The Robe Offering Ceremony (Kathina) is a joyous occasion where the monastic and lay Buddhist communities come together to celebrate their shared commitment to the Buddha’s teachings.
It is one of the most meritorious deeds commended by the Buddha, traditionally held at the end of the Three-Month Rains Retreat (Vassa).
On Sunday, 3 November 2024, our young Torchbearers (Kids and Tweens) had their own mini-Kathina celebration. First, they learned about the significance of Kathina in a class together. Then, each Torchbearer wrote a heartfelt thank-you card to Bhante, expressing gratitude for the Dhamma teachings they’ve received. Finally, the Torchbearers and their families jointly offered requisites to Bhante.
The Torchbearers are excited to start puja.
Torchbearers preparing to start puja.
Puja procession.
Offering incense, lights, and flowers to the Buddha.
Offering incense, lights, and flowers to the Buddha.
Lesson on the significance of Kathina in Buddhism.
Dhamma teachers assisting Torchbearers with the craft activity.
Torchbearers individually writing thank you notes (craft activity) to Bhante.
Thank you notes to Bhante from the Torchbearers.
Waiting for the Kathina ceremony to begin.
Preparing to offer robes to Bhante.
Three student representatives from the Torchbearer class offering robes to Bhante.
Bhante addressing the Torchbearers.
Offering of robes to Bhante.
Torchbearers and their families offering requisites to Bhante.
Torchbearers and their families offering requisites to Bhante.
Torchbearers and their families offering requisites to Bhante.
Torchbearers and their families offering requisites to Bhante.
Torchbearers and their families offering requisites to Bhante.
Torchbearers and their families offering requisites to Bhante.
Requisites from Torchbearers and their families.
Ven. K. Rathanasara conducting the blessing service for Torchbearers and their families.