Uposatha, Vassa and Lama Tsong Khapa Day
Uposatha
Uposatha meaning ‘entering to stay’, refers to the weekly practice of coming together to reaffirm commitment in TheravadaMeaning ‘teachings of the elders'. It is primarily focused on the Arhat path to enlightenment. This branch of Buddhism can be found in Sri Lanka and South East Asia. tradition. The tradition existed before the BuddhaThe founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, after his enlightenment. It is a title which means the enlightened or awakened one. time, when holy men would enter a temple or sacred place and stay for 24 hours before returning home. Uposatha days occur regularly following the cycle of the moon – they happen during a full moon, half-moon and quarter moon.
On Uposatha days, monks and nuns chant the monastic rules and think about rules they have neglected. Lay Buddhists come to the viharaA Buddhist monastery, literally 'dwelling place' which is open to the community for study, meditation and worship. or temple to meditationThinking quietly as a spiritual or religious exercise. Connection of the mind and soul with the Divine using breathing and other techniques. In Buddhism, using one of a set of techniques or exercises for calming the mind, developing positive emotions and understanding the way things are., to listen to the monks chanting, to hear the Dhamma (Dharma)Dhamma is Buddhist doctrine about the nature of existence and includes the teachings of the Buddha. taught and to reaffirm their commitment to the The Five Precepts In Buddhist teachings, the Five Precepts are five guidelines for living to help achieve positive karma. .
Vassa
Vassa is a period of retreat and reflection in the Theravada tradition that begins after Uposatha. Vassa is the rainy season, which lasts for around three months in most Southern Asian countries. Bikkhus do not travel in the rainy season because the Buddha was concerned they would damage crops and insects, although this was a concern of others as well as the Buddha. Therefore, bhikkus would remain in a monastery or retreat for the duration of the rainy season.
Many monks spend the time in meditation, and many lay Buddhists renew their commitment to the Five Precepts and engage in a period of reflection.
At the end of Vassa, local people celebrate the bikkhus. Donations are made to temples and viharas, especially donations of cloth for new robes. Money to help with the upkeep of temples is also given.
Lama Tsongkhapa Day (Tibetan Buddhism)
Lama Tsongkhapa was a Tibetan Buddhist teacher who started a school of Buddhism in Tibet in the 14th century. ‘Lama’ is the Tibetan word for ‘spiritual teacher’. Lamas are usually highly respected and important monks.
On Lama Tsongkhapa Day, Tibetan Buddhists remember his parinirvanaIn Buddhism, parinirvana is the final nirvana after bodily death has occurred. The enlightened soul is released from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth (samsara)., or complete liberation through Nirvana (also spelt Nibbana)An indescribable state, held by Buddhists to be the ultimate goal of religious practice, involving breaking free from the cycle of samsara.. Common ways that Buddhists celebrate Lama Tsongkhapa Day include:
- reciting a special prayer to Lama Tsongkhapa
- making many offerings of food, incense, lights and flowers
- offering puja (Buddhism)Ceremonies that involve meditation, prayer and offerings. Also known as devotional ritual. to Lama Tsongkhapa
- reciting some of Lama Tsongkhapa’s favourite mantraA sacred (holy) prayer or word which often is chanted or sung rather than just spoken. and prayers
Question
How long does Vassa last for?
Three months.
