Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony 2024

Annual Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony of the Oxford Buddhist Society

As per the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, Buddhist monks would observe the Rains Retreat (Vassa) when the environment is entering the rains in July; whilst spreading compassion and loving kindness towards the whole nature - this time is particularly dedicated for learning and practising the Dhamma - to attain the supreme bliss of peace and freedom, aka Nibbāna. For the sake of ascension of everyone’s spirituality, we continue to put effort to develop and support societal welfare - by conducting a series of mindfulness and insight meditation practices, open discussion forums, and other close-knit spiritual practices focused on enhancing human inner well-being, during this three-month holy period (July-October).

Eventually, whilst remarking the end of Rains Retreat in October, we annually organise the Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony echoed down the ages - as one of the most prominent meritorious deeds in Buddhism. In line with this historical Buddhist Monastic Code, Oxford Buddhist Society will also hold its first robe offering ceremony in November.

A Mindful Invitation

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On the dawn of Esala Full-Moon Poya Day, the traditional invitation and other relevant customary deeds related to the observance of Rains Retreat were well performed out of compassion and loving-kindness - driving upon the Theravāda monastic code echoed through the ages.

The second Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony will devotedly be sponsored by Dr Dimithu Weerasuriya, Mrs Mayuri Weerasuriya and family & Dr Rajintha Malavige, Dr Ridma Jayaratne and family - along with their close-knit friends in Oxford.

Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony 2024

Date: Saturday 2nd November 2024

Time: 8am to 3pm

Venue: The Cherwell School North Site, Marston Ferry Rd, Oxford, OX2 7EE

~ We humbly invite you to join us for our second Annual Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony. ~

For ways to support us this year, please see below.

Dates assigned for family sponsors holding the Kaṭhina Robe at home (before the main ceremony)*:

17/10/24 (Evening) - 20/10/24 (Afternoon) - Mr Tilak Anthony (Oxford)
20/10/24 (Evening) - 26/10/24 (Afternoon) - Dr Rajintha Malavige (Oxford)
26/10/24 (Evening) - 02/11/24 (Afternoon) - Dr Dimuthu Weerasuriya (Oxford)

*If you are willing to partake in any of the dates above, please contact either the following:

Tel: +44 7956410489 (Mr Tilak Anthony), +44 7938 868983 (Dr Rajintha Malavige), +44 7788 823378 (Dr Dimuthu Weerasuriya)
Email: info@oxfordbuddhistsociety.org

A Reflection on the Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony 2023

Last year, on the 12th November 2023, we were humbly honoured to have held our Annual Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony. The day gave us rejuvenation to not only denote the end of the Buddhist monks' observation of the Rains Retreat (Vassa), as per the Theravada Buddhist Monastic Code, but to also embrace the pillars of mindfulness, spirituality and community.