A Sacred Meeting of Two Masters at the Land of Enlightenment

The 17th Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony at Buddhagaya Bana Vihara, Bodh Gaya

A moment of deep spiritual significance unfolded at Bodh Gaya, the sacred land where the Buddha attained Enlightenment, during the 17th Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony held on 25 November 2023 at Mahabodhi Temple. This auspicious occasion was marked by the sacred meeting of Most Venerable Nandapala Mahāthera, Founder and Supreme Patriarch of the International Sadhananandapala Banavihara Foundation (ISBF), and Most Venerable Thích Trúc Thái Minh, Deputy Chairman of the Central Committee of International Buddhism & Information and Communication of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and Abbot of Ba Vang Pagoda, Vietnam.

Their meeting at the land of Enlightenment symbolized the unity of Buddhist traditions across nations and the shared commitment to preserving and propagating the Buddha Dhamma. In a spirit of wisdom and compassion, the two venerable masters exchanged reflections and insights, strengthening spiritual bonds and reaffirming the timeless values of Buddhism that continue to guide countless beings worldwide.

The Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony was witnessed by revered monks from India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand, Australia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and Laos, with more than 2,000 Buddhists from around the world gathering in devotion. The presence of the international Saṅgha and lay followers reflected the living strength of the Buddha’s teachings and the harmony fostered through shared faith and practice.

On this sacred occasion, at the invitation of Buddhagaya Bana Vihara, Thầy Thích Trúc Thái Minh delivered a profound Dhamma discourse based on the Buddha’s words from the Dhammapada:

“By oneself is evil done,By oneself is one defiled. By oneself is evil left undone,By oneself is one made pure.Purity and impurity depend on oneself;No one can purify another.”

Through this teaching, Thầy reminded everyone of personal responsibility on the path—encouraging mindfulness in thought, speech, and action, and the cultivation of wholesome qualities to create a peaceful and harmonious world.

The Kathina ceremony, one of the most important traditions in Theravāda Buddhism, marks the conclusion of the monastic rainy retreat (Vassa). Through the offering of robes and requisites to the Saṅgha, devotees cultivate generosity, gratitude, and shared merit, renewing their spiritual commitment and strengthening the bond between monastics and lay followers.

May this sacred gathering and the meeting of two venerable masters at the land of Enlightenment bring lasting harmony, deeper understanding, and the continued flourishing of the Buddha Dhamma for the welfare and happiness of all beings. 🙏