by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni and Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage during the Forgiveness Ceremony on Pavarana Day, 19th October 2013.

On Pavarana Day, 19th October 2013, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni completed her 29th Rains Retreat since she went forth  in Sri Lanka, and Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni completed her 10th Rains Retreat since she went forth in Perth.

The beautiful tray of flowers, candle and incense for the Forgiveness Ceremony at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage, 19th October 2013.

The Pavarana Ceremony starts with a Forgiveness Ceremony, and is followed by the Invitation, when the bhikkhunis at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage, out of compassion for each other, correct whatever is seen, heard or suspected to have been incorrect in their practice during the Rains. Later that day, the bhikkhunis from Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage, represented by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni, had to request the Invitation from the bhikkhu sangha to complete the Pavarana Ceremony.

We were very grateful for all your support during the three months of the Rains Retreat. We especially appreciated your support for our first in-house meditation retreat for the residents; Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni, Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni and Jacky. Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni was also very fortunate to be able to have a four-day solitary meditation retreat each month during the Rains Retreat. Thanks to Jacky for taking on the responsibility of caring for Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni and offering the dana during that time.

May we share the merit of our practice with all of you and may you always have the support that you need on the Eightfold Path, for the attainment of Nibbana.

Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu!