DINAMIKA PERGESERAN PRAKTIK PEMBERIAN CATUPACCAYA DALAM PERAYAAN KATHINA DI PRASADHA JINARAKKHITA JAKARTA

Abstract

The Kathina celebration represents an important religious tradition in Buddhism, particularly through the practice of offering Catupaccaya (the four requisites: robes c?vara, food ?h?ra, lodging sen?sana, and medicines bhesajja) as a form of lay Buddhist support for the Sa?gha. In contemporary society, social transformation and technological advancement have influenced the form and mechanism of this practice, resulting in a shift from  direct material offering  towards monetary d?na and digital donation systems. This study aims to examine the dynamics of the shifting practice of offering Catupaccaya during the Kathina celebration at Prasadha Jinarakkhita Jakarta, focusing on the forms of change, the factors contributing to this shift, and its implications for the spiritual meaning of d?na. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving members of the Sa?gha, the organizing committee, religious leaders, and lay Buddhist participants in the Kathina celebration. The collected data were analyzed descriptively to identify patterns of change and interpret their social and religious implications. The findings reveal that the practice of offering Catupaccaya has gradually shifted from the direct presentation of goods, such as robes and daily necessities, to monetary d?na provided through cash contributions and digital payment systems. This transformation is influenced by technological development, urban lifestyles, and considerations of efficiency in managing religious offerings. Despite these changes, the spiritual meaning of d?na remains preserved as an expression of generosity, non-attachment, and lay Buddhist support for the Sa?gha. The shift therefore reflects a contextual adaptation of Buddhist ritual practice while maintaining the essential values of Buddhist teachings in the contemporary digital era.