The Tradition of Kathina​

​Each year since the time of the Buddha, at the end of the three-month "rainy season", the lay community around every Buddhist monastery has gathered to celebrate the end of the season and to offer to the monastic community gifts of cloth and supplies that will be useful for the coming year.

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, the Almsgiving will be held on Sunday, October 4th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. For the full program, see our Kathina 2021 page. If you'd like to contribute to the Almsgiving, please visit the  sponsors' Go Fund Me page, the Kathina Dana Wish List or the financial contribution page. 
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