In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the:
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A. Occasion to elect the Sanghparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
B. Confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
C. Ceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved and when yellow robes are offered
D. Gathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full-moon day of Ashadha when they take up a fixed abode for the next four months of rainy season
Answer: Confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy season
Option b is the correct answer.
Pavarana is a Buddhist ceremony held at the end of the rainy season retreat (vassavasa). During the rainy season, monks are not supposed to travel, so they stay in one place and meditate. At the end of the rainy season, they gather together and confess any offenses they may have committed during the retreat. The Pavarana ceremony is a way for monks to cleanse themselves of any negative karma they may have accumulated during the rainy season. It is also a way for them to renew their commitment to the Buddhist path.