The vassa retreat period for monastics (from the full moon of July till the full moon of October), has been established since the time of the Buddha. It was the rainy season (monsoon season) in India, and the Buddha recommended that the sangha reside in one place for those three months rather than travel about too much. Back then, the potential for the monks and nuns to damage crops when wandering in this season was one main reason for this stipulation – as was the potential to get very wet, I imagine!

In many Buddhist monasteries this period is traditionally set aside for the monastics to be in extended retreat, as often the rest of the year can be quite busy with running the monastery, managing projects, traveling and teaching, and meeting with people. (In many parts of the Northern hemisphere however, since this time of year is their summer period, monastics will often take the winter period to retreat instead, when activities naturally quieten down in their environment).

At Santi, this time of year is the cold winter season, and as nature settles into hibernation mode, it is the perfect time for us to focus more inwardly, stilling the mind and developing meditation in quiet reflection. During this period, we limit guest stays and have only a small, stable lay support team in residence to help keep the monastery running while the monastics step back more and have a quieter time in retreat mode. The lay team of course benefit from the retreat environment too, as the usual comings and goings and talking in the monastery will be minimised as much as possible.

This year, the vassa starts on the 28th July and finishes on the 24th October.

Our regular Wednesday and Saturday evening group meditations and Dhamma reflections, which are open to the public, will continue throughout this period, starting at 6pm, (however, when we turn the clock forward to daylight savings time on the first weekend of October, thereafter we’ll start these sittings at 7pm).

People can still arrange to offer dana to the sangha during vassa as well – however, apart from the usual meal-time Dhamma reflection, the monastics won’t be available to talk with visitors unless there’s a special necessity.

With the reemerging of springtime energy, towards the end of October it’ll be back to business as usual at Santi. Though hopefully, we’ll be able to attend to such business with a mind grown more wise and free!

 

Special note:

If you are interested in serving at the monastery as part of the lay support team during this retreat period, for a minimum one-month to three month stay, please submit an online application to be considered asap.  Only experienced Buddhist meditators who have stayed at Santi before and are known to the community will be considered. Thank you.