The word occurs in the compound Ukkalā(Okkalā)-Vassa-Bhaññā (S.iii.73; M.iii.78; A.ii.31), a group described as ahetuvādā, akiriyavādā, natthikavāda, but who, nevertheless, agreed that the aggregates might be divided into past, present, and future and who accepted the teaching of the Great Forty (see Mahācattārīsaka Sutta).

They also accepted non-covetousness, non-malice, right mindfulness, and right concentration as worthy.

The Commentaries (AA.ii.497; MA.ii.894; SA.ii.201 says, “dve pi te mūladiṭṭhigatikā”) explain that Vassa and Bhañña were two people (dvejanā) (? tribes).