Katina Alms Giving 2016 Saturday November 12th 9.30am

Katina 2012 at Dhammadharini in the USA

Katina 2012 at Dhammadharini in the USA

This year will be our first Katina Alms Giving Festival at Dakkhina Dhammatthala. To be eligible for a Katina robe, there should have been 5 Bhikkhunis staying here, whereas we are lucky to have even one Bhikkhuni! However, the people are still free to have an “Alms Giving Festival” to support and celebrate their one Bhikkhuni. Since it is the wish of the people to do so, then we can and will have a festival here on
Saturday November 12th at 9.30am.

wet monks during the rains

wet monks during the rains

We will begin the day with little Katina Parade with a decorated Umbrella over the cloth offering, which also represents all of the gifts given to the Sangha on this day. After the parade we will have some chanting followed by a Dhamma Talk and friendly discussion. Lunch Dana will be offered to the Monks and Nuns followed by a community shared meal. Please bring a plate to Share.

What is Katina?
The traditional three-month rains-retreat seclusion of Buddhist Saṅgha is followed by Kaṭhina robe and alms offering festival. The katina tradition began when Visakha Migaramātā saw the monks in tattered and worn robes. She asked permission of the Buddha to offer new robes to the monks, and the Buddha granted her request.

Clearly then, the offerings should be things that the monastic community truly needs. Reflecting on what our emerging monastic community needs at this time, I am immediately struck by our urgent need for accommodation.  So I would encourage you to make a katina donation towards the two kutis that we need. This can be funds towards the purchase, or additional items that will be needed to finish and furnish the kutis.

250px-8buddha2I have put together a list here. As people decide what they would like to donate I will mark it off the list, so that we do not have duplicates. You can indicate your wish by leaving a comment at the foot of the list page, or by contacting me directly.

You can email me at ven.santacari[at]gmail[dot]com
or telephone me on +61 401 080 953.

The Buddha said: “The donor,
before giving,  is glad;
while giving, is inspired;
and after giving, is gratified.
These are the three factors of the donor…”
AN 6.37

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