Save the date for three events to celebrate International Bhikkhuni Day this September!
❧ Dhammadharini Monastery
Leading Bhikkhuni disciples of the Buddha, Khema Theri and Uppalavanna Theri, carved in stone, in the garden Sala pavilion at Dhammadharini Monastery
Warm greetings dear Venerable monastics and Dhamma friends -
We invite you to mark your calendars for three upcoming events, hosted by the Dhammadharini Bhikkhuni Sangha, to recognize this year’s International Bhikkhuni Day and "Fourfold Sangha Day" — commemoration of the founding of the Buddha's Bhikkhuni Sangha.
International Bhikkhuni Day (IBD) was launched 14 years ago by the Alliance for Bhikkhunis, as a time of year specially dedicated to advocacy for the Bhikkhuni Sangha: for education, raising awareness, and generating support.
IBD is held each year on or around the lunar anniversary of the founding of the Bhikkhuni Sangha on the September full moon, as of this year, 2608 years ago per traditional Theravada Buddhist counting. In Sri Lanka the September full moon 🌝 and this very special holiday are known as "Binara Poya," and in India as the "Bhadrapada Purnima," which is the Bhaddapada Punnami in Pali. International Bhikkhuni Day is also known as "Fourfold Sangha Day," as with the coming into existence of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, the Buddha fulfilled his intention to have a complete Fourfold community.
We warmly invite all of you to do something in support of this effort, in whatever way you feel most inspired! Whether joining our Dhammadharini IBD programs, joining other programs (such as with United Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha International below), or doing something special in your own way.
"Anumodana!" & thank you very much for all your support!
Register to receive more information and join us!
Dhammadharini has planned three IBD events:
Saturday September 14th, 10am-5:00pm: Half-day meditation retreat at Aranya Bodhi Hermitage (In-person only)
Sunday, September 15, 1-2:30pm International Bhikkhuni Day Dhamma Reflections (Online)
Tuesday, September 17 full moon 🌝, 7-9pm Bhikkhuni Panel Discussion (Online)
The Bhikkhuni Sangha will gather to reflect on the importance of having Bhikkhunis in our world, and the inspiration we have all received from Bhikkhunis both ancient and modern. There will be opportunity to hear from the members of the Dhammadharini community, as well as dialogue with those joining online - with planned special guests including Ayya Anandabodhi, Ayya Santacitta, Ayya Marajina, and Ayya Ahimsa, and others.
We also welcome you to join for the IBD event being offered this year by the United Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha International (UTBSI), with Bhikkhuni (and Bhikkhu) leaders from around the world. This year UTBSI's International Bhikkhuni Day event will be moderated by Ayya Anandabodhi. This event will be September 8th 5:30pm - 8pm IST India Standard Time (September 8th 5am - 8:30am PDT California time). Prior to the event, the Zoom information will be posted on the UTBSI Facebook page, and the event will be livestreamed and available afterwards on their YouTube channel.
For information about supporting our Dhammadharini Bhikkhunis' community during this year's International Bhikkhuni Day, please see the Support page on our website.
With much metta,
the Dhammadharini Community
