Kathina Robe Ceremony 2009 Speech

November 15th, 2009 · No Comments

Good morning and welcome to Buu Mon Buddhist Temple as we come together to celebrate one of the most important ceremonies in Theravada Buddhism. I am Bhante Kassapa and I welcome The Most Venerable Buddhapala Venerable monks from Florida and Houston our city officials and all of you to our annual Kathina Robe Ceremony.  We are most pleased to have you with us today.

The Kathina Ceremony is an annual event dating back nearly 2600 years, one of the original ceremonies put into place by the Buddha.  Kathina is a special celebration, a ceremony that traditionally marks the end of the three month rainy season which the monks and nuns have spent in a monastery.  In contemporary time it is the expression of the congregation’s appreciation of the contribution the monks have made to the Buddhist community and recognition of the passing of another year of monastic service by the monastics.

The Buddha in his lifetime designed and placed into being a society of monastic and laity.  Each has their own place, position and roles to fulfill.  The monastic’s; monks and nuns duty and role is to live a virtuous life and to teach by word and example the teachings of the Buddha.  The lay people in gratitude for the service and sacrifice made by the monastics, care for the needs of the monks and nuns.

Nowadays it is important for the lay people to offer their support to the temple and the monks in order for us to continue to be the spiritual guides to the Buddhist community and to insure the future of Buddhism as a faith worthy of everyone. In a time when many faiths are facing difficulties and the many people find themselves falling away, Buddhism offers a positive role model.  When we view the teachings of cause and effect along with the practice of meditation and combine it with the easily understandability of the Dhamma, we can offer a middle path for everyone to follow.

The Kathina Robe ceremony is the presentation of traditional Kathina cloth by the Buddhist followers to the members of the Sangha. This year I have been chosen to accept the Kathina cloth on behalf of the venerable monks of Buu Mon Buddhist Temple.

May the Blessings of the Triple Gem:  the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha be with all of you.

I Wish You Peace,

Bhante Kassapa

Bhante Kassapa Bhikkhu
bhante_kassapa@yahoo.com
Buu Mon Temple
Port Arthur, Texas, 77640
409.982.9319