Buddhist monks have successfully completed their three-month rain retreat, a tradition that has continued since the time of the Buddha. During this period, monks remain in a single location, dedicating their time to meditation, spiritual practice, and preaching. They stay in vihars or monasteries and follow strict religious discipline throughout the retreat.
This year, monks at Lumbini, ancient Kapilvastu (Tilaurakot), Nigrodharam, Mahawan, and Ramgram completed their retreat. The three-month period of meditation and practice concluded with Ashwin Purnima.
According to Buddhist tradition, the rain retreat is observed to purify oneself and avoid unintentional mistakes, following the principles of Vinaya. During this time, monks perform morning and evening meditation and recitation of protective texts, along with preaching and conducting religious rituals praising the Buddha and the Sangha.
This year, 22 monks from Thailand participated in the retreat, staying at Royal Thai Vihara and Shakyamuni Vihara in Lumbini. Similarly, monks from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and other countries observed the retreat at Golden Temple (Myanmar), Mahavihara (Sri Lanka), and Mahabodhi Society.
In total, 40 monks from Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka observed the rain retreat at various monasteries in Tilaurakot, Nigrodharam, Mahawan (Kapilvastu), and Ramgram (West Nawalparasi).
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