Wan Khao Phansa or Buddhist Lent day, means Rains Retreat which is an annually three lunar months during the rainy season when monks are strictly required to remain in one particular place or wat (temple). The story could be tracked back to the beginning of the Buddhist era. At that time, the Lord Buddha saw that monks wandering outside the temple compound might damage growing crops or accidentally kill insects, so he proclaimed that it would be better for the monks to observe the teachings and practice meditation at the monasteries instead. |
Khao Phansa begins on the first day of the waning moon of the eight lunar month, which is the day after Asarnha Day. During this 3 month period, no monk will be allowed to travel or spend a night in any other place except in case of emergency and even then, their travel will not be longer than seven days, seven nights. It is believed any men enter the monkhood during this 3 month period, will gain much merit for themselves and parents. |
