Kathina

Abhayagiri Kathina 2024

Please join Luang Por Pasanno, Ajahn Karunadhammo, our abbot Ajahn Nyaniko, Ajahn Cunda and the rest of the Abhayagiri sangha for this year’s Kathina ceremony on Sunday, November 3rd.

Luang Por Viradhammo, the abbot of Tisarana Monastery in Canada will be our honored guest. Everyone is warmly welcome.

The schedule for the day is:
9:30am - Arrive at the Monastery
10:30am - Meal Offering
1:00pm - Kathina Ceremony and Dhamma Talk

Background Information on Kathina
Each year since the time of the Buddha, at the end of the three-month Rains Retreat, the lay community around Buddhist monasteries have gathered to celebrate the completion of the retreat.

This 2,500-year-old tradition is still carried on here in the West in the Theravadan monasteries. It is initiated by a lay supporter or a group of supporters who request to organize the preparation and formal offerings. It is both a significant and joyful occasion that, over time, has become emblematic of the richness of the relationship that exists between the lay people and the monastics. This relationship is characterized by deep bonds of friendship and commitment to mutual support. All year round, the monastery functions solely on offerings from the lay community.