Happiness from Harmony - Dhammatalk at Robe Offering Ceremony

The Kaṭhina season is traditionally the time when both lay community and monastic sangha cooperate in a grand ceremony meant to mark the end of the yearly retreat period. Everyone joins the preperations in a spirit of mutual support and harmony.It is considered as one of the most auspicious times in the year to make merit ('puñña' = good karma), when the laity present robes and other requisites to the Sangha in a joyful spirit, full of appreciation for the monks resolute striving in their meditation during the rains retreat.In his reflections shared at the occasion, Ajahn Dhammasiha points out that everyone is joining a true win-win situation. Different from elections and other competitive endeavours, no one is loosing or getting defeated, but everyone gains from participating, and experiences the happiness of generosity."The wise will give at the right time,and free from envy, bountiful;Due to their joyful confidence,in Such-Ones who are straight and true,their gifts bestowed at the right time, become exalted offerings.Those who rejoice in such good deeds, and those who join and work to help,will not reduce the donors' gifts,but share their karmic great reward.Therefore, with unobstructed mind,give where your gifts yield lavish fruit:When going to the afterlifegood karma is your sole support."[Anguttara Nikāya Fives #36, known as 'Kāla-dāna-sutta-gāthā' and regularly chanted in the robe offering season]www.dhammagiri.org.auwww.tinyletter.com/dhammagiri/archivewww.vimeo.com/dhammatalkswww.castbox.fm/ch/2744970