06 The Rains Retreat

Public complaints arose because monks wandered during the rainy season, trampling young grass and harming small living beings, unlike other ascetics and nesting birds who remained sedentary. In response, the Buddha authorized the rains retreat (Vassa) during the rainy season and established two entry periods: the day after the full moon of Āsāḷhī (early) or one month after it (late). He made entering the retreat mandatory, forbade intentionally bypassing a residence to avoid it, and made it an offense to go on a journey during the three-month period.