Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 95During the Rainy Season
Pāli / Sanskrit:Antovassa
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Explanation of the Antovassa Sutra (The Rainy Season)
Background
The Antovassa Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition and is recorded in the Pāli Canon. “Antovassa” (anto = within, vassa = rainy season) refers to the regulations and guidance for practice throughout the rainy season, a period of special importance in the life of the monastic community.
The rainy season (Vassa), lasting three months of the year (usually from the seventh to the tenth lunar month), is the period during which bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must reside in one place for concentrated study and practice. This arose from the practical conditions of the Buddha’s time: when heavy rains fell, going out for alms could harm living creatures and disrupt the work of practice. Therefore, the Buddha instructed monks and nuns to gather in one place, creating a precious period for study, practice, and deepening the Dharma.
The Antovassa Sutra records prohibitions and encouragements during the rainy season, in order to protect monastic discipline and create favorable conditions for Dharma practice.
Main Content
In this sutra, the Buddha and the elder monks clearly established regulations concerning the period of residence (vassavāsa), prohibited conduct, and lawful duties during the rainy season. The main regulations include:
First, bhikkhus must clearly determine their place of residence during the rainy season and inform the Sangha. This is not merely an administrative matter but also expresses firm resolve (adhiṭṭhāna) in practice, an important factor on the path to awakening.
Second, the sutra clearly lays down prohibitions that bhikkhus must not violate during the rainy season, such as traveling more than three miles without a valid reason, in order to avoid disrupting the stability and unity of the monastic community.
Third, works that support the Dharma are permitted: repairing monasteries, teaching the Dharma, and diligently practicing meditation. These activities are intended to enhance the quality of both individual and collective practice.
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