The Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism on the outskirts of Hanoi has recently hosted a solemn re-enactment of the Kathina Robe Offering ritual, a sacred Theravada Buddhist ceremony observed by the Khmer ethnic community, with origins tracing back to the time of the Buddha.
On this occasion, lay followers gather at the temple to offer four necessities, including robes, to Buddhist monks. A central offering in the ritual is the large ceremonial candles, which are lit and kept burning throughout the monks’ three-month rains retreat.
Held just before the monks enter their annual retreat during the rainy season, the ceremony includes the presentation of the robe, which monks are permitted to receive and wear during the retreat. The ritual also features sermons, chanting, and the dedication of merit, fostering a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
During the event, Venerable Thich Kim Tue, abbot of the Khmer Buddhist temple, delivers a Dharma talk on, encouraging followers to live righteously in accordance with the Buddha’s teachings that are cultivating good deeds and avoiding harm. He also shares the profound meaning and spiritual merit of offering robes during the rains retreat, highlighting the virtue of generosity.
In a respectful and devout atmosphere, devotees chant sutras, pay homage to the Triple Gem, and express their faith, reverence, and commitment to the Dharma through solemn acts of worship.
Following the Dharma talk, lay followers offer the four necessities (robes, food, medicine and shelter) to the monastic community, demonstrating their heartfelt devotion and support for the monks throughout their retreat.
Devotees offer robes, flowers, medicine, vegetarian food, and other essential items, expressing appreciation to the monastics for their diligent practice during the retreat.
Observed annually in the sixth lunar month, the Kathina Robe Offering ritual is regarded as a sacred, dignified, and meaningful ritual, deeply rooted in Khmer Buddhist heritage.
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