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.
Among the inspired listeners was Anula Devi and a cohort of women who, captivated by the teachings, expressed their ardent desire to embrace the Bhikkuni order. Arhath Mahinda Thero, upon learning of their aspirations, conveyed to the king the informed constraint that a male Bhikku lacked the authority to ordain females. Subsequently, Arhath Mahinda Thero proposed a pivotal solution- the invitation of his sister, Sanghamitta, to Sri Lanka for the explicit purpose of establishing the Bhikkuni order.
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.
Awaiting her with earnest anticipation, Anula Devi and her compatriots had established their residence in the town. It was under the benevolent guidance of Sangamitta Therani that Anula Devi and her dedicated cohort received the sacred ordination, a pivotal moment that etched the initiation of the Bhikkuni Sasana in the annals of Sri Lanka’s spiritual history.
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.
Amidst adversities, the Bhikkuni Sasana has endured, standing as a testament to its unwavering commitment. Through the ages, it has not merely survived but has emerged as a steadfast source of inspiration and solace for the women of the land. In the face of challenges, the Bhikkuni Sasana, with its noble service, continues to illuminate the path of spiritual enlightenment for womanhood in Sri Lanka.
© satipatthana magazine
