The University of Nalanda c8.16

c8.16

The resort to the vihāras was only during the rainy season. Otherwise the Bhikkhus had no dwelling places. They lived in the woods, at the foot of trees, and on hill sides. But we learn from Cullavagga that Buddha afterwads at the request of the Setthi (a rich merchant) of Rājagṛha allowed the following abodes: vihāra, addhāyogas (these are explained as gold-coloured Bengal houses), storied dwellings, attics, and caves.² Whether Buddha allowed so many abodes only during the rain-retreats or in other seasons also is not quite clear from the reading of the text. But if Buddha permitted the use of these dwellings during other seasons, it must, we think, be for a very short period. For even though the dwelling places had come into existence, it must have taken a pretty long time to give a complete go-bye to the ideal of eremitical life. Some centuries must have elapsed before the āvāsas came to be organised and had a distinct existence.