Rains; Rainy Season; (1) three-month period, from the full moon of (usually) July to the full moon of (usually) October (corresponding roughly to the rainy season of the monsoon climate) during which each member of the Sangha is required to stay in a single place and certain restrictions are placed on his wanderings outside that place; (2) years' standing; measure of years ordained for a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni.

Rains Retreat — a three-month period, generally beginning the day after the full moon in July (or the second, if there are two), during which certain restrictions are placed on the bhikkhus' wanderings; usually considered a time to accelerate one's efforts in study or practice.

vassaa]: Rains Retreat. A period from July to October, corresponding roughly to the rainy season, in which each monk is required to live settled in a single place and not wander freely about.