The auspicious occasion of Vassa holds a special significance for the Buddhist community around the globe. During this time, the Buddhist monks refrain from going outside and stay in one place for three months to meditate in the name of Lord Buddha and perform special rituals. This year, the three-month-long Vassa ritual for Buddhist monks begins on July 21, coinciding with Ashadha Purnima. Buddhist monks from various states residing in the Mahabodhi Temple and different monasteries across will start their special rituals on July 21 and will observe Vassa for the next three months.
During this auspicious time, monks stay in one place to meditate, practice and perform special worship in the name of Lord Buddha. They preach the teachings of Lord Buddha and pray for the well-being of the society in these three months. The practice of Vassa involves the following of Lord Buddha’s principles of compassion, morality, and renunciation. It is also believed that during the rainy season, many small creatures come out of their shelters which can harm a person’s feet while walking barefoot. To prevent this, Buddhist monks observe this ritual. Buddhist monks from various corners of the world come to India to take part in this auspicious occasion.
Bhikshy Pragya Deep, the secretary of All India Bhikshu Sangha, explained in an interview the importance of Vassa among the people belonging to the Buddhist community. He mentioned that this practice was initiated by Lord Buddha himself. He said that when some disciples went to Lord Buddha, he instructed them to stay inside for three months and follow his teachings to get enlightenment in life. The monks stay at respective monasteries from Ashadha Purnima to Ashwin Purnima. After the end of the Vassa period, the tradition of Kanthina Cheevara Dana will start in various Buddhist monasteries across the globe. A large number of devotees from different countries visit Bodh Gaya for this auspicious ceremony. The Cheevara Dana ceremony is considered very sacred among the people of the community.
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