Significance of Kathina

Kathina is a significant aspect of Theravada Buddhism, encompassing both a ceremonial robe crafted by Bhikkhus and a ceremonial event dedicated to offering new robes to monastics. The making of Kathina robes adheres to specific methods of sewing and handling, ensuring their ceremonial importance. The event itself serves as a moment for the lay community to express generosity and support towards the monastic community, reinforcing the bond between practitioners and monastics within the tradition.1
gallery thumb

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Kathina'

Buddhism Books

Kathina in Buddhism signifies a ceremonial event where new robes are offered to monastics, as well as a special robe crafted by Bhikkhus, following particular sewing and handling traditions.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) Kathina is the name of the ceremony that marks the beginning of the Bhikkhu's journey to obtain his share of the robes and to determine where the robe will be made.[1] (2) A ceremonial event in the Buddhist tradition associated with the offering of new robes to monastics.[2]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara

(1) A practice noted for not having any associated offences.[3] (2) A Buddhist privilege related to the robes and the specific rules around their usage.[4]

From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga

(1) A ceremonial robe made by the Bhikkhus, which required specific methods for sewing and handling.[5]

From: Vinaya (1): The Patimokkha

(1) This is a practice observed by the Bhikkhu, after which certain rules regarding the possession and management of robes come into effect.[6]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Kathina'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Kathina, derived from "Daruna," signifies something difficult to endure. It connects to the condition of Darunaka, emphasizing the challenges and struggles inherent in certain spiritual or life experiences.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) This is a term derived from the word Daruna, meaning difficult to bear or tolerate, and is related to the condition of Darunaka.[7]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.