The beginning of the Buddhist Rainy Retreat Day

The beginning of the Buddhist Rainy Retreat (Khao Phansa)



Khao Phansa falls on the first day after the full moon of the eighth lunar month (July) which marks the beginning of the three-month Buddhist ‘lent’ period. At this time, all monks and novices retreat in their temples. They should not venture out or stay over night in any other place except in cases of extreme emergency only and, even then, their time away must not exceed seven consecutive nights. This is a time for serious contemplation and meditation for both monks and laymen alike. Traditionally, it is also important for laymen to ordain their sons into the monkhood on this day in order to get maximum benefit from the Buddhist teachings.

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