THE LENT COMMENCEMENT DAY

The Lent Commencement Day or Vassupanayika in Pali is the day following the Asalha fullmoon. The Lent, or Rains Residence (Retreat), is one of the monastic observances having its origin in the time of the Lord Buddha.

When Buddhism became first established, the number of monks was relatively small and the Sangha organization was more manageable. Originally, monks did not stay at any particular place, but they were most of the time on the move in their missions to spread the Buddha's teachings. During the rainy season, when the country experienced heavy and frequent rainfalls, things were quite difficult for them and their travels were often impeded or interrupted. The season was also the time for farmers to cultivate their land and grow crops. It was, naturally, the time for most ascetics to stop wandering and remain stationed in a specific place.

The Buddha therefore thought it fit to promulgate a rule for the Sangha. According to this rule, monks are obliged to remain posted at a certain place, preferably a monastery, for a period of three months, starting from the first day of the eight waning moon (the day following the Asalha fullmoon).

During these three months, monks cannot spend the night outside the area they have taken for rains residence. If they have to gout, they make sure to return before the dawn of the following day. Such is the rule laid down by the Buddha for the Holy Sangha.

There are exceptions to this rule by which a monk is allowed to spend the night elsewhere, other than his rains residence; for instance, when his parent is seriously ill, or he is required for some urgent religious work at a place too far to return in one day. But even in such cases, he may be away only for seven days at a stretch. This practice, like many others, is preserved to the letter down to these days and the period is considered by all Buddhists as exceptionally sacred to perform merits, our to take certain vows for one's spiritual enlistment.

In some Buddhist countries this is a high time for young men to enter monk hood and stay in a monastery in order to acquaint themselves better with the religion - something they cannot conveniently do while leading a household life. The number of monks during the Lent is such countries are therefore much greater than at other time of the year. This is particularly true of Thailand, where the Buddhist tradition is still very much alive and strong.

Religious activities usually increase for both monks and the laity. Monasteries conduct special coursers for new Sangha members; intensive meditation classes and Dhamma lectures may also be organized for both parties.