Upasampada for Santacārī Bhikkhunī
Santacārī’s Bhikkhunī Ordination Sunday September 4th 2016
Ayya Santacārī was fortunate to be able to have her Bhikkhunī ordination [Upasampada] last Sunday. She is now “ordained on one side” until she and the other two newly ordained Bhikkhunīs visit the monks at Bodhinyana monastery where they will have their ordination “confirmed”.
Hand Carved Buddha in The Big Cave at Santi FM
It was a very special and moving ceremony in the Big Cave at Santi Forest Monastery in NSW Australia. 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.
Senior Theravada Bhikkhunī Viditadhamma [Ven Lieu Phap] from Vietnam
For this special day, seven Theravadā Bhikkhunīs gathered together to enact this special “Sangha Kamma” or community action. Two very senior Australian Mahayana Bhikkhunīs came to witness the ceremony and were allowed to join the Theravadā Bhikkhunīs within the Sima. Senior Theravada Bhikkhunī Viditadhamma [Ven Lieu Phap] from Vietnam graced us with her grounded presence and kindly undertook the role of Preceptor or Pavatini.
Candidates Vajirā, Dhammavatī and Santacārī.
At the beginning of the ceremony three samaneri candidates waited in a small antechamber of the cave while the Bhikkhunīs began the chanting of the Sangha Kamma.
Then they 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.
Questioning
Bowing to the Pavatini preceptor the candidates request the Upasampada ordination.
The candidates are questioned by two representatives of the Bhikkhunīs.
More bowing and chanting.
This is your robe, this is your bowl.
The motion to confer the ordination is put to the Sangha three times by the Bhikkhunī representatives while the candidates wait back in the anti-chamber.
The newly
ordained Bhikkhunīs have the Parajika rules read out to them.
The preceptor invites blessings for the newly ordained Bhikkhunis.
They bow to the Pavatini and then to the Sangha.
Group photos.
Newly ordained Bhikkhunis with Pavatini and Acarini