 |
Vassa
The day following the Asalha full moon is called khao-phansa in Thai or Vassupanáyiká The approach of the rainy season and the conmencement of the rains residance in Pali. The rainy season in India as in many parts of Asia brings torrential monsoon rainfall, making travel difficult in rural areas with poor roads and flooded streams. Also, this is a time when farmers are cultivating crops, when the new growth could be damaged, although unintentionally, by traveling ascetics looking for passage through the countryside. Therefore, the Buddha established a rule for the Sangha that monks are obliged to remain at a certain place, preferably a monastery, for a period of three months, starting from the first day of the eighth waning moon (i.e. the day following the Asalha full moon). For this reason the vassa retreat is one of the observances in most sects of monastic Buddhism.
In most countries that are predominantly Theravada Buddhist, it is common for young men to ordain as monks for a predetermined period of time. A young man, usually between the ages of 20 – 25, having completed his education, will ordain for the three month vassa period, considered by many as a life-cycle rite of passage before beginning a career and family responsibilities. Ordination is also considered to be very good merit (puñña), of benefit for oneself and family, especially ones mother.
During Phansa, monks cannot
spend the night outside of their rains residence. If they must go out, they
are required to return before dawn of the following day. There are exceptions
to this rule by which a monk is allowed to spend the night elsewhere when
attending important matters such as, if his parents are seriously ill, or
a religious duty. Even so, he may be away only for seven days. The rules of
phansa are to be observed strictly because this is the retreat that is considered
most important to the welfare of the Bhikkhu-sangha. The phansa retreat is
a time for cultivating the mind through intensive meditation practice, dhamma
study and listening to sermons on dhamma-vinaya topics. Both the bhikkhu sangha
and faithful lay followers make this a special time for contemplative work.
Saturday,
6:00 PM. Receive the eight precepts.
7:00 PM. Evening Chanting and Meditation.
Sunday,
10:00AM. Pindabat food offering to monks.
11:00 AM. Monks repast.
1:00 PM. Sermon