Happy August! Image: Embroidered Butterflies on a Quilt Square created by our Buddhist Woman's Association Although it is hot and dry here in Eastern Oregon and Idaho, in many parts of the world, including India where the historic Buddha (Shakyamuni) lived 2500 years ago, it is the middle of the rainy season, the monsoon season. And during this season the insects take advantage of all the moisture to lay eggs-- which then hatch, creating swarms of even more insects.   During most of the year, the Buddha and his followers would travel through the country sharing the Buddhist teachings with various communities. But the Buddha said that during the summer months, the monks and nuns should gather together to meditate, practice, and study. (NOTE: This “rain retreat” is the basis of the Fuken or summer study session our Buddhist Churches of America ministers participate in every August.) Monsoon Season: Photo by Sanjeev Malhotra on Unsplash These gatherings during the rainy season we