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{{Buddhism}} |
{{Buddhism}} |
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'''Vassa''' ([[Thai language|Thai]] พรรษา, ''pansa'' or ''phansaa''), also called '''Rains Retreat''', is the traditional [[retreat]] during the [[rainy season]] lasting for three [[lunar month]]s from [[July]] to [[October]]. During this time [[Buddhist]] [[monk]]s remain in a single place, generally in their [[wat|temples]]. In some monasteries, monks dedicate the |
'''Vassa''' ([[Thai language|Thai]] พรรษา, ''pansa'' or ''phansaa''), also called '''Rains Retreat''', is the traditional [[retreat]] during the [[rainy season]] lasting for three [[lunar month]]s from [[July]] to [[October]]. During this time [[Buddhist]] [[monk]]s remain in a single place, generally in their [[wat|temples]]. In some monasteries, monks dedicate the Vassa to intensive [[meditation]] practice. During Vassa, many Buddhist lay people reinvigorate their spritual training and adopt more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking (Vassa is sometimes known as "Buddhist [[Lent]]"). And in countries such as [[Thailand]], the [[laity]] will often take [[monastic vows]] for the Vassa period and then return to lay life. Commonly, the number of years a monk has spent in monastic life is expressed by counting up the number of Vassas he has observed. |
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The retreat has largely been given up by [[Mahayana]] Buddhists. |
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The origins of the vassa [[tradition]] are ascribed to early Buddhist times. [[Gautama Buddha]] ordered his [[disciple]]s to observe a pre-existing practice whereby holy men avoided travelling for a three month period during the rainy season, in order to avoid damaging [[agriculture|crops]]. |
The origins of the vassa [[tradition]] are ascribed to early Buddhist times. [[Gautama Buddha]] ordered his [[disciple]]s to observe a pre-existing practice whereby holy men avoided travelling for a three month period during the rainy season, in order to avoid damaging [[agriculture|crops]]. |
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The period begins on the first day of the waning [[moon]] in the eighth [[lunar month]]; the preceding day is [[Asalha Puja]]. The focus of celebration by the laity is the first day of vassa, [[Wan Kao Pansa]], during which [[worship]]pers donate [[candle]]s and other necessities to [[temple]]s, a ceremony which has reached its most extravagant form in the [[Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival]]. |
The period begins on the first day of the waning [[moon]] in the eighth [[lunar month]]; the preceding day is [[Asalha Puja]]. The focus of celebration by the laity is the first day of vassa, [[Wan Kao Pansa]], during which [[worship]]pers donate [[candle]]s and other necessities to [[temple]]s, a ceremony which has reached its most extravagant form in the [[Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival]]. |
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Vassa is followed by two of the major [[festival]]s of the year among [[Theravada]] Buddhists, [[Wan Awk Pansa]] and [[Kathina]]. |
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It is an accepted practice in countries such as [[Thailand]] for the [[laity]] to take [[monastic vows]] for the vassa period and then to return to lay life. Commonly, the number of years a monk has spent in monastic life is expressed by counting up the number of vassas he has observed. |
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The end of vassa is marked by joyous celebration. The following month, the |
The end of vassa is marked by joyous celebration. The following month, the [[Kathina]] ceremony is held, during which the laity gathers to make formal offerings of robe cloth and other requisites to the [[Sangha]]. |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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Revision as of 14:54, 1 March 2006
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Vassa (Thai พรรษา, pansa or phansaa), also called Rains Retreat, is the traditional retreat during the rainy season lasting for three lunar months from July to October. During this time Buddhist monks remain in a single place, generally in their temples. In some monasteries, monks dedicate the Vassa to intensive meditation practice. During Vassa, many Buddhist lay people reinvigorate their spritual training and adopt more ascetic practices, such as giving up meat, alcohol, or smoking (Vassa is sometimes known as "Buddhist Lent"). And in countries such as Thailand, the laity will often take monastic vows for the Vassa period and then return to lay life. Commonly, the number of years a monk has spent in monastic life is expressed by counting up the number of Vassas he has observed.
The retreat has largely been given up by Mahayana Buddhists.
The origins of the vassa tradition are ascribed to early Buddhist times. Gautama Buddha ordered his disciples to observe a pre-existing practice whereby holy men avoided travelling for a three month period during the rainy season, in order to avoid damaging crops.
The period begins on the first day of the waning moon in the eighth lunar month; the preceding day is Asalha Puja. The focus of celebration by the laity is the first day of vassa, Wan Kao Pansa, during which worshippers donate candles and other necessities to temples, a ceremony which has reached its most extravagant form in the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival.
Vassa is followed by two of the major festivals of the year among Theravada Buddhists, Wan Awk Pansa and Kathina.
The end of vassa is marked by joyous celebration. The following month, the Kathina ceremony is held, during which the laity gathers to make formal offerings of robe cloth and other requisites to the Sangha.