The early monks of Buddhism and Jainism were mostly wandering ascetics who traveled constantly. However, they paused their travel for three months every year during the rainy phase. What was this seasonal monastic pause designated as in Buddhist custom?

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The Vassa represents the annual three-month rainy season retreat observed by Theravada Buddhist monks. Because traveling during the heavy monsoon risked killing microscopic life and stepping over sprouted crops, Buddha institutionalized this pause, during which monks stayed in permanent refuges (Viharas) to study and preach.

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