Sanghathanis the offering of goods to the monastic community (the Sangha) as a whole, without specifying any particular monk. The purpose is for the benefit of the Sangha collectively. It is commonly believed to bring especially great merit among charitable offerings because it supports the continuance of Buddhism overall, rather than benefiting a single individual.
A Sanghathan set is a prepared collection of necessities—covering the four requisites (food, clothing, shelter, and medicine) as well as personal use items—offered to the Sangha so they become communal supplies of the temple, maximizing benefit to the monastic community. The items may be packed in a bucket, bag, or box, with an emphasis on good quality items that are practical and not expired.
Key elements of Sanghathan: Sangha: the community of monks (two or more monks). Dana: giving with a pure intention. Not directed to a specific monk: Even if the offering is presented to one monk, if the intention is to dedicate it to the Sangha as a whole (with that monk acting as the Sangha’s representative), it is still considered sanghathan.
Main contents commonly include: The four requisites: dry food, rice, drinking water, canned food, basic medicines for the temple, sabong, jiwon or towels. Personal items: soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, razors, nail clippers or masks. Other useful items: flashlight, candles, incense/flowers/candles for worship, Dhamma books or stationery (pens, notebooks).