Bhikkhunīs gathered together last Sunday, 4th September 2016 to enact the first Bhikkhunī Upasampada Higher Ordination in NSW

For this very special day, seven Theravadā Bhikkhunīs gathered together to enact this “Sangha Kamma” or community action. Senior Theravada Bhikkhunī Viditadhamma [Ven Lieu Phap] from Vietnam graced us with her grounded presence and kindly undertook the role of Preceptor or Pavattinī. Two very senior Australian Mahayana Bhikkhunīs came to witness the ceremony and were invited to join the Theravadā Bhikkhunīs within the Sima.

 

Ayya Vajirā, Ayya Dhammavatī and Ayya Santacārī  were the fortunate candidate Sāmaṇerīs able to have their Bhikkhunī Upasampada. They are now “ordained on one side” until they visit the monks at Bodhinyana monastery where they will have their ordination “confirmed”.

It was a very special and moving ceremony in the Big Cave at Santi Forest Monastery in NSW Australia. We would like to thank everyone who’s hard work and timely effort made this ceremony possible.

Theravada Bhikkhunī Upasampada is very rare and to have this ceremony in the sacred environment of such a beautiful cave was so unique and awe inspiring. Everyone felt touched deep in their hearts by such a breath taking experience. So many had tears in their eyes and even running down their faces or into the tissues.

 

At the beginning of the ceremony three candidates Sāmaṇerī Vajirā, Sāmaṇerī Dhammavatī and Sāmaṇerī Santacārī waited in a small antechamber of the cave while the Bhikkhunīs began the chanting of the Sangha Kamma.

 

Then the Sāmaṇerī  candidates were called to approach the Sangha. With their offering trays in hand the candidates pause at the entrance and ask for permission to enter and ask forgiveness for any faults.

 

 

 

Offering the trays to the Pavattinī

 

 

 

 

 

Bowing to the Pavattinī preceptor the candidates request dependence.

 

 

 

The Pavattinī then instructs each candidate about her robes and bowl. This is your robe, this is your bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

The candidates are questioned by two Kammavācācārinīs, representatives of the Bhikkhunīs.

 

 

The candidates return to the Sangha and request Upasampda. The Sangha then questions them.

 

 

 

The motion to confer the ordination is put to the Sangha three times by the Bhikkhunī representatives.

 

 

 

The newlyordained Bhikkhunīs have the Pārājikā rules read out to them.

 

 

 

 

The Pavattinī preceptor invites blessings for the newly ordained Bhikkhunīs.

 

 

 

They bow to the Pavattinī and then to the Sangha.

 

 

 

Group photos.