Significance of Nikini

Premasara Epasinghe

The Nikini Full Moon Poya Day is of great significance as far as Buddhist Order is concerned. There are set rules and regulations that governed the Buddhist Order, which were laid down to maintain discipline among the Buddhist monks. It is a two-way process, between the monks and lay-devotees. The link between these two parties can be considered as the golden thread that binds them. During the vas season or rainy season, the laymen get an opportunity to move with monks closely as their stay is restricted to indoors or temples.

Pera-Vas-Pasu Vas

The rainy season commences with the month of Esala. The Buddhist monks are assigned themselves to be stationed indoors and the Nikini Pura Pasalosvaka is connected with the beginning of Vas Season – rainy retreat.

This year’s Nikini Poya falls on Tuesday 24, August 2010. Many Buddhist devotees this day to pay homage to Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Temples will be filled to the capacity.

According to rules and regulations laid down for the Sangha or Buddhist Order, by the Enlightened One, there are two days for observing the Rainy Retreat (Vas). They are known as Pre-Retreat (Peravas) and post retreat (Pasuvas). The Buddha advised the monks not to live outdoors, under trees, open air, forests, cemeteries etc. They were instructed to live in the temples, or viharas, during the Vassanasamaya or Rainy Season.

Buddha’s First Vas Retreat

After delivering the first sermon – Dhammachakkapavattana Sutra - the Great Discourse of the wheel of Dhamma to Vappa, Mahanama, Baddhiya, Assaji and Anna Kondanna, the ‘Panchavaggiya Bhikkhus”, the Blessed One set an example in observing the first Vas with the five disciples and stayed at Deer Park Isipatanaramaya. This incident took place on a Nikini Pura Pasalosvaka Poya Day.

Observe Vas during the rainy season under one roof

Even in the Pre-Buddhist era, the Ascetics, Nigantas – Mahavira, who followed Jainism, Alara Kalama, Uddakaramaputta, and the renowned Ascetics of India at that time, stayed in indoors, performing their rituals, meditation and other religious rituals, during the rainy period. Therefore, living in indoors during the rainy season was not a standard rule laid down strictly by the Buddhist order.

They too followed a principle that was in practice. It was seen that the Buddhist monks were involved in various missionery activities even during the rainy season. The other religious dignitaries criticized thus and Enlightened One, considering the pros and cons, of the question and listening to the general public, declared that during this period monks should stay in an indoor and indulge in mediation and other relevant religious activities. The Blessed One addressed the Assembly of monks thus:

Quote: “Anujanami Bhikkave Vassane Vassan Udaganju”

I advise oh monks! To observe Vas, (Rainy Retreat) during the rainy season, under one roof)

As I mentioned earlier, there are two retreats – Pre Retreat and Post Retreat. The monks were advised to observe Peraras, the day following Esala Poya.

This year 2010 – Esala Poya fell on Sunday 25, July 2010 that is on (Monday 26, July 2010) which is known as “Avapelaviya”. Then to observe Pasuvas or post retreat, after one month from Esala on Nikini, Poya Day.

According to the Buddhist literature, King Bimbisara, through an emissary or diplomat informed with great reverence and honour, he too wishes that the Buddhist monks should observe Peraras or Pre-Retreat on Esala Full Moon Purapasalosvaka Day. For this request, the Enlightened One granted permission.

Role of Visaka and Anathapindika

during Nikini Season

Quote: “Anujanami Bhikkhava Rajunan Anuvattitan”

(I endorse the request of the king)

During the end of rainy season, Vas period, the lay-devotees offered “Vassika Satakaya” to the Buddhist monks, which is popularly known as “Katina Cheevaraya”. Vishaka, the greatest female benefactoress of Buddhism, who attained “Sotapanna” - stream - enterer, the first of the four stages towards the realization of liberation, leading to Arahantship (Arahants are no longer subject to re-birth in Samsara, that is in the cycle of Birth and Death) at the tender age of seven (7) years.

Vishaka Maha Upasikawa (The chief lay lady) with the permission of the Blessed One, provided Robes to the Buddhist monks, during the Vas season. The lay Buddhist also offered alms and looked to the necessities of the monks. This took place during the Nikini period. Anathapindika, the Great Benefactor provided all requisite to Buddha, during the Nikini Vas period.

During the Vassana Season, certain rules were laid down to the Buddhist monks. If the lay devotees invite them, a group of seven monks are allowed to leave their abodes.

Sattakaraniya

According to rules and regulations governing the Buddhist monks, they must return to the place of their residence. Where they observed “Vas-Retreat” within seven days. It is called “Sattakaraniya”. They are free to visit to Bhikkhu, a Bhikkuni (Nun), student Bhikkhu (Sikshamanava), Novice Monk, Novice Bhikkuni, parents, in this manner. Further, when a Buddhist monk falls sick, when a monk needs guidance and advise, if the parents and relations are sick, these monks are allowed to visit them. In any case, if they have to report back to the place they observed Vas within 7 days.

The first Vas in Sri Lanka at Mihintale

The first occasion of observing Vas Retreat in Sri Lanka took place in Mihintale, the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Buddhism was officially established during the reign of Devanampiyatissa, with the establishment of the Buddhist Order in the resplendent island.

The Great Emperor’s son, Arahat Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The “Anubuduhimi” Ven Mahinda, considered as the second Buddha by Sri Lankans and Arahat Aritta observed “Vas” during the Nikini season.

They resided in the rock caves of Missakapabbata or Mihintale during the rainy season.

Out of 12 Pasalosvaka Full Moon Days. Katina Puja month, begins with the Esala season. It begins with the dawn of the month of Esala.

The Vas season is much significant as they believe that participation of a Katina Pinkama, marks a very important milestone in their lives.

Buddhist lay devotees after numerous items to the needy of the temple and they believe that to participate in a Katina Puja is a highly meritorious act. In Sri Lanka, Vassana season comes to an end in October or the month of Vap, with the Katinanusasana sermon.

First Council Sanghayanawa

Some believe that on the day of Nikini Full Moon Poya Day, the first ever “Dhammasangayanawa”, the convention of doctrine took place at Sattapanni Rock Cave, under the patronage of Mahakassapa Maha Thera.

To begin with there were a total of 499 monks. Mahakassapa Thera, kept the 500th seat vacant for Ven Ananda Thera. The day before the date of the Convention Ananda Thera, attained Arahantship or attained Enlightenment and became no longer subject to death and rebirth and was eligible to attained the convention.