Kathina
| Kathina | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Kathin; Kathina |
| Practice type | Religious practice |
| Usual occasion | October or November |
| Subjects | Religion & Spiritual Life |
Kathina is a religious practice practised in Cambodia and Khmer communities. (Mfa.Go)
Practice
Lay Buddhists bring robes or fabric to a pagoda for monks who have completed the Rains Retreat. Offerings may include three types of monastic clothing: robes, chivor, and multi-layered cloth. The ceremony can include chanting, blessings, a Dhamma talk, alms-giving, shared food, a procession around the vihara, music, dancing, and fundraising through decorated money trees. (Mfa.Go; Thecbswa)
History
Kathina is described as a Pali term for the wooden frame formerly used to measure and hold robe fabric while it was sewn. The practice is associated with the end of Vassa, the rainy-season retreat, and is presented in the supplied accounts as a longstanding annual Cambodian festival held for hundreds of years. (Mfa.Go; Thecbswa)
Variations
In Cambodia, Kathina is described as having two forms: Kathin Tussang, involving folded white cloth to be sewn into the required garments, and Kathin Chivavang, in which the materials are already sewn. Accounts differ on whether all three garments are required, while local celebrations also vary in their processions, music, food, and fundraising activities. (Mfa.Go; Thecbswa)
Communities and practitioners
Cambodian lay Buddhists and Buddhist monks observe the practice at pagodas in cities, towns, and villages. Thai and Cambodian communities also participate in royal Kathina ceremonies at Cambodian temples, including temples of the Maha Nikaya and Dhammayuttika Nikaya traditions. (Mfa.Go; Thecbswa)