Women Monks

January 22, 2011

Today we went to Song-tam-kay-ya-nee Temple where we got to meet Bhikkhuni Thammanandha.  She is part of the woman monk movement.  She was such a dynamic speaker that I was tempted to say sign me up for temporary ordination I need to study with you.

She spoke about the unique problem in Thailand because the government has a hand in control in how religion (Buddhism) is set up.  The current constitution states that men can be monks only.  There is a petition to get the language expanded so that women are included (need 10,000 signatures).    

She was such a powerful and motivating speaker. She was so good that I forgot to take a picture of her.  Her words were so positive about what Buddhism is about and how it could work for you.  She told us how women monks came about with Buddha’s stepmother deciding to follow Buddha around following the monastic lifestyle.  I am totally simplifying the story but you get the idea.

What was beautiful about this temple was the healing blue Buddha.  I have pictures.  It was such a tranquil space.  Enjoy the pictures.

The next three pictures of Our room at the Christian Guesthouse.  

View from our window.  Tall buildings instead of a huge mountain.

Story of the first woman monk in Thailand.

Discussion about the grounds.  They are in the process of building a new building to house women monks and guests.

Group photo in front of the healing Buddha.  This Buddha sits in full lotus position.  The women stand near these monks. The men have to be farther away.

This is a view of the ceiling.