It is a day on which we pay respect to the Bhikkhuni Sangha and acknowledge its essential role in preserving and spreading the Dhamma. We remember prominent bhikkhunis and their unique achievements and contributions.
When is International Bhikkhuni Day?
The 1st International Bhikkhuni Day is today, Saturday, September the 17th. In the future, the celebration will take place on the full moon Saturday in September or on the first Saturday immediately following the full moon.
Why this date?
The first bhikkhuni, Bhikkhuni Maha Pajapati Theri, the Buddha’s stepmother and aunt, ordained during a full moon in September, the occasion marking the start of the Bhikkhuni Sangha.
What do we do on International Bhikkhuni Day?
We honour bhikkhunis and the women who have guided us, beginning with Bhikkhuni Maha Pajapati Theri, as well as rejoice in the continuance of the Bhikkhuni Sangha. Sharing stories about bhikkhunis and laywomen will help us recall that we are all a vital part of the Fourfold Assembly created by the Buddha.
It is a time to raise funds to support ordained
women.
It is a time to meditate and study the
Dhamma.
It is a time to honour women and their spiritual
accomplishments.
It is a time to protect the history and spiritual
legacy of bhikkhunis and laywomen.
It is a time to send love and compassion to heal conflicts in our families, communities, and the world.
It is time to re-dedicate ourselves to becoming the skilled, adept, learned, and purified disciples the Buddha intended us to be.
See Present | Winter 2011
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