Buddhist Women in Residence (BWR).

Background: In this past decade more and more women have entered monastic life in all the different schools of Buddhism such as Chinese, Tibetan and Theravada. In some traditions the ordination of women is still new and often training before and after the ceremony is not fully organized. In this case, even newly ordained bhikkhunis/ samaneris who have made a full commitment do not really know how to continue life in their new role and so have difficulty being an effective member of the ordained Sangha. BWR will endeavor to remedy the situation by offering a training course which consists of intensive academic studies alongside daily practice in the following areas in particular:

Buddhist philosophy, history of Buddhism, Vinaya, Patimokkha chanting and training (for ordained members), monastic etiquette, engaged Buddhism, lectures on various topics, seminars, some inter-religious lectures.

In addition, BWR wishes to open this training program to women intending to ordain as well as serious lay women who wish to go more deeply into a Buddhist way of life.

Objectives of the Project

To prepare ordained women to lead a proper and meaningful monastic life and to offer lay women a chance to study more intensively.

To fortify oneself in order to strengthen the place of Buddhism in society and in the world.

Purposes of the training:

--To be a good monastic by studying and observing the Vinaya;

--To live harmoniously with the Sangha by integrating the Dhamma and Vinaya into daily, communal living;

--To journey towards emancipation through the practice of meditation;

--To help build up the Buddhist community through socially engaged activities;

--To strengthen the Sangha and Buddhism for those interested.

Training Process:

The course will start with two introductory weeks of training in life-style, etiquette and classes in basic Buddhist philosophy. Then we plan a 6 week full retreat of meditation during which invited speakers will give Dharma talks once a week. The final month will be taken up with intensive study, discussions, Dharma talks and training in practicing and living together.

Brief course description:

Part I: Monastic training

Basic Buddhist Philosophy

Patimokkha training (for bhikkhunis only)

Vinaya classes

Part II: Buddhist studies

History of Buddhism

History of women and Buddhism

History of Thai Buddhism

History of Bhikkhuni sangha in different countries

Part III: Socially engaged Buddhism

Field trips: emergency home for women; training Center for ex-sex workers; home for street children; college for Buddhist nun (mae ji); historical sites, etc.

Monastics will also accept invitations to go out for Paritta chanting in the homes of supporters and offer dhamma talks when invited.

Part IV: Spiritual training

Meditation practice

Part V: Skill training to balance mind and body

Different art workshops and exercise workshops will be organized.

Candidate's requirement

The candidate should be:

--a bhikkhuni, samaneri or a lay woman who is interested in leading monastic life or learning more about Buddhist life.

--between 18 and 60 years of age.

--in good physical and mental health (provide a medical certificate) and come with some sort of medical insurance.

--educated to a minimum of high school certificate or equivalent with sufficient English.

--recommended by an Upajjhaya or a teacher whom she has been living with for a minimum of one year (by letter).

--willing to learn and to improve.

Sangha Duties

Everyone must:

--attend all events in the program pertinent to the individual (e.g. Patimokkha for bhikkunis only)

--go for alms round twice a week

--give a dhamma talk (according to a schedule to be established)

--accept the system set up as far as interrelationships are concerned.

Ordained Sangha's expected role during and after the training:

1. To live as a Sangha member harmoniously, benefiting and nourishing each other.

2. To guide lay people in their practice

3. To be of service to the community

4. To be eager and willing to participate in community work (minimum one hour labor a day).

5. To consult and carefully listen to each other when something needs the attention of the community and to uphold the decision taken.

6. To be diligent in attending all classes and activities arranged for BWR.

Common Understanding

1. Training will be in the Theravada tradition.

2. All participants must pay their own traveling expenses to and from BWR (for foreign participants, boarding and lodging throughout the 3 month period will be covered by BWR)

3. Each person is responsible, for any extra expenses, e.g. phone card, long distance calls.

4. As monastics belong to the family of the Buddha, it is understood that they will keep worldly and family concerns to a minimum. Monastic needs will be promptly attended to by BWR.

5. In order to be trained, the guidance of a teacher will be expected; respect for seniority and acceptance of the spirit of the Sangha is necessary.

Certificate

At the completion of the training course, a certificate will be given to those who have fulfilled the course satisfactorily.

Please Note

If you are interested in joining the program kindly fill in the application form and send to the contact person. Please apply early as this year there will be space only for 15 candidates.

Organizers: Buddhasavika Foundation

Sponsors: Songdhammakalyani Temple etc.

Date: Vassa (Rain Retreat) Aug.-Oct. 2004

Venue: Songdhammakalyani Temple, Nakhonpathom Province, Thailand

Contact: Ven.Dhammananda (Dr.Chatsumarn Kabilsingh) P.O. Box 108, Nakhonpathom 73000, Thailand [e-mail], [e-mail], www.thaibhikkhunis.org

Urgently Needed

We are looking for volunteers who are interested to live in a monastic community with regular practice and can help with office work for 3-6 months or longer. Boarding and lodging will be offered for free. Contact: Ven.Dhammananda at [e-mail]