committed knowingly or unknowingly during the retreat.
This tradition, established by the Buddha himself, reflects the spirit of humility, honesty, and mutual respect within the monastic community. It strengthens harmony and encourages personal growth.
Following the Pavarana comes the highly anticipated Kathina Ceremony—a cherished and rare opportunity for laypeople to express their support for the monastic Sangha.
What is Kathina originally?
The word Kathina originally refers to a wooden frame used in ancient times for sewing monks’ robes. Today, it symbolizes the lay community’s act of offering a specially prepared robe (Kathina Civara) and other requisites to monks who have completed the full Vassa retreat in one location.
This offering must be done within 30 days after the end of Vassa and can be made only once a year per monastery, either by an individual or a group. Because of its rarity and timing, the Kathina offering is considered one of the most powerful acts of merit in Buddhist tradition.
According to the Pāli Canon, offering a Kathina robe brings abundant blessings for the donor, such as:
Kathina at Santi Forest Monastery
Each year, Santi Forest Monastery hosts the Kathina Ceremony with great joy and reverence. Devotees from all over Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand come to participate in this meritorious event.
During the ceremony:
1.A formal robe-offering procession takes place
2.The Kathina robe is respectfully presented to the Sangha
3.Other requisites (alms food, medicine, toiletries, etc.) are offered
4.Monks conduct chanting, blessings, and Dhamma talks
