Conclusion of Summer Retreat

The gagye or the ceremonial conclusion of the summer retreat takes places when the monastic retreat during rainy season is over. The monks under the leadership of an abbot formally lifts the restriction placed on the movement of monks and the final evening is spent with an overnight series of religious sermons. The lay Buddhist attend the sermons just before the monks lift the restriction at dawn. The monks on the following day proceed in line outside the border maintained during the retreat and make a short journey which symbolize their freedom of movement. An exceptional conclusion of the retreat can happen when there are major obstacles such as a war or internal conflict which disrupts the retreat.