Cremation of Ven.Bhikkhuni Voramai Kabilsingh October 5, 2003 Pathomchedi Temple, Nakhonpathom province, Thailand.

The cremation went beautifully. It rained every day, so we prayed hard for a clear sky on October 5,2003. On that day, very early an open truck with a decorated pavilion arrived even before we finished our breakfast. Six men whom we hired to carry the casket also arrived, dressed in khaki uniform. Many of us had arrived the previous night to be a part of the whole procession, realizing that it would be once in our lifetime: We gathered to take a group picture before we started to move the casket. The Ven.Dhammananda draped the golden brocade around the casket herself the previous night.

We had three cameramen to record the event. We took turn to take photos: one with a group of bhikkhunis only, one of those who have taken bodhisattava's vows, one group from Pattaya, etc.

When the policemen arrived to lead the procession, the bhikkhunis climbed onto the truck and sat beside the casket under the pavilion. All of our cars turned on blinking lights and followed in the procession.

We arrived at the crematorium at 9 am. The sky was gloomy but there was no rain. Solemnly, the casket was lifted down from the pavilion on the truck and then onto a card decorated with a three-headed serpent on each side. Ek and Tho, the two grandsons, holding the Ven.Grandmother's picture in a golden frame and an incense burner, led the procession. Two golden parasol were carried to shade Ven.Grandmother's picture as well as the casket as an expression of respect. All the six bhikkhunis led the casket holding onto the white thread as the custom dictated.

The whole procession went around the crematorium in silence three times, keeping our left towards the crematorium. This is the reverse from other auspicious events, when we keep out right towards the object of veneration.

Once we had completed the three rounds, we stood silently in lines facing the crematorium and waited until her casket was carried up and placed on the platform in the center of the crematorium.

We then moved to a spacious building on the right side of the crematorium, and suddenly the sky opened up and the sun sent down its warm rays and stayed with us all day.

At 2:30 p.m. Khun Kraisi, one of Ven.Grandma's close disciples, invited the members from the temple to recite a poem composed by the Venerable herself some 46 years ago on the theme of death. It was very moving.

When all the ten invited senior monks arrived, we started the actual part of the ritual. Honored guests were invited one by one to offer the robes, and then the monks received the robes. We made sure that our chief bhikkhuni Ven.Saddha Sumana from Sri Lanka also received one of the robes offered by a lady senator, Mrs.Rabiebrat Pongpanit.

Just before the offering of the last robe, which was the most significant one, we added a session to give certificates to the bhikkhunis who had attended the training at our temple during the vassa (rain retreat). Ven.Pra Dhammasenani, chief monk of the province, was very kind to comply to our request and presided over the simple ceremony. Many people in the audience saw the bhikkhunis for the first time in their lives.

The last robe was offered by Mr.Chuan Leekpai, ex-Prime Minister of the country, and it was Ven.Pra Dhammasenani who received it.

After this all honored guests filed in to lay paper flowers and paid last respect to Ven. Grandma before the actual cremation. We had volunteers standing on two sides handing a valuable gift of a 700-page book on Ven.Grandma's life and teaching. The book was placed in a cotton bag with her name, date of birth and date on it in her memory. Thanks to Khun Pitchaya for the bags.

At the end of the line, the five bhikkhunis chanted paritta (protection) for their well being with Ven.Saddha Sumana sprinkling holy water for them.

There were close to 800 people who attended this memorable cremation. It was a departure of a great soul of her time yet she left behind a strong lineage of both bhikkhunis and bodhisattvas to take up the work she had courageously started.

May Ven.Grandma Voramai Kabilsingh enter Nibbana.