Significance of Kathina

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In Pali, Kathina literally means unshakable or immovable. The merits accrued in offering this kind of rob is unshakable by the other small demerits. Whenever the donors of Kathina Robe enjoy the results of these meritorious deeds in Samsara, the other small demerits - except the Five Weighty Karmas cannot interrupt or cannot shake its effect just like the great Earth or Mount Meru cannot be shaken by the wind. Therefore, it is called "Kathina".

In Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, the annual offering of Kathina Robes has assumed a great auspicious significance and this religious function receives even the Royal Patronage and favour. As such, devotees for this important annual occasion with great enthusiasm to take part in the celebration.

Kathina Robe cannot be accepted by all monks. Only monks who had received Higher Ordination and observe the Vassa or Rains Retreat for three months can accept the Kathina Robe. Those who are novices, those who have broken the Vassa and those who have ignored the observance of Vassa are not eligible to receive this Kathina Robe.

The Kathina Robe also cannot be accepted by an individual monk himself. The donors offer the Robe to the Sangha - the Community of Monks. Therefore, according to the Vinaya - Disciplinary Rules, there must be at least five Higher Ordained monks to receive the Kathina Robe.

Upon receiving the Robe, the Sangha will assemble in a Sima (Chapter House for Reciting Vinaya Rules) and unanimously choose an appropriate monk to receive this precious Robe.

A Bhikkhu who is bound by the numerous disciplinary rules in his life time is also entitled to get a little relaxation or remission from minor rules, only for a few months after receiving the Kathina Robe. The donors of the Kathina Robe shall receive an immeasurable merit which will lead him to attain the Final Emancipation after enjoying the heavenly and human bliss in Samsara i.e. the Cycle of Birth and Death.

Unlike the other meritorious deeds, the offering of Kathina Robe cannot be performed at any time, but only within 30 days that is, from the Full Moon Day of October to the Full Moon Day of November, can this offering be carried out.

Even on the same day and only in one place, one Kathina Robe can be offered. Therefore, the offering of Kathina Robe is a very rare significance and golden opportunity for devotees to accumulate a great merit.

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