Buddhist Exchange Enhances Friendship: FGS New York Temple Participates in Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony

【Reported by Qing Zhu】

To uphold the Humanistic Buddhism philosophy advocated by the founder, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, Fo Guang Shan New York Temple values international exchange and cultural inclusion, actively promote understanding and cooperation among different Buddhist lineages. On November 1, Venerable You Lin, Abbess of the FGS New York Temple, and Venerable Miao Chu together with BLIA New York Chapter Director Chen Hui Min and Localization Committee member Zhang Hui attended the "2026 Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony" hosted by the Bangladesh Buddhist Vihara of New York.  They joined monastics and devotees from various states to participate in this grand event, fostering Buddhist exchange and demonstrating a spirit of mutual respect, harmony, and integration.

The event program included sutra chanting for blessings, offerings to the Sangha, teachings by elder monastics, and the dedication of merit. Bhante Mudita, Abbot of the Bangladesh Buddhist Vihara, introduced the history of the Kathina Robe Offering, the evolution of the Precepts, and the merit of generosity.  Amidst solemn sutra chanting, the three robes were carried in a procession by devotees on their heads.  Nearly 500 devotees participated in the event, creating an extraordinary and moving scene.

Bhante Mudita shared the preparation process for this ceremony. The Sangha and the devotees worked together to cut, sew, and dye the kasaya. Through three days and three nights of collaborative effort, they completed the preparations for the kasaya offering. This fully demonstrated the spirit of the monastic and lay communities working in harmony to protect and support the Buddha’s teaching, and it also embodied the philosophy of "collective creation" advocated by Fo Guang Shan. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Bhante specifically called out the names of the female householders, volunteers, and friendly neighbors who participated in the sewing of the kasaya to thank them for their enthusiastic support. He then dedicated the merit of the ceremony to all participants, praying that the assembly would be safe and healthy, and that their merit and wisdom would grow.

Venerable You Lin pointed out that the excellent tradition of the Kathina kasaya offering not only reflects the devotees' respect and gratitude toward the Sangha, but also embodies the profound significance of generosity, cherishing one's blessings, and protecting and supporting the Righteous Dharma. In his address, the Venerable stated that although Southern and Northern Buddhism differ in their historical lineages and practices, they both take the Buddha’s teaching as their guide, jointly practicing the spirit of compassion, wisdom, and benefiting others. He expressed his hope that various Buddhist groups in New York would continue to strengthen their connections, support, respect, and learn from one another, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and friendship through exchange. By consolidating the strength of Buddhism, he hopes to allow Buddhism to exert a more positive influence within the multicultural society of the United States.

Zhang Hui shared that participating in this grand event deepened her understanding of the Southern Buddhist tradition and the Kathina kasaya offering. She also realized that although different Buddhist lineages have different rituals and methods of cultivation, the respect for the Triple Gem and the spirit of compassion, generosity, and protecting and supporting the Buddha’s teaching are universal. Through actual participation and exchange, not only was mutual understanding enhanced, but the philosophy of Fo Guang Shan in promoting Buddhist unity, respect for diversity, and international exchange was also embodied.