Vassana and Kathina in the Theravada Tradition -- By Ven Omalpe Sobhita Thero (Religious Advisor, Bodhiraja Buddhist Society)

From the full - moon day in July to that of October, monks in the Theravada tradition observe the Rainy Retreat or Vassana. This practice was laid down by the Buddha and details can be found in the Mahavagga of the Vinaya Pitaka (3rd and 4th chapters).

The rainy retreat was instituted to prevent monks from wandering about and damaging crops and small creatures which are out in abundance during the rainy season. During these three months, monks are expected to reside in one place and not venture out unnecessarily. They should also not spend the night away from their monasteries. Under special circumstances, if a monk has to be away from the monastery, he must take a vow to return within seven days.

The retreat is a time for monks to devote themselves to the study of the Dhamma and meditation. For the devotees, it is also an opportunity to learn the Dhamma from the monks who are located in one place. Hence, it can be considered a good time for spiritual pursuit and development.

At the end of the Vassana season, the monks perform the pavarana which brings to close the observation of the additional precepts during the retreat.

Following this, until the next full-moon day, the Kathina ceremony is held. This practice started because on one occasion after the rainy retreat when the Buddha was staying at Savatthi, some monks came and were drenched by a heavy downpour. Seeing this, the Buddha prescribed the Kathina ceremony for monks after they have completed the Vassana.

Different monasteries will hold the Kathina on different days. During the Kathina ceremony, devotees offer robes to the Sangha or community of monks. Each monk who has observed the retreat is presented with one or more robes. Traditionally, villagers get together and offer a piece of unsewn cloth to the Sangha. The cloth is then cut and sewn into robes by a selected group of monks and distributed all on the same day.

The literal meaning of the Pali word "Kathina"?is strong. The giving of Dana during the Vassana season and the offering of robes is regarded as the most meritorious of all deeds for the laity.

It is said that those involved in the offering of robes will gain merits for numerous rebirths in samsara and will be protected from the cruel elements and poisonous animals. In addition, they will see the coming of the next Buddha and obtain enlightenment. Hence, lay people are encouraged to partake of this significant occasion.

Despite the changes through the years, the Vassana and Kathina tradition are faithfully observed in Theravada temples throughout the world. In Buddhist countries such as Sri Lanka and Burma, and other Theravada Buddhist temples throughout the world, it is the most important event on the calendar. It is a tradition that brings together the monks and lay people, in the giving of Dana, the making of robes and the sharing of the Dhamma.