STORY 27 – “PLEASE LOOK AFTER AYYA SERI”

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

On 15^th October 2021, Ajahn Brahm visited Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage in Jane Brook. He came to see Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri who was admitted into Palliative Care at Home.

At that time, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri asked not to be taken to the hospital anymore. Before Ajahn Brahm left, he asked her whether there was anything she would like to say to him or ask him.

I took out the spelling chart that was filled with the alphabets from A to Z and let Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri spell out her sentence. Since she was no longer able to speak, she squeezed my hand if she wanted to spell out a letter.

After some hard work, her sentence was: “Please look after A”. Ajahn Brahm guessed Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri wanted to say to him: “Please look after Ayya Seri.” She squeezed my hand.

I burst into tears. Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri was very weak and fragile at this time. She could have asked for a blessing or any other questions, but she was concerned about my well-being. I was very touched by her lovingkindness, compassion and care. She passed away five weeks later on 20^th November 2021.

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