Kathina Celebration at Wat Pleng Klang Suan
Buddhists celebrate Kathina (Katien), usually pronounced Ka-tin, on the first full moon after the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa). At this festival, devotees bring offerings to the temple. Robes are the most common offering as are money to support the temple, and baskets of personal items for the monks’ daily use. Perhaps you remember our blog about Kratien in Myanmar.
When Khun Boon and Khun Aom invited me to attend a Kathina celebration at a small local temple, I was excited. I first met and became good friends with them back in Los Angeles, many years ago, –Way back when FaceBook was on a cave wall, instead of the internet!
First off, Boon introduced me to the abbot of Wat Pling Klang Suan, Phra Kru Bhavanadhiravorakun. Phra Kru Bhavanadhiravorakun is a revered teacher of meditation and abbot of Wat Pling Klang Suan. I think you can sense his calmness and inner peace in this photo. If you can understand Thai, the temple has meditation classes for laypeople. You can find more information about them on Facebook Here.
Kathina Flags
I saw flags on display and was curious about the symbolism behind the crocodile. Aom explained that the crocodile is a big animal with a large mouth, meaning it never has enough to eat. This represents “desire.” Some human beings are greedy and never have enough. Their desire is endless, which brings Dukkha (suffering). People love to take home a Kathina flag with a crocodile on it. They believe that this crocodile flag will bring them luck and prosperity.
Kathina Offerings
The photo above shows money, robes, and baskets of personal necessities that were brought as offerings.
The money that is collected is presented as a Kathina tree. In other words, money does appear to grow on trees in amazing Thailand!
First, Some Greetings and Prayers
Soon, the audience assembled and said prayers as a group. Everyone was certainly in high spirits and dressed in their finery. I should mention that Buddhists don’t pray to a Creator God but instead meditate and extend loving-kindness to all beings.
Time for the Kathina Procession!
Subsequently, everyone picked up their offerings that they had brought and headed outside. A band led a procession around the temple three times. I believe the music was Bats Eating Bananas, a classic Thai tone poem if you will. Until I can edit my 180º movie, the movie from my phone will serve as a placeholder.
Back Inside the Assembly Hall
After returning to the assembly hall, large donations were tallied and the total announced by the abbot. Next, each attendee brought up their offerings and presented it to the monks. After giving their offerings, they went outside for lunch.
Time for Refreshments
There were many different food vendors who donated the food free of charge, as their personal Kathina offering. My friends Boon and Aom aren’t big fans of being photographed with my lens, but their interaction with the fish cake vendor was too good not to capture!
In short, there was almost every kind of Thai food you can imagine. I had the fish cakes that were excellent, in fact, the best I’ve ever tasted! Afterward, I finished off the meal with handmade coconut ice cream.
Final Blessings
A short while later, Phra Kru Bhavanadhiravorakun made his way around the temple grounds, bestowing a blessing to all. His delight and good sense of humor were readily apparent. Finally, it was time for us to leave and time for me to get to work, creating this blog, which I hope you enjoyed. If I’ve made any errors or omissions, please don’t hesitate to let me know!
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