The establishment of the Bhikkuni Sasana, the order of Buddhist nuns, unfolded approximately five years after the initiation of the Bhikku Sasana, the monastic community for male monks. Despite the expressed willingness of Princess Yashodhara and Prajapathi Gothamee to join the Bhikkuni Sasana when the Buddha arrived in the city of Kimbulwath, he decided to delay its establishment for the greater benefit of the Buddha Sasana.
Following the resolution of the Shakya Koliya war, five hundred princes entered the Buddha Sasana, prompting their wives to earnestly seek admission into the Bhikkuni order. Alongside Maha Prajapathi Gothami, these women, having shaved their heads and adorned saffron robes, arrived at the Kutagara of Vaishali, visibly fatigued. Ananda Thero conveyed their earnest desire three times, yet the Buddha initially declined to ordain these women.
It was only when Ananda Thero eloquently extolled the significance of motherhood to the Buddha that he relented. Acknowledging the respect due to motherhood and the intelligence of women, the Buddha agreed to ordain them. Thus, the establishment of the Bhikkuni Sasana unfolded, as recorded in the Chullawaggapali Bhikkuni Kandaka.
In accordance with the scriptures, the inception of the Bhikkuni order in Sri Lanka occurred shortly after the Arhath Mahinda Thero introduced Buddhism to the island. On the second day of his arrival, Arhath Mahinda Thero delivered a profound Dhamma discourse within the confines of the king’s palace. Notably, the audience predominantly comprised women.
In response to King Devanampiyatissa’s request, Bhikkuni Sanghamitta and her accompanying delegation journeyed to Sri Lanka. In the auspicious Buddha year 2037, during the serene month of December, Sangamitta Therani undertook a momentous voyage from the Thamraliptha coast in India to the shores of Sri Lanka. Her journey spanned a mere seven days, culminating in her arrival at Jambukolapattana.
In its initial stages, the Bhikkuni Sasana flourished, emanating a spirit of profound purpose. However, as time unfolded, the sanctity of this sacred order faced trials and tribulations. Local crises, foreign invasions, and periods of famine cast shadows upon its existence.
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