IBC Celebrates the Kaṭhina Robe Offering Ceremony - 2025
Reported By: Jason Robbins
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The International Buddhist College (IBC) held its annual Kaṭhina robe offering ceremony, which is one of the most significant events in the Theravāda Buddhist calendar. The event attracted a large gathering of local Thai Buddhists, IBC students, lecturers, and guests, and was celebrated with great dignity and devotion on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
The Kaṭhina robe offering ceremony commemorates the completion of the three-month rains retreat (Vassa). It is a highly meritorious occasion for lay Buddhists, offering them a precious opportunity to earn merit by presenting robes and other requisites to the monastic community.
For the monastics, Kaṭhina holds both practical and symbolic significance. Practically, it enables the Bhikkhu Saṅgha to receive essential requisites such as robes and offerings. Symbolically, it represents the mutual dependence between lay and monastic communities. This reciprocal relationship was beautifully demonstrated at IBC.
The ceremony began with a procession and the recitation of sacred Pāli verses in devotion to the Triple Gem as Ven. Zhen Sheng, Director of the Rector’s Office and in charge of the Office of Administration, inaugurated the session by striking the sacred bell and offering candlelight, whereas Ven. Ajahn Somphon, Abbot of Wat Suan Dhammasakol and Director-cum-Meditation Master of the Dynamic Meditation Centre in Hat Yai, offered incense. Subsequently, offerings from the followers were presented by Ven. Kempho Rangdrol, an honorable lecturer at IBC, along with Ajahn Phraathikan Sanong Dhammavota, Abbot of Wat Na Thom in Phatthalung, to the Triple Gem.
After paying homage to the Triple Gem, the lay devotees were invited to undertake the Five Precepts. The hall resonated with the chanting of Pāli verses after the undertaking Five Precepts, stating:
"Sīlena sugatiṁ yanti,
Sīlena bhogasampadā;
Sīlena nibbutiṁ yanti,
Tasmā sīlaṁ visodhaye"
“Through precepts, people attain heavenly bliss,
Through precepts, people gain wealth;
Through precepts, people attain Nibbāna,
Therefore, let them purify their precepts.”
Following the recitation, Venerable Dipananda Bhikkhu, who administered the precepts, was invited by the host to deliver a Dhamma Talk. In his discourse, he explained the historical and spiritual significance of offering Kaṭhina robes to monastic members who have completed the three-month rains retreat since the time of the Buddha. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants for their sincere devotion and active involvement, sharing his accumulated merits with all devotees who support IBC, including the founder and council chairman, Ven. Dr. Wei Wu, along with the Directors and members of IBC.
The highlight of the day was the offering of the Kaṭhina robes. On behalf of IBC and the lay devotees, Dr. Lang Heping, the Dean of the Graduate School of IBC, was invited to come forward and respectfully present the robes to the monastic community. Approximately two dozen monastic members, seated on stage, received the offerings with serene composure and gratitude.
The ceremony concluded with chanting and the transference of merit, which was conducted sequentially in Pāli, Chinese, and Tibetan. Many lay attendees, possibly hearing Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist chants for the first time, were deeply moved by the melodious sounds that filled the multipurpose hall.
Before the formal closing, Ven. Zhen Sheng offered a vote of thanks to all participants, benefactors, and organizers for their support and presence, and shared the merits for their well-being. The event concluded with a group photo session by the program's MC, Mr. Siak, followed by a vegetarian lunch graciously arranged by IBC for all attendees.
