The Bhikkhuni Training

On October 17th, 2011 Ayya Anandabodhi and Ayya Santacitta received bhikkhuni ordination with Ayya Tathaaloka Theri as preceptor at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. The full ordination was an act of the Dual Sangha, consisting of a quorum of Theravada bhikkhunis and Theravada bhikkhus with several elder monastics of the Mahayana schools also present, as special guests, offering their support and witness to the ordination.

 Ordination Program

View a lovely 7-minute slideshow of the ordination day
Hear talks offered at the ordination ceremony

This video, above, is of the procession of Dual Sangha to the Ordination Hall

Our Preceptor Ayya Tathaaloka Theri

Samaneri Anandabodhi requesting bhikkhuni ordination

Samaneri Santacitta requesting bhikkhuni ordination

Witnessing bhikkhus confirm bhikkhuni ordination

Group photo

Photos: Ed Ritger / www.edritger.com

On May 12th, 2011, Ayya Santacitta and Ayya Anandabodhi received samaneri precepts and took nissaya (dependence) with Venerable Tathaaloka Theri at the Bodhi House in Fremont, California, in preparation for their requesting bhikkhuni ordination on October 17th.

Requesting samaneri precepts and nissaya (dependence)

Sealing the certificates

Receiving the certificates

They are now associate members of the North American Bhikkhuni Association (NABA) and will be in training as bhikkhunis with Venerable Tathaaloka Theri until the end of their second vassa (Rains Retreat).