(B) Asarha Puja and Buddhist Lent
The tradition of Buddhist Lent or the annual three-months Rains Retreat known
in Thai as"Phansa"dates back to the time of early Buddhism in ancient India, au holy
men, mendicants and sages spent three months of the annual rainy season in
permanent dwelLings. They avoided unnecessary travel during the period when crops
were stilL new for fear they might accidentalLy step on young plants. In deference to
popular opinion, Lord Buddha decreed that his folLowers should also abide by this
ancient tradition, and thus began to gather in groups of simple dwelLings.
Buddhist Lent covers a good part of the rainy season and Lasts three Lunar
months. In Thailand,
Buddhist monks resolve to stay in a temple of their choice and
wilL not take an abode in another temple until the Lent is over.