Some of the monastics staying at Santi are missing from this picture. 10 nuns and one young monk are here presently. The male novice, Samanera Nandiya, whom we called ‘the honorary nun’, left for Bodhinyana Monastery in Perth and will hopefully receive full ordination as a Bhikkhu with Ajahn Brahm soon.

We are amazed that the young men, the monk and Nandiya, have been happy to stay under leadership of a woman and receive teaching from a female teacher. This is not too common among monks. We and our female lay guests are happy to see that this is possible! Many of the women who visit for a meditation retreat, especially the Asian women, tell me during the daily interview how healing it is for them to see this happen.
Santi might not be able to host and support so many monastics on the long run, but as long as we can we will, with great joy!

Thank you, friends, for your support.