San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Pc 74An Invitation for Four Months
Pāli / Sanskrit:Catumāsappaccayapavāraṇā
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Discourse on an Invitation for Four Months (Catumāsappaccayapavāraṇā)
Context
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early Buddhist tradition, the discourse Catumāsappaccayapavāraṇā (An Invitation for Four Months) is an important rule concerning the organization of the Sangha’s life of practice during the rains retreat (vassa). The three-month rains retreat is a period during which bhikkhus do not travel far, but gather in one place to study the teaching and train spiritually. However, this discourse addresses an exceptional case in which the Buddha allowed monastics to request an extension of their residence for four additional months after vassa.
The historical context of this rule arose from practical difficulties bhikkhus faced when they had to leave their place of practice. In some cases, due to health conditions, weather, or unavoidable circumstances, the Buddha permitted an extension of the period of concentrated practice. This reflects the flexibility and practicality of the Buddha’s teaching: it is not a rigid system, but a path of liberation designed to suit the circumstances of each individual.
Main Content
The discourse Catumāsappaccayapavāraṇā states that if there are legitimate reasons, a bhikkhu may make an "invitation" (pavāraṇā, from pavaraṇa, meaning "to open" or "to speak forth") to the Sangha community in order to be permitted to extend his residence for four additional months. This is not a rule to be applied arbitrarily; it must be based on specific conditions and must be approved by the Sangha administration.
This rule emphasizes the importance of transparency and unity in the community of practice. Before applying this exception, the monastic must publicly explain the reason, allowing the Sangha administration to consider and accept it. This is an expression of democratic spirit and respect within the Sangha administration: each decision is made not through authoritarianism but through collective consultation.
Legitimate reasons may include illness, weakened health, or other natural obstacles that cannot be overcome.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.