Lzh Mu Bi Vb Np 1The Robe-Making Season
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kathina
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THE KATHINA CEREMONY SUTTA
Background
Kathina is one of the most important ceremonies in the Theravāda monastic tradition. The name Kathina (Pāli: Kathina) refers to the stiff frame used to stretch cloth in the process of making robes, but the term later expanded to refer to the whole communal ceremony involving the Saṅgha and lay devotees in cutting and sewing robe-cloth for monastics after the rains retreat (Vassa).
The origin of Kathina is closely connected with the history of monastic practice in early Buddhism. According to the Vinaya texts, in the time of Buddha Śākyamuni, monastics had to observe strict regulations concerning the period during which robes could be possessed. During the rainy season (Vassa), the Saṅgha gathered in one place for concentrated practice, since they could not wander about. At the end of this season, they could receive new robes that had been sewn and prepared during that time. Kathina is precisely the ceremony for formally acknowledging these robes and recognizing the lay devotees’ contribution to the practice of the Saṅgha.
Main Content
Kathina is related to three main elements in the Pāli Canon. First is the time of performance: Kathina must be held within one month after the end of Vassa. Second is the material: a piece of cloth is formally offered, usually by lay devotees, to the Saṅgha, then cut and sewn into a robe with simple tools. This cloth must be cut and completed in a single day, from early morning until sunset, expressing the focus and purposeful cooperation of the Saṅgha.
Third, the Kathina process includes moments of reflection (paccavekkhana) for the lay donors who have offered merit. These lay donors receive special benefits from their meritorious act, including the right for robes to be distributed fairly and to enjoy other special privileges within the monastic community.
Kathina also prescribes that after the ceremony takes place, each monk is permitted to keep one additional robe beyond those normally allowed. This expresses the flexibility of the Vinaya in responding to the practical needs of monastics.
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