What is Kathina?

          “Kathin” is a Pali word for the wooden frame used to measure length and width by which the robes of Buddhist monks are cut, approximately 2 - by 1- meters (originally five by three sok, or 2.5 by 1.5 metres), hence called Kathin robe. In the olden times, monks would make Kathin robes by themselves by sewing together pieces of discarded cloth and dying it. More recently, Kathin robes are sold ready-made. It has become a tradition to present monks with Kathin robes upon the ending of the Buddhist Lent, during which monks are staying inside their temple compound. During a period of four weeks, starting upon the first night of the waning moon of the 11th month and ending with the first night of the waning moon of the 12th month. According to Dhamma precepts, any disciplined monk with older robes than others would be chosen by the monk assembly to receive presents of Kathin robes. Following tradition, Buddhist believers would place Kathin robes before the monks citing the Pali words of offering. This rite is known as Thot Kathin.

Reference

KU Publish Relation. (2012). Kathin “Phra Ratchathan”. Available from: https://www.ku.ac.th

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