By BD Dipananda
Buddhistdoor Global 2015-07-29
The three-month Vassavasa rains retreat for monks and nuns begins on the day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month, and is one of the most important festivals in the Theravada Buddhist calendar. This year that day falls on 31 July.
It was on this day that the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, famously gave his first teaching at Sarnath in India after attaining enlightenment. The Buddha gave his first discourse on The Middle Way to five ascetics, former companions during his search for wisdom, who became his first disciples.
During Vassavasa, monastics remain within monasteries and temple grounds, where they devote their time to meditation and study. During India’s rainy season living outside became difficult and potentially dangerous, so groups of monks would instead form temporary communities. This also meant that they could avoid unintentionally harming crops, insects, and other creatures, which flourished during this season. While all monks and nuns are expected to observe the rains retreat, dispensation of up to seven days can be granted under certain circumstances, such as attending to sangha business, giving a Dhamma teaching, or visiting a sick relative. The retreat continues until the full moon of the 11th lunar month, which this year falls on 27 October. The end of Vassavasa is marked by the Pavarana ceremony, during which sangha members have an opportunity to admonish one another for any misdeeds during the retreat. It is followed by the Kathina or robe-offering festival, which continues for a further month.
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Mike