Ven. Dr. Sobhita Thero,Bodhiraja Buddhist Society
This period of three months is named as "Vassana" or the Rainy Season. It usually falls in between July full moon and October full moon. Higher ordained (Upasampada) monks are suppose to observe a particular precept in this term with concern of the Vinaya (disciplinary cord) prescription.
In the early days of the Buddhist Order no special activities were planned for the monks during the rainy retreat. Therefore, they kept on wandering all over the country to preach the Dhamma to the people as originally instructed by the Teacher.
However, the monks were frowned upon by the people and other religious practitioners (i.e. Sramanas, Jainas, etc) when they appeared with wet, soggy and ragged robes.
People's complaints and criticism were based on the following facts:
(1) Trudging down the newly grown green grass or saplings of the crops (they believed that even destroying the plants is a violation of religious rules).
(2) Destroying many small creatures emerging from the ground.
According to the people, even the birds would settle down on the trees with properly made nests during that season. Only those disciples of the Buddha are left wandering everywhere, totally disregarding the social and religious norms.
Having considered the voice of the people, Buddha imposed a new rule of Vinaya for the monks thus: "O monks, I prescribe you to stay in one particular place during the rainy season".
With these words of the Master, there evolved a code of conduct in the disciplinary practice of the monks. It also created such impressive and valuable socio-religious custom which paves the way for a strong relationship between the monks and the lay devotees.
In the Buddhist communities these three months of Vassana are considered a holy period which creates more merits for both monks and laity. Meditation, Dhamma preachings and discussions and various religious activities are organized daily in the temples.
With this custom of creating merits, some lay devotees invite the monks to stay in their homes for this period especially when they built a new house. This also meant that the abode is being dedicated to the Sangha so that the residents may have enormous blessings. They also have a chance to associate with the monks in order to improve their knowledge of the Dhamma on this occasion.
In this manner, we can evaluate one more socially engaged Buddhist custom which still exists from its ancient origin.
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