Kathina Service

As mentioned in my previous entry the many monastery traditions in Theravada Cambodian Buddhism are eye openers in a fascinating way.  I grew up in the Mahayana Japanese Buddhist tradition so I find many of the contrasting traditions in Theravada Buddhism especially interesting. For one thing, Japanese Buddhist monks are generally called reverends and do not follow a monastic order. In addition they are able to marry, have children, drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and live a normal life (to all that are appalled by this, they are the equivalent to Protestant pastors).

The monks here are not even allowed to buy their own food nor their own robes. Their robes are given to the community in the annual Kathina ceremony following the Vassa period. Again, I follow the Mahayana tradition so I apologize if there are any discrepancies in my explanations. Most of my knowledge in Buddhism comes from my youth days in Sunday Dharma school at my local Japanese American temple in San Francisco!

Buddhism stems from India in which there is a distinctive Monsoon season. During this time it makes it hard for travel, hence Buddha designated this period to stay in one place and concentrate on meditation and religious studies. Many lay people also dedicate this period to strengthening their faith, abstaining from meat and intoxicants. The Kathina ceremony marks the end of this period and as a form of appreciation to the monks, they lay people offer new robes.




Since 95% of the Cambodian population is Theravada Buddhist, Cambodian society is concomitant with the religion in everyday life. Many people gathered at the temple from early morning to celebrate. As our supervisors are monks, we volunteers were also coordially invited to participate. It was an amazing experience walking along with the community in procession around town to hold the robes that were going to be offered.

Carrying "gift sets" for the monks

 

 

Each "gift set" includes a robe, soap, toothbrush, water, snacks, and of course coke.

 

 

 

The golden baskets the ladies have are robes

 

 

 

The PAGE girls also attended the ceremony since it was a school holiday

 

 

Everyone gathered for the procession to start

 

Lay ladies in pretty attire

 

We circled around the temple and Old Market area

 

 

 

Smiling nuns totally make my day

 

Let's follow the drummers and dancers to the main prayer hall!

 

 

 

Oops, fixing my "head attire"!

 

 

 

Robes presented to the monks