Khép lại một hành trình – Mở ra một con đường
One path ends – another begins

THE RAIN ROBE OFFERING CEREMONY 2569 BE. (CELEBRATION OF THE VASSA ENTRY)

In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the Rain Robe Offering Ceremony (known as Dâng Y Tắm Mưa in Vietnamese) holds profound spiritual significance. Not only does it reflect the virtuous heart and the dedication of lay Buddhists in supporting the Triple Gem, but it is also an opportunity to accumulate great merit during the Rains Retreat – a sacred three-month period when monks and nuns devote themselves wholeheartedly to spiritual practice.
The origin of this tradition dates back to the time of the Buddha, when the noble laywoman Visākhā visited the monastery and saw that the monks were bathing in the rain without proper robes. Moved by compassion, she sought permission from the Buddha to offer robes so the Sangha could have suitable clothing during the retreat. The Buddha compassionately approved, and since then, this tradition has been preserved and passed down through generations.
Lady Visākhā – one of the foremost lay disciples during the Buddha’s time, who had attained the first stage of enlightenment (Sotāpanna), and was a devoted benefactor of the Sangha.
According to the Vinaya (monastic discipline), monks and nuns are permitted to receive rain-bathing robes between the 16th day of the 5th lunar month and the full moon of the 6th lunar month each year.
At Viên Không Nunnery, in an atmosphere of solemnity and serenity, the Dâng Y Tắm Mưa ceremony was held on the 10th day of the 6th lunar month this year (August 3rd, 2025).
Lay practitioners were taught by the venerable nuns about the five noble meanings of practicing this ceremony:
1-To express deep reverence and gratitude toward the Triple Gem.
2-To generate the aspiration to protect and uphold the Dharma.
3-To cultivate wholesome karma.
4-To preserve and continue a noble tradition from the time of the Buddha.
5-To develop wisdom and purify the mind through practice.
Bhikkhunī Viên Thông explains the five noble meanings behind the practice of the Rain Robe Offering Ceremony.
The ceremony concluded in an atmosphere of solemnity, joy, and spiritual blessings. The lay practitioners collectively dedicated all the merits generated to the venerable teachers, to their ancestors and parents of many lifetimes, to their relatives, friends near and far, and to all sentient beings in the ten directions.
May all beings receive these sublime merits, be free from all suffering, and live in peace and happiness for a long time.
Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu!