STORY 4 – IT IS TIME TO PRACTISE

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

After I returned from the pilgrimage to India in February 2001, I started to study Chinese Medicine at RMIT. I could do long-distance study for a year, but I eventually had to move to Melbourne to study pulse diagnosis and acupuncture.

I was not sure if I wanted to leave Perth and settle in Melbourne for a few years. I spoke to some friends and family. Everyone was very encouraging. I decided to see Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri.

I remember speaking to her at one of our supporter’s house who had offered dana. After Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri listened to my predicament, she said to me: “You have enough skills to help others. Now it is time to spend time on your practice.” That was all she said to me. It was simple and short. It went straight into my heart.

I was working as a pharmacist as well as a naturopath at that time. Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri was the only one who advised me to spend time on my practice. I took her advice seriously.

I terminated my studies at RMIT in July that year and applied to be an anagarikaa, a trainee, at Dhammasara Nuns Monastery where Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri was the abbot. In 2002, I resigned from the naturopathic work and took six months unpaid leave from the pharmacy. I arrived at the gate of Dhammasara Nuns Monastery in June 2002, and never turned back.

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