Meaning of Kathina

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In the commentary to the Kathinakkhandaka (Section on Kathina) of the Vinaya Pitaka, kathina is defined as a concept of conglomeration which means bringing things together. It is a concept that arises because of certain things that come together. For example:
  1. A Bhikkhu/s (Buddhist monk/s) who has/have spent the first vassa;
  2. A Sangha (Community of Bhikkhus) comprising at least five bhikkhus;
  3. Robe season (the Kathina month) - first month after the end of the first vassa i.e. final month of the rainy season;
  4. A rightfully acquired robe - the robe to be donated must not be requested by a member of the Sangha, nor must any hint be given for the robe to be offered, rather the robe must be offered spontaneously by the donor.
These are some criterias that come together for the concept of kathina to arise.

In fact, two meanings of kathina are given in the Vinaya Commentaries:
  1. A frame used during the Buddha's time for sewing double layered robes together. The edges of one robe were fixed to the sides of the frame, while another piece of robe was sewn on top of it. It probably looks like a giant silk screen frame. But that is not the kathina we are talking about. There is another meaning of the word kathina;
  2. In our present context, it means firmness, stability and durability because it has the power of providing the five privileges mentioned above, i.e. making these five privileges, firm and stable for a relatively long time for the eligible monks.
SPREADING THE KATHINA

For the kathina ceremony to be a success, the Sangha must spread the kathina. Though many may be familiar with the kathina ceremony where the offering of robes are made to the Sangha, they may not be familiar with the phrase "to spread the kathina". What does this mean?

When we say to "spread the kathina". it does not mean that we take the kathina cloth and spread it on the floor. Further illustration: When you take a mat and spread it on the floor, you are sharing the benefit of the mat with other people, so that they can also make use of it, isn't it so?

In the same way, when the Sangha "spreads the kathina", it means that the monk who spreads the kathina is sharing these five privileges with the other eligible bhikkus participating in the kathina ceremony, making the privileges available, firm and stable for an extended period of time.

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