On Sunday, 19 October 2025, Cape Town Meditation Centre joyfully held its Annual Kathina Robe Offering Ceremony, to raise funds for the renovation of the monks’ residence.
This year’s event was truly heartwarming — more than 200 Thai and South African devotees gathered together with faith and devotion.
The day began in a bright and peaceful atmosphere. Participants dressed in pure white joined the ceremony with radiant smiles. The celebration started with a beautiful parade, carrying the elegant Kathina robe, adorned with colorful flowers, the flags of South Africa and Thailand, monks’ robes, and offerings.
When the procession arrived at the ceremonial area, devotees respectfully presented the Kathina robe to the monastic community.
This year’s principal donors included:
🌼 Mrs. Pajanan & Miss Pojana Sreeapai
🌼 Dr. Apirut, Atchavee & Arrattiya Thongwat
🌼 Mr. Chakkrit Osaythai from Thailand — generous supporters who value the spreading of inner peace and harmony across nations, serving as a bridge of goodwill between Thai and African friends.
We were also honored to have the South African Kathina donors, led by Mr. Jean Pool and Mr. Matthew Pretorius, along with many more who joined their hearts in this act of merit. Their sincere wish is to see more of their fellow Africans come and experience the peace and joy that meditation brings.
After the vibrant procession came to rest, a peaceful silence embraced the hall. Everyone gently closed their eyes, relaxed their bodies, and brought their minds to stillness together — ending the day in serene unity and joy.
After the meditation session, everyone’s body, speech, and mind had become calm and pure — ready to receive great merit.
With hearts filled with faith and reverence, the principal donors came forward to recite the offering verses of the Kathina robe, followed by the monastic Sangha performing the Pha-diang Song (Informing the Sangha of the Intention to Offer the Kathina Robe) and Apalokana Kathina (The Formal Announce of the Allocation of the Kathina Robe) ceremonies in full harmony.
The offering of Thaidhamma and alms food then followed, beautifully chanted in Pali, English, and Thai, each word expressing deep respect and joy.
Toward the end of the ceremony, Mr. Ekapol Poolpipat, the Royal Ambassador from the Thai Embassy in Pretoria, led a heartfelt aspiration and blessing, before all principal donors, co-donors, and lay devotees together offered their contributions and requisites to the Sangha with pure and devoted hearts.
The next part of the event was a special congratulatory ceremony honoring the venerable monks who have completed 10 years in monkhood this year.
Among them was Phra Ratthasart Chayannatho (Monk Tong), who was joyfully offered gifts and offerings by the principal donors, Thai hosts, and the community of meditators — as a gesture of gratitude to their beloved meditation teacher.
Mr. Steve Rock, representing the meditators, also shared heartfelt words of appreciation and rejoicing for the venerable monk, expressing respect and happiness on behalf of everyone.
Following this, awards were presented to the young participants of the “Mindfulness Course for Teenagers.”
These youths have learned to live with mindfulness — to be wise, kind, and capable, while also cultivating a spirit of volunteerism and developing their meditation practice.
The program concluded with the presentation of crystal spheres to those who successfully completed the “Still Mind Challenge – 90 Days.”
Each participant meditated for at least 15 minutes a day and kept a weekly practice record.
Many shared that they experienced inner peace, happiness, and meaningful transformation through this mindful journey.
Then, the presiding monk, Phra Khru Bhavanakunwites, Wis., gave a touching Dhamma reflection, rejoicing in the unity and faith of all Buddhists — both South African and Thai — who came together to create this historic Kathina Ceremony. He then bestowed blessings in Pali, Thai, and English for the prosperity and happiness of everyone.
As the monks chanted the sacred verses, devotees gently poured water to dedicate the merit to all beings, their hearts filled with bliss and gratitude.
The sound of “Sadhu!” echoed throughout the hall, carrying waves of joy before the celebration continued into the “Festival of Merit.”
During this joyful time, the monks received their meal offerings, and everyone enjoyed delicious food and desserts from the “Maha Dana Baramee Kitchen”, with over 20 generous food stalls offering various dishes lovingly prepared and shared by devotees.
After the ceremony concluded and everyone had enjoyed a delightful lunch together, the South African representatives presented tokens of appreciation to the Kathina donors and expressed their heartfelt gratitude for their generous support of Cape Town Meditation Centre this year.
They shared that this centre has truly changed many lives, helping people discover inner peace and genuine happiness through the practice of meditation.
