Excursion Description:
Participants had the opportunity to live alongside the resident monastics at Songdhammakalyani Monastery in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, to get a real taste of what their lives were like. They joined in the chanting, practiced meditation, and participated in the dana offering at the Uposatha on Sunday morning. There were also opportunities to learn more about Buddha Dhamma, take part in community work, and join the monastics in the alms round on Sunday morning. The alms round is a tradition that dates back to the time of the Lord Buddha.
This is a special opportunity learn about:
- Thai Buddhism
- The role of women in Buddhism
- Daily life in a monastery
What makes this Songdhammakalyani Monastery stay special/unique?
Songdhammakalyani Monastery is the first monastery in Thailand built exclusively for fully ordained female monks, bhikkhunis. Venerable Dhammananda was the first woman in Thailand to be fully ordained as a Theravadin bhikkhuni, so she has a lot to share with visitors interested in Buddhism. She has done a lot for the women of Thailand. The Monastery is also home to the magnificent Medicine Buddha statue.
For more details about proper etiquette at the monastery visit: https://www.songdhammakalyani.com/info/visitor-information/
About the Presenter:
The Venerable Dhammavanna Bhikkhun, has been a fully ordained female monk (bhikkhuni) for 14 years. She has always lived at Songdhammakalyani Monastery under the guidance of Venerable Dhammananda Maha Theri, the abbess of the monastery and daughter of its founder, Venerable Voramai. Venerable Dhammananda teaches dhamma and guides the bhikkhunis in their daily lives.
After Venerable Dhammananda, Venerable Dhammavanna is the senior bhikkhuni at the temple. She leads the chanting and is responsible for introducing guests to Buddhism and monastic life.
More information about the monastery and life there can be found here:
