Hair  For  Care  Fund  Raiser

by Ming Cassim

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni and Chandrika Perera before the head shaving at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage on Friday 9th June 2017. Photo by Ming

On the evening of 9^th June 2017, with the full moon slowly appearing,  courageous Chandrika watched with joy and equanimity as Ayya Seri began to cut off her long, beautiful locks of hair .

Being the Full-moon Poson Poya Day, (the day which commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahat Maha Mahinda, son of King Asoka of India, in the third century BC), the Head Shaving Ceremony had more significance.

When Ayya Seri cut off the first lock of hair, she gave it back to Chandrika and she asked her to contemplate and reflect on why she was doing it.

With her supportive husband Mohan behind her Head Shaving,  Chandrika’s delightful eyes were filled with tears of joy as her head was shaven clean.

Her “Hair For Care” intention to raise funds for Ajahn Vayama’s Care was so sincere and spontaneous, that she felt so much joy doing this meritorious deed.

At the end of the Head Shaving ceremony, performed so dexterously by Ayya Seri, stood a beautiful being … all in white with a countenance radiating peace and joy!

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! Chadrika.

A letter of appreciation from a supporter

“Hair for Care”

Thank you for inviting me to support the brave and wonderful thing that Chandrika has undertaken to do for Ajahn Vayama’s ongoing care.

While it is sad to know that Ajahn Vayama now needs 24 hour care, it is with joy that we remember her guidance in all aspects of the Dhamma, which all of us were fortunate to receive and benefit from. Her wonderful voice in chanting the Loving Kindness Sutra has given us a calmness of mind many a time. May all that she has done stand her in good stead through this difficult time.

May Ajahn Vayayama be well and be happy in both mind and body.

posted by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

Chandrika Perera pays  respect to the Buddha in the Sala of Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage before head shaving on 9th June 2017. Photo by Ming.

Chandrika Perera pays respect to Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni before the head shaving in the Sala of Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage on 9th June. Photo by Ming

Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni, Chandrika Perera and the committee of Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage Incorporated inside the Sala of Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage before the head shaving on 9th June 2017. Photo by Mohan.

Head shaving under the Bodhi Tree on 9th June 2017 outside the Sala of Patacara bhikkhuni Hermitage. Photo by Mohan.

Head shaving of Chandrika Perera by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni under the Bodhi tree on 9th June 2017 at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage. Photo by Ming.

The bright and joyous Chandrika Perera with her hair shaven on 9th June 2017 at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage. Photo by Ming.

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni, Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni, Chandrika and Mohan Perera at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage after the head shaving on 9th June 2017. Photo by Ming.

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni, Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni, Chandrika Perera and the committee after the head shaving at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage. Photo by Mohan.