Expert: Justin Choo - 10/25/2011

Question
Hi my name is Delia Gutierrez and I am doing a paper for my Anthropology class. My topic of choice was Vassa and the ending celebration of Katina. I would greatly appreciate if you could please answer these ten questions regarding my topic:

1. Being that Vassa is practiced during the rainy season in Asia, what months would it be practiced in America. Or do you still practice Vassa during july to october?

2.What are some types of things people give up during Vassa?

3.Is the end of Vassa Katina still practiced in America?

4. How long does Katina last?

5. Are there many festivities during Katina?

6. What is the main lesson to be learned at the end of Vassa?

7. What are monks allowed to do during Vassa?

8. What kind of offerings are appropriate to give monks during the time of Katina?

9. Is extra meditation required to be done not only by monks but also by everyone else?

10. Is Vassa a common practice in America?

This would be greatly appreciated, sincerely,

Delia

Answer
Hi Delia,

(Sorry for the late reply for I had overlooked this mail.)

1. Being that Vassa is practiced during the rainy season in Asia, what months would it be practiced in America. Or do you still practice Vassa during july to october?

Vassa is a traditional Buddhist practice.  It has actually lost its real purpose.  As you know the Buddha advised the monks to stop wandering during the rainy reason around September to November so as to avoid destroying crops and insects unnecessarily.  Nowadays, monks don't wander around.  

I am not in the U S, so I am unable to confirm whether it is practised there.  But from common knowledge, Theravada monks still observe this Vassa period around September and ends around November.

2.What are some types of things people give up during Vassa?
Vassa involves the monks and not the lay Buddhists.  However lay Buddhists help in preparation of food for the monks.


3.Is the end of Vassa Katina still practiced in America?
As I answered in #1.

4. How long does Katina last?
Kathina is celebrated during the last day of the Vassa period, where devotees provide food and new robes to the monks.  The ritual will be the sewing of a special robe to be presented to the most deserving monk.  Of course nowadays it is just a ritual.  Usually devotees will present robes to all the monks.

5. Are there many festivities during Katina?
The main event is the presentation of robes to the monks.  However in different Buddhist countries, Khatina is celebrated with different intensity.  In Thailand it is a very significant event involving the King himself presenting the robe.  
(See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathina )


6. What is the main lesson to be learned at the end of Vassa?
It is an annual event.  The main lesson to learn is the inter-relationship between the devotees and the monks.  The monks give spiritual guidance, while the devotees support the monks in their daily needs for food and lodging.

7. What are monks allowed to do during Vassa?
Monks life is very simple and they spend their time chanting, meditating, give spiritual guidance to the devotees. Nowadays there is no difference whether it is Vassa or otherwise.  Technically, they are supposed to stay in one place and not to travel, which is the only reason for this Vassa.

8. What kind of offerings are appropriate to give monks during the time of Katina?
I think you mean Vassa.  There is no special offerings.  And during the Khatina day, of course the offering of robes.

9. Is extra meditation required to be done not only by monks but also by everyone else?
If you referring to Vassa period, as I said Vassa is just a traditional practice.  Buddhists should not wait for Vassa to put in extra effort.  

10. Is Vassa a common practice in America?
As I said in #1 Theravada monks would observe the Vassa tradition irrespective of where they are located.

Hope this helps.

Wish you success in your educational pursuit.

Justin Choo