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presence in our mind by memory and for some, perhaps By accepting our own suffering with understanding,
through telepathy. But for sure, concrete and direct we will be able to express it in a calm manner when
relationship is fundamental. Remembering that we are meeting others.
all in the same boat makes it easier.
We are all in this difficult situation facing Covid-19
During stressful times, help and care from friends is together, although there will be some in a more vulnerable
very important. Feelings of friendliness and kindness situation and thus more badly affected. This is where
are an antidote to all our defilements. When we feel we express our kindness and care for others by taking
cared for and feel love (mettā) in our hearts, we are not actions such as practicing social isolation when we are
so afraid, and we feel more contented. In the midst of asked to, wearing masks, and being vaccinated. We may be
difficult challenges and uncertainty, warming our heart strong and healthy, but there are others in society who are
with kindness and caring for others, and connecting vulnerable, and through our actions we can take care of
with others can be a good antidote to anxiety. them and help to keep them safe. The situation during this
difficult time challenges us to think beyond ourselves as
It is true that a lack of connection from each other and individuals and to consider the wider community.
isolation for a long period of time is difficult for us. So it
is important to have compassion and understanding for Could you share with us the purpose and major
ourselves and others in this difficult situation. activities of the New Zealand Bhikkhuni Sangha Trust.

Kindness and compassion are two key qualities The fundamental purpose of the New Zealand
taught by the Buddha. How do we express these Bhikkhuni Sangha Trust is to establish the bhikkhunī
qualities during the pandemic to ourselves, our Saṅgha in Aotearoa/New Zealand thus fulfilling the
loved ones, and others in society? Buddha’s vision of the four-fold community, and to

create an environment for bhikkhunīs and lay-people to
It is important to remember that loving kindness develop their meditation practice to a profound level.
nurtures our own hearts as well as benefitting others.
We should always try to help others, especially those The NZBST believes that the Dhamma and full access
who are less fortunate than us. Our mettā is extended to monastic life should be open to everyone regardless
not only to humans, but pets and animals can also be of gender, sexual orientation, wealth, social status and
objects of our kindness and our care. Our kindness and ethnicity. Thus, the plan is to create favorable conditions
care for other beings will also nourish us. for those who are often overlooked and neglected
within traditional forms of Buddhism for them to study
Having kindness towards ourselves during difficult and practice the Dhamma in New Zealand.
times is important. Kindness and compassion towards
ourselves helps us maintain more wholesome states Currently, the NZBST has put a deposit on a residence
of mind, and to be kind to others. During very difficult in Hamilton for the purpose of establishing a city center
times when we are faced with many pressures and for bhikkhunīs to stay, teach, practice and study. This
uncertainties, we may not always be at our best and will enable a reaching out to the local and national
may be more likely to make mistakes in our actions than community by providing Dhamma and meditation
normal times. But, if we can be kind and understanding classes, a reference library for reading and research and
to ourselves, we will realize that we are all in this hold Dhamma gatherings and discussion groups.
together, and will then resolve to do better in the future.
In this way, we are not adding extra layers of stress At the moment, since I am the only Theravāda trained
(second darts) to an already stressful situation. In bhikkhunī in Hamilton, have begun offering Sunday-
difficult situations we need the nourishing balm of love school classes for the local Sri Lankan community,
for both ourselves and to others. Dhamma teachings, with meditation classes and day