On October 27th, LIBMC celebrated Kathina 2024, marking the end of the Rains Retreat – Vassa- where monks stay in one place and enhance their practice for a three-month period. This practice and the ceremony commemorating the end of the period have been followed since the time of the Buddha. During the ceremony, robes are presented to the monks, and lay Devotees also give other gifts of necessities. This form of Dana, or selfless giving, provided during the Kathina Ceremony, has been heralded by the Buddha as the greatest form of merit for the laypeople who participate. It reaffirms their commitment to the Buddha and Sangha and provides the monks with untattered robes for the following year. As such, the Teachings declare that those who engage in such meritorious activities receive many benefits, including rebirth with ample wealth in no less than the human realm and into a wholesome family.
Over 350 Devotees participated in our 2024 Kathina Ceremony and paid homage to the Triple Gem, including 24 Monks who attended. These monks came to LIBMC from New Jersey, Staten Island, Queens, Boston, Connecticut, Hudson Valley, and Ithaca, as well as from Sri Lanka. Dhamma Talks were given in both English and Singhala, and over 25 dishes were served for our lunch. Americans and Sri Lankans and people from Vietnam, Thailand, Canada, and India attended this wonderful community event. We conducted a traditional procession of monks, who walked single-file from a nearby park to the Temple. Thanks to the assistance of many Devotees who prepared the Temple for the ceremony, it went off without a hitch. And a very special than you – Bohoma Stuthi – to our wonderful and generous Donors, who sponsored this important event in Buddhism –
Mr. Shaluka Ediriweera, Mr. Chulaka Gunasekara, Mr. Sajith Siddirikkuge, Mr. Upul Weerakoon, Mr. Isira Samarasekara, Mr. Harsha Rajapaksha, Mr. Sarath Meepagala, Mr. Amila Ilangasekara, Mr. Bernad Goonawardene, Mr. Asanga Ediriweera, Mr. & Mrs. Kathey with members of the families.
As always, this ceremony was a community effort that demonstrated the power and ability of working together as a team to actualize the Dhamma and venerate the Supreme Buddha. May all beings be well, happy, and peaceful.
With Metta,
Bhante Kottawe Nanda.
