Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Story 9 : The tree log across the brook

Posted on October 31, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

STORY 9 – THE TREE LOG ACROSS THE BROOK

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

When I first arrived at the monastery as an anagarikaa, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri took the new anagarikaas for walks in the bush. The aim was to familiarise us with the monastery environment and how to get back to the nuns’ cottage if we were lost in the bush. We were shown the direction of the nuns’ cottage in relation to the sun. It was all very useful information. We felt welcomed to the monastery as the teacher was very supportive and cared for our well-being.

One day when we were on our bush walk, we had to go across to the other side of the brook. Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri walked across the tree log with water flowing underneath. She looked at us and waited at the other side. I could swim well and used to be a lifesaver in high school. But I was afraid of the tree log. I was frightened that I would be off balance and fall into the water!

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri used to be a good swimmer and a lifesaver too! I looked at the tree log, the water underneath, and my teacher at the other side of the brook. I hesitated for a while. Then I gathered enough courage and just went for it. I never looked back. Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri stretched out her arm and helped me across.

This was the first time I realised I had confidence and trust in my teacher.

………………………………

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Story 8 : The crocked clock

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

STORY 8 – THE CROOKED CLOCK

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

During my first Rains retreat at the monastery in 2002, I was rostered on shrine duty. I was quite slow in completing my tasks and I had to quickly put up the clock on the wall in the shrine.

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri saw the crooked clock that I had put up in a hurry. She did not say anything, but later gave a talk on mindfulness and how we use mindfulness in our daily activities, including mindfully putting up the clock straight up on the wall. She also talked about doing the work with full attention, as a way we pay respect to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.

I apologised for my crooked job.

After dana, I walked to the bush towards Bonny’s bridge. I cried. I was overwhelmed. I felt I could not do the practice and I would not be able to be mindful 24 hours a day. It was too much hard work. I saw my friends, “Mother” kangaroo and “Baby” kangaroo, around the bridge. I poured all my tears out the whole afternoon and telling them I could not do it anymore.

I had an interview with my teacher later that week to talk about my practice. I stayed on.

………………………………

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Story 7 : The ant mound

Posted on October 29, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

STORY 7 – THE ANT MOUND

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

During my first walk as anagarikaa around the monastery, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri took us to see the boundaries of the monastery’s property.

When we were walking along the fire break, as I was just about to step on the small rock in front of me, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri said: “Stop.” I stopped just a step away from the small rock. She asked me to look carefully. It was not a small rock. It was an ant mound. A few bull ants were coming in and out of the mound. I was shocked and frightened.

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri asked me to walk around it and not to disturb the mound. She was telling me that the ants were like us, another being that shared this bush property with us. We wanted to be safe, happy and well, and so did the bull ants.

For the first time I felt strongly about the presence of other beings that shared the quest for safety, happiness and peace.

………………………………

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Story 6 : Blessings

Posted on October 28, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

STORY 6 – BLESSINGS

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri had a beautiful chanting voice. Whenever there was a controlled burn or hazard reduction burn at the monastery, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri always informed the residents at the monastery the time and place to meet her if we would like to join in the chanting and blessings.

She chanted for the safety of all beings in the destinated controlled burn area. She chanted for the safety of the beings at the building site before all the machinery arrived and caused disturbances to the environment. She also chanted for the peace and happiness of the beings after the building was completed before anyone moved into the new place. I always loved to participate in those chanting and blessings.

On one occasion, we were chanting the blessings on a big rock next to the old caravan site in the monastery just before sunset. The birds were flying through the sky, the wind was blowing gently, and the beautiful colours of sunset were in full display.  I was deeply moved by the sincerity and lovingkindness in Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri’s voice and her heart. I could feel the joy and happy energy dancing around us flowing out to all beings.

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri had respect and love for the bush and the land. She is a great blessing for them.

………………………..

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Story 5 : This is a light house

Posted on October 27, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

STORY 5 – THIS IS A LIGHT HOUSE

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

As a lay supporter of Dhammasara Nuns’ monastery, I used to enjoy the reflections that Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri shared before Dana. The following is one of such stories that I remember from her teaching in 2001 or 2002.

This was a story about a ship sailing in a rough, foggy, and dark sea. Suddenly the ship’s captain saw the radar of the ship indicating an object directly in its path. The captain sent a radio signal: “We are on a collision course. Advise you to change course 10 degrees north.”

A response came over the radio: “Negative. We advise you to change course 10 degrees south.”

The captain now saw a blinking light from the approaching object. He urgently sent another signal: “I’m a ship captain. Change course 10 degrees north now!”

“Advise that you change course 10 degrees south to avoid collision.”

The captain is furious. He insisted: “This is a US marine battleship! Change your course immediately!”

“This is a lighthouse.”

I was reflecting on the story. We often bang our head onto the ‘lighthouse’ in life. We bang our head on old age, sickness and death. We keep banging on the promises that life can never deliver. Our sense of self is always insisting that we are special. Until one day, the penny drops.

Until we bow down to the dhamma.

………………………………

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Story 4 : It is time to practise

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

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.

………………………………

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Story 3 : The dogs in India

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

STORY 3 – THE DOGS IN INDIA

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

I went on pilgrimage to India in 2001 with a group from the Buddhist Society of Western Australia and met Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri formally for the first time.

During the pilgrimage, we sometimes had to pack lunch so that we could arrive at our destination on time. Normally, after lunch, the tour leader would offer the untouched food to the villagers.

On one occasion, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri went down the bus during one of stopovers. I was teacher-watching at that time and was very interested to know Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri a little bit more. I enthusiastically offered to be her chaperone.

I followed her to the fierce looking dogs that were around. She was not afraid of them, but I was. Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri gently put down her unfinished food for the dogs and talked to them quietly before she left. She said, “the dogs are hungry too,” and went back to the bus.

I was very touched by Ayya Vayama Bhikhhuni Theri’s lovingkindness and compassion. I still feel the warmth in my heart when I remember her putting the food down and talking to them.

………………………………

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday-Story 2 : The bows

Posted on October 24, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

STORY 2 – THE BOWS

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

I met Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri formally on the pilgrimage to India in the beginning of 2001. I went to her talks at Dhammaloka Buddhist Centre and attended some of her weekend retreats at Safety Bay.

I was observing and watching Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri during the pilgrimage and was very impressed by her.  She was the first Theravada nun I had ever met.

I was especially inspired by the way she bowed to the Buddha, the relics, the cetiyas, and the various historical Buddhist sites. She bowed with so much devotion, respect and faith. She bowed with so much ease and grace. I was inspired. I wanted a piece of that ease, devotion and happiness.

………………………………

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Story 1 : Please do not point your feet to the shrine or the teacher

Posted on October 23, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

STORY 1 – PLEASE DO NOT POINT YOUR FEET TO THE SHRINE OR THE TEACHER

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

I attended my first weekend retreat at Safety Bay with Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri in 1998 or 1999.

I was not familiar with the Theravada tradition and practice at that time. I rushed from work and arrived at Safety Bay at 5.30pm for the weekend retreat.

I rushed into the meditation hall and sat on the floor with my feet unintentionally pointing to the shrine. Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri said to me: “The lady in the red T-shirt, please do not point your feet to the shrine or the teacher. It is disrespectful to the Buddha and the teacher.” She said it firmly but gently. I politely put my feet away and sat cross legged. However, I was not happy the whole weekend and was even rebellious towards Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri.

During the group walking meditation session, Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri instructed us to walk according to the beat of her wooden fish. I intentionally walked slow when the beat was fast, and intentionally walked fast when the beat was slow. It caused a bit of disturbance to the retreatants.

Even though I was not happy with Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri for ‘telling me off’ on my first weekend retreat, her firm and gentle instruction left an impression in my heart.

I attended a few more weekend retreats with Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri later. I recognized her willingness to teach and give instructions for the benefit of her students.

I entered monastic training in June 2002 with my teacher.

………………………………

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Introduction

Posted on October 22, 2022 by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

by Ayya Seri Bhikkhuni

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on her 60th birthday, 28th October 2012, at Patacara Bhikkhuni Hermitage.

I would like to share with you some of the stories and teachings from Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on her 70th birthday which fell on 28th October 2022. Some of the stories and teachings may seem trivial, but it left a significant impression in my mind and heart.

I first saw Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri at the Kathina Ceremony at Bodhinyana Monastery in 1997. I did not know who she was. I just knew a nun was there. I never got to meet her as there were so many people who wanted to see and speak to her at that time. I was too shy to fight through the big crowd.

I attended a few of Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri’s weekend retreats at Safety Bay from 1999 to 2002, and finally met her formally during the pilgrimage to India in 2001. I had been practicing with Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri as my teacher for 23 years until she passed away on 20th November 2021.

Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri was a wise and compassionate teacher and kalyanamitta – noble companion in holy life, with an unwavering devotion and faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. She was funny, witty, humorous, gentle, warm, practical, considerate and full of lovingkindness. It has been my great honor to have had the opportunity to learn from her, to practice with her and to look after her through her illness.

I would like to take this opportunity to bow down to my teacher.

May Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri be at peace. May she attain Nibbana.

………………………..

Posted in 2022, Reflections, Tributes | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Remembering Ayya Vayama Bhikkhuni Theri on Her 70th Birthday – Introduction