Day 8：Jetavana Monastery

Travel Date：December 1, 2012

Jetavana Monastery

Jetavana Monastery, formally known as Jetavana Anathapindika Arama, was the first officially established Buddhist monastic community in history. Located in the ancient city of Shravasti (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India), it was built on land purchased by the wealthy benefactor Anathapindika (Sudatta) from Prince Jeta, hence its name. Jetavana Monastery was one of the most frequented and long-lasting places where Buddha taught, with many significant scriptures, such as the Diamond Sutra and Lotus Sutra, being expounded here.

Jetavana served not only as a residence and teaching center for Buddha but also as a crucial base for the Sangha to practice, observe monastic discipline, and spread Buddhist teachings. The renowned “Rainy Season Retreat” (Vassa) tradition also originated at Jetavana.

Today, the ruins of Jetavana Monastery attract countless Buddhist devotees and scholars, representing the spirit and practices of the early Buddhist monastic community.

祇园精舍简介

祇园精舍（Jetavana Monastery），全称祇树给孤独园，是佛教历史上第一座正式的僧伽道场，位于古印度舍卫城（今印度北方邦境内）。由给孤独长者（须达多）出资购买祇陀太子的园林建造而成，因而得名。祇园精舍是释迦牟尼佛讲经弘法时间最长、次数最多的地方之一，许多重要经典如《金刚经》《法华经》都在此宣讲。

祇园精舍不仅是佛陀居住和弘法的中心，也是僧团修行和传播佛法的重要基地。僧团在此遵守戒律、修习禅定，并接受佛陀的教导。著名的“结夏安居”制度也发源于此。

如今，祇园精舍的遗址吸引无数佛教徒和历史学者前来瞻仰与研究，这里象征着佛教初期僧团生活的精神与实践。