Buddhism

A Dictionary of Buddhism The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions Further reading

vassa

A Dictionary of Buddhism | 2004 | | Copyright

vassa (Skt., varṣya). The annual rain-retreat undertaken by Buddhist monks for a three-month period during the monsoon season, which normally lasts from June to October. The custom of remaining in one place was instituted by the Buddha, and arose due partly to the practical difficulties of travel in that season, but also to ethical concerns about causing injury to the tiny creatures that become abundant after the rains. Monks returned year after year to the same retreats, like the Jetavana at Śrāvastī, leading to the foundation of semi-permanent residences and ultimately the establishment of monasteries (vihāra).

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

DAMIEN KEOWN. "vassa." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DAMIEN KEOWN. "vassa." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-vassa.html

DAMIEN KEOWN. "vassa." A Dictionary of Buddhism. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O108-vassa.html

Learn more about citation styles

Vassa

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | | Copyright

Vassa. Three-month rain period (sometimes referred to as a ‘Buddhist Lent’) when Buddhist bhikkhus remain in their monasteries for more intense meditation, and when laymen may join the community for a brief period. Vassa begins with the festival of Poson.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

JOHN BOWKER. "Vassa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Vassa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Vassa.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Vassa." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Vassa.html

Learn more about citation styles

Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Almeida's Vassa lean period; Vassa, Albery. Certain Young Men, Almeida. The... Newspaper article from: The Birmingham Post (England); 1/30/1999
	michael coveney at last night's first night; Vassa by Maxim Gorky; Albery... Newspaper article from: Daily Mail (London); 1/27/1999
	Dominant and submerged discourses in 'The Life of Olaudah Equiano' (or... Magazine article from: African American Review; 12/22/1993