The annual “Katina Pinkama” of Bhavana Society, the leading Buddhist meditation center and forest monastery in West Virginia was held on Saturday, Oct 6, 2012 under the patronage of the Chief Incumbent Most Venerable Agga Maha Panditha Henepola Gunaratana Nayake Thero.

The religious activities included Buddha Puja – offering to Lord Buddha, all-night Pirith chanting, almsgiving to Maha Sanga and the Katina Cheewra Pujava – offering of robes for the monks in residence at the temple for the “rainy season”.

The vice abbot of the temple Ven. Thalgaswawe Seelananda Thero during his discourse opined that this year’s katina ceremony was significant as the monastery celebrates its 30th anniversary as well as the 85th Birthday of the founder the Ven. Henepola Gunaratana Nayake Thero.

He also thanked the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington for providing the necessary material support for the event. Ven. Gunaratana Nayake Thero who is indisposed, administered “Pansil” – the five precepts, communicating via Skype. Ven. Katugastota Uparatana Nayake Thero and Ven. Peradeniya Sathi Thero conducted Dhamma sermons before the commencement of Pirith chanting.

The Pirith chanting was followed by an alms-giving ceremony offered to 30 Buddhists monks on the following day.

Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya, Mrs. Priyanga Wickramasuriya and the Embassy staff members were among the large and pious gathering present on the occasion.