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26 EASTERN HORIZON | FACE TO FACE

You are a qualified psychologist. To commemorate the 100 birthday bhikkhus, well versed in the sutta
th
How can psychology be applied to anniversary of the late Venerable K. and Vinaya, such as Bhikkhu Bodhi
teach children about Buddhism? Sri Dhammananda, 100 participants Mahathero, Ajahn Sujato Mahathero,
(eight bhikkhunīs and 92 sāmaṇerīs) Ven. P. Seewalee Mahathero, Ven.
rd
Psychology is the scientific study of took part in the 3 novitiate program. Sumitta Mahathero, among others,
the mind and behavior. At times, we were very supportive of our United
use psychological evaluations and The support from the Bhikkhu Theravāda Bhikkhunī Saṅgha
various forms of therapy to help sangha can also be witnessed International Program initiatives.
children and adolescents learn to from bhikkhunī ordinations in this
better cope with life and relationship country and overseas. Even bhikkhus As President of Ariya Vihāra
issues, and improve their mental from conservative countries such Buddhist Society, and an advisor
health conditions, bearing in mind as Laos and Cambodia, came to of Gotami Vihāra Society, what
the Buddha’s words: form the quorum for bhikkhunī are the reasons for having two
ordination in Bodhgaya. Senior societies with similar goals?
Health is the highest gain bhikkhus who understand their duty
Contentment is the greatest wealth to prolong the Buddhasāsana are Gotami Vihāra Society was formed
Trustworthiness the best relative coming forward to give pabbajjā and to provide the renunciants, including
Nibbana is the highest Bliss upasampadā (higher ordination) to eight preceptors, sāmaṇerīs and
Dhammapada 204 the bhikkhunīs, in accordance to the bhikkhunīs, from the Theravāda
Buddha’s Dhamma Vinaya. or Mahāyāna tradition with a
Since 2008, has the support temporary place to stay and practise,
for the Theravadan Bhikkhunī At Ariya Vihāra, upon invitation, as well as for those in transit while
Saṅgha from the Bhikkhu sangha bhikkhus have attended and travelling and need help.
in Malaysia increased? participate in our events. Another

example of Bhikkhu support comes Ariya Vihāra Buddhist Society KL &
Since I took higher ordination in from Ven. B. Sri Saranankara Nayaka Selangor was formed to establish the
st
2015, the support from the Bhikkhu Mahāthera, who is Ariya Vihāra’s 1 Theravāda bhikkhunī nunnery
Sangha has been very encouraging. Spiritual Patron. Last year, it was and dhamma training centre, and
heartening when several Bhikkhu where the bhikkhunī saṅgha and
This year, we conducted our sixth centres and monasteries invited laity can come together to work for
Theravāda Sāmaṇerī Novitiate Ariya Vihara bhikkhunis to attend peace and a progressive society.
Program, since the commencement and participate in their Kathina
of the first one in 2014. At the ceremonies. Can you tell us what makes you
beginning, the program was happy?
organized and led by Bhante On 23 April 2024, we completed
Saranankara Nayaka Mahāthera, our 1st Theravāda Bhikkhunī The glimpse of non-self and the
Bhante Dr Dhammapala Sima Declaration in Malaysia in blissful mind of non-grasping. The
Mahāthera, Bhante Sujato, Ayya the presence of senior bhikkhus development of the bhikkhunī
Hasapanna, a few sāmaṇerīs, and from the Monastic Advisory Panel Saṅgha and the establishment
myself, with the help of a dedicated of Theravāda Buddhist Council of of bhikkhunī sima in Malaysia.
team of devotees from the Subang Malaysia, consisting of Ven. Aggacitta The opportunity and ability to
Jaya Buddhist Association. Over Mahathera, Ven. Saranankara propagate and prolong the Buddha’s
the years, more local monks, and Nayaka Mahathera, and Ven. Dr. dispensation for the wellbeing,
bhikkhus from Sri Lanka Singapore, Dhammapala Mahathera, and happiness and benefit of the many,
and other countries have come to Ven. Ariyadhammika Thera. At the ultimately for the realization of
support the program. international level, prominent senior Nibbāna. EH