Vassa Rains Retreat

At one time, the Awakened One, the Buddha was residing at the Squirrels Park, Veluvana in Rajagaha. At that time, the retreat during the rainy season had not yet been instituted by the Buddha for bhikkhus or monks. Thus, the bhikkhus went on their travels alike during winter, summer and the rainy season.

People were annoyed, murmured and became angry, saying, “How can the Sakyaputtiya Samanas (Bhikkhus) go on their travels alike during winter, summer and the rainy season? They trample on the green herbs, they hurt vegetable life and they destroy the life of many small living creatures. Shall the ascetics who belong to Titthiya School, whose doctrine is ill-preached retire, during the rainy season and arrange places for themselves to live in? Shall the birds make their nests on the top of the trees and retire during the rainy season and arrange themselves places to live in; and yet the Sakyaputtiya Samanas go on their travels alike during winter, summer and the rainy season, trampling on the green herbs, hurting vegetable life and destroying the life of many small creatures?”

Now, these remarks came to the ears of some bhikkhus that people were annoyed, murmured and had become angry. These bhikkhus brought this up to the Buddha.

In consequence of that and on this occasion, the Buddha after having delivered a discourse, thus addressed the Bhikkhus,
“Anujānāmi Bhikkhave Vassam upaganton.”
( “I allow, O Bhikkhus, that you enter upon Vassa.”)

KATHINA (ROBES OFFERING)

At one time, the Awakened One, the Buddha was staying at Jetavanarama, Savatthi. Meanwhile, a group of dhutanga bhikkhus had stayed at Saketa City for their Vassa. They made their way to meet the Buddha after their Vassa. But, the inclement weather and muddy roads took a toll on their garments. All their three robes were soiled and needed to be changed.

The Buddha then had the occasion to promulgate the Kathina Ceremony at the end of the Vassa season with these words,
“I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that the Kathina ceremony shall be performed by bhikkhus when they have completed their Vassa.”

SPIRITUAL ADVISOR :
OVADACARIYA SAYADAWGYI U PANDITABHIVAMSA

SAYADAW U PANNATHAMI
SAYADAW U PANNOBHATHA

Dear Dhamma Brothers and Sisters,

We wish all devotees well and happy. Panditarama Melbourne Meditation Centre, Australia was established in year 2001 to cater for the spiritual needs of the Buddhist community in Australia.The main objectives are to enable both Asian and Western yogis to practise meditation and to spread the Buddha Sasana or dispensation in Australia.

At present Sayadaw U Pannobhatha resides at resident house temporarily,kindly donated by Dr.Nang Si Si Win as to build new centre to propagate the Dhamma and he spends his Vassa at this resident house .

2008 this year we are very delighted to announce that this year 2008 Main Kathina Sponsor is Mr.Khoo Boo Chai family, Penang, Malaysia,and Dr.Nang Si Si Win . This is the third sponsor for our centre. We wish you too will rejoice by participating together with the Main Kathina Sponsors. You may contribute by donating a set of robes ranging from AU $50, and . You may also contribute any amount to support this Kathina or Robes Offering Ceremony.

Your generous contribution and unwavering support are very much appreciated. May all devotees and well-wishers rejoice and share in these merits accrued from this Dhamma-dana. May these merits of our donors be a good condition for the attainment of Nibbana.

May you and your family be blessed with peace and happiness always!

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!

Sincerely with metta & sati,

The Organizing Committee of PMMC
Melbourne Australia