The Tradition of Kathina​

Each year since the time of the Buddha, at the end of the three-month Rains Retreat, the lay community around every Buddhist monastery has gathered to celebrate the completion of the retreat and to offer to the monastic community gifts of cloth and supplies that will be useful for the coming year. The cloth is then cut, sewn and dyed to make a robe on that day to offer to one of the Saṅgha.  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 acknowledging the relationship of friendship and mutual support between the lay people and the monastics.  All year round, the monastery functions solely on offerings from the lay community.

This year, we are very grateful that the laypeople have offered to host another Kathina at KBV.  We're very glad to have monastics from several monasteries attending. We hope you can join us beginning at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 27th for the celebration. If you'd like to contribute to the Kathina, please visit the Kathina Wish List or the financial contribution page. 
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​Important Parking Notice
Out of consideration for our neighbors, we encourage everyone (who is able) to park at Edith Landels Elementary School (115 W Dana St) for this event.
Please use the two spaces (next to each other) in front of the garage at the vihara only for unloading.