The Rainy Retreat (Vassāna or Vas) of this year will end on the full moon of October. Then we get the opportunity to conduct the Katina ceremony in which a special robe, which is called Katina, is prepared and offered to monks together with other robes and requisites. This ceremony marks the symbiotic relationship between monks and lay practitioners. It is also an event that expresses lay followers’ gratitude to monks for their dedication and guidance. Katina ceremony is considered as the most rewarding meritorious act in the Buddhist tradition since it requires three-month long practice and preparation.
This year two monks have observed the Rainy Retreat in the Pittsburgh Buddhist Center. Now the PBC is preparing to conduct this year Katina ceremony. The Devotees & Friends from Ohio are the main sponsors for this year ceremony. All devotees and friends are invited to take part in organizing this ceremony. A congregation of monks from different states will come to our center to accept the offerings and to conduct the Katina ceremony.