Ambassador hands over robes on behalf of King Bhumibol

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THE Thai Buddhist Chetawan temple in Petaling Jaya recently welcomed a royal delegation for the Annual Kathina ceremony with all the pomp and splendour accorded to the King of Thailand.

The King was represented by Thai ambassador Thana Duangratana during the auspicious event.

The Kathina ceremony is a tradition started by Lord Buddha for the welfare of the Sangha more than 2,500 years ago. The Kathina is a Pali word for a frame used for sewing robes in India at the time.

“It is celebrated at the end of the Rains-Retreat (Vassa) when monks emerge after three months of retreat within a monastery or temple to learn their scriptures,” monk Chittasupho said.

According to Buddhist scriptures, a group of 30 monks set out from Pava in Kosala to Savathi to observe the Vassa with the Buddha.

Special delivery: Ambassador Thana Duangratana presenting offerings to chief monk Phra Khru Sophitchariyaporn.

Due to heavy rains, they did not reach in time and were forced to perform the Vassa at Sankitta.

“When they finally met the Buddha, their robes were soiled and worn out, so He declared that monks who completed the Vassa will be permitted to receive fresh robes at the end of Vassa,” he explained.

This year, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand consented to send Royal Kathina Robes as an offering to the Sangha.

At the start of the ceremony, the ambassador was ushered in accompanied by a large congregation including traditional Thai dancers from the Thai-Kedah border.

As he walked into the main hall, he was welcomed by a slight drizzle which the Thai people believe is common during an event held for the King of Thailand.

During the event, the ambassador handed the Royal Kathina Robes to the Chief Monk, Phra Khru Sophitchariyaporn, which the monks later blessed.

Then a small prayer was recited to bless the King, the people and the Thai nation as well.

Also present during the ceremony were former ambassador Suchitra Hiranprueck and Senator A. Kohilan Pillay.

After the royal offerings, the common folk thronged the main temple hall to give out their donations and Kathina Robes to the 11 participating monks.

The temple also received donations worth RM55,788 out of which RM20,000 was donated by the King himself.

Devotees also were treated to a scrumptious vegetarian lunch before the prayers started.