Ordination
Bhikkhuni Ordination of Ven. Ariyavimalani from Ariya Vihara (29 June 2025)
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On 29 June 2025, a historic and spiritually uplifting event unfolded at the Dekanduwala Bhikkhuni Training Centre, Horana, Sri Lankaāthe higher ordination (UpasampadÄ) of Ven. AriyavimalanÄ« BhikkhunÄ«. This significant step was the culmination of several dedicated years of Dhamma practice and monastic training under the Ariya Monastic and Laity Training Programme, reflecting profound commitment, spiritual maturity and unwavering discipline.
Beginning as an upÄsikÄ, then embracing the homeless life as an anÄgÄrikÄ, and progressing through two and a half years as a sÄmaį¹erÄ« (novice nun), Ven. AriyavimalanÄ« trained with utmost devotion under Ven. Sumaį¹ galÄ TherÄ«, Abbess of Ariya Vihara. Her further training was guided by Ven. SaddhasumanÄ MahÄtherÄ«, one of the pioneers of modern bhikkhuni ordination since 1998; and Ven. DhammashanthÄ« MahÄtherÄ«, Abbess of Dekanduwala Bhikkhuni Centre, Sri Lanka. Her journey demonstrates the deep-rooted lineage of compassion, wisdom, and the empowering continuation of the BhikkhunÄ« Saį¹ gha.
The dual ordination, conducted with both bhikkhu and bhikkhunÄ« Saį¹ ghas, was a powerful reminder of the Saį¹ ghaās support for womenās full ordination. Ven. AriyavimalanÄ« was ordained alongside 13 other women from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Canadaāeach now fully ordained bhikkhunÄ«s walking the noble Eightfold Path.
This event was not only a personal spiritual achievement but also a communal triumph for Ariya Vihara, as Ven. AriyavimalanÄ« became its second bhikkhunÄ«, realizing its founding vision of nurturing a living BhikkhunÄ« Saį¹ gha. We extend our deep appreciation to the upajjhÄya, Ven. K. Wimalajothi MahÄthera, and the pavattinÄ«, Ven. R. SaddhasumanÄ MahÄtherÄ«, and the kammavacÄriya and kammavÄcarinÄ« for conducting these dual ordination for the bhikkhunÄ«s. We also honour the presence of Chief B. Sri Saranankara NÄyaka MahÄthera (Spiritual Patron of Ariya Vihara) and 10 other senior bhikkhus, along with 13 senior bhikkhunis, including Ven. Sumaį¹ galÄ TherÄ« (Abbess of Ariya Vihara), whose presence offered strong blessings and visible support.
Faithful lay supporters, particularly 19 devoted members from Ariya Vihara, joined in the rare meritorious celebration, offering Saį¹ ghika DÄna and pirikara to nearly 90 monastics. Their collective faith, generosity, and shared joy marked a beautiful expression of communal spiritual growth.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this spiritual milestone possible, especially Ven. K. Wimalajothi MahÄthera (Founder of Dekanduwala Dhamma Training and Meditation Centre) , Ven. Chief B. Sri Saranankara NÄyaka MahÄthera (Chief Judiciary Monk of Malaysia), Ven. R. SaddhasumanÄ MahÄtherÄ« (Abbess of Tusitaramaya), Ven. Dharma SumanapalÄ« MahÄtherÄ« (Abbess of Sri Sucharitha Wardhanaramaya Madampe), Ven. M. DhammashanthÄ« MahÄtherÄ« (Abbess of Dekanduwala Bhikkhuni Centre), Ven. G. MedhÄ TherÄ« (Vice Abbess of Daham Medhura), Ven. Sumaį¹ galÄ TherÄ« (Abbess of Ariya Vihara), Ariya Vihara Exco, Committee of Ariya Monastic and Laity Training Program and all participating esteemed members of the Saį¹ gha and the kind-hearted donors, sponsors and well wishers.
Ven. Ariyavimalaniās ordination is a radiant example of perseverance, reverence, and the fruit of right practice. Her journey inspires countless women in the Dhamma pathāproving that through disciplined training, humility and deep faith, the doors to liberation remain open. May she and all newly ordained bhikkhunis walk with light, wisdom and peace in service of the BuddhasÄsana.
SÄdhu! SÄdhu! SÄdhu!
https://buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=43,13625,0,0,1,0
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Ordaining as a nun at Ariya Vihara, Kwasa Damansara
Ordination Pathway
Ariya VihÄra is the 1st TheravÄda BhikkhunÄ« Nunnery and Dhamma Training Centre in Malaysia with much interest from women wishing to ordain both from within Malaysia and abroad. Ordaining as a Buddhist nun (sÄmaį¹erÄ« and later bhikkhunÄ«) is a big commitment and requires aspirants to pass through stages which require greater degrees of commitment in living the Dhamma and higher standards of practice in monastic discipline (vinaya), which include the letting go of money, celibacy (no contact with the opposite sex), leaving homelife and relations, and the practice of harmlessness towards all living beings.
Before the Nunnery can consider new applicants for ordination, we require them to first come and stay with us as a guest for up to one month to get to know the community, our environment and the standard of practice at Ariya VihÄra without making any long term commitments.
The Waiting List
After spending some time getting acquainted with us, typically we ask the applicant to leave the Centre and go back to lay life and sincerely reflect. If they wish to pursue ordination, having let us know, we will add them to the ordination waiting list. The potential candidates are required to go through Ariya Monastic and Laity Training Program to provide them foundational understanding on Buddha Dhamma and Dhamma-Vinaya Living skills. The course has 6 modules and having attended the course up to 4thĀ module, when suitable the applicants may apply for stay in training while pursuing the 5th and 6th modules.
As we have only limited space available for community members and āvisa term is challenging to foreigners (1-3months only in Malaysia)ā, preference is given to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents. Thus if you are from overseas it may take a long time before an opportunity arises. In any case, patience and persistence is a good quality to develop as trainees would have to travel frequently for visa run and bear the cost of travelling and be back for training if accepted.
As applicants move up the waiting list, the Nunnery will get in contact and offer a space. After returning to the Nunnery, and after an initial trial month the AnagÄrikÄ candidates can approach Ven. Sumangala and the Ariya VihÄra Sangha for approval to be ordained as an eight precept Postulant (AnagÄrikÄ).
Life as an AnagÄrikÄ
The women with shaven heads and wearing white, while keeping the eight precepts, are called AnagÄrikÄs. It is their intention to become a 10 precept novice nun (sÄmaį¹erÄ«) in the near future.
There is quite a lot of meritorious service work involved, supporting the nuns and doing various mindfulness services around the Centre. This includes:
- Working in the kitchen or helping in preparation of food/ cooking, cleaning and washing up.
- Sweeping/ mopping around the Centre grounds and generally cleaning and keeping the place tidy and presentable.
- Driving ā as and when required.
- Construction / helping of various projects or programs
There are shared rooms for AnagÄrikÄ (two/ three to one room). Each person learns to live in harmony with other residents.
Training is also provided and includes:
- Sila-Vinaya classes ā learning the importance of principles of life and monastic rules.
- Dhamma talks ā when Ven. Sumangala gives Dhamma Talk as and when to devotees during Dana on various aspects of the Buddhaās path and daily practice.
- Sutta classes, Bhavana & meditation, Buddhist History and Development ā to follow the Ariya Monastic and Laity Training Program based on the Buddhist scriptures (in Tipitaka) with explanations and the opportunity for asking questions.
- Pali verses and application ā This allows residents to learn the ancient language in which the Buddhist scriptures are written in and for the prolongation of the Buddhasasana.
- There are also homework, presentations and reporting components in the above Ariya Monastic and Laity Training Program as postulants learn to live by what they have learnt and to put it into practice.
SÄmaį¹erÄ« Ordination
After one year as an AnagÄrikÄ it is possible to apply for the ordination as a novice nun ā a SÄmaį¹erÄ«. This is subject to the approval of the whole Sangha of the nuns at Ariya VihÄra Nunnery. The following should be noted:
- In keeping the ten precepts, sÄmaį¹erÄ«s are abstaining from handling money. Cash and assets can be given away, or transferred into the hands of a trusted friend or family member.
- White clothing is exchanged for novice nun sÄmaį¹erÄ«ās attire ā the brown robes (same design with TheravÄda monkās robe).
- Meals and evening tea are taken with the other novices and fully ordained monks.
- A separate nunās shared room (ākutiā) is provided for novices as soon as possible.
- Requirement to attend novice nun training program.
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BhikkhunÄ« Ā Ordination
Full ordination as a BhikkhunÄ« is possible after a minimum of two years as a sÄmaį¹erÄ«. Again this is subject to the suitability of the sÄmaį¹erÄ« and approval by the whole Sangha. With full ordination, comes the responsibility to keep all the rules of the vinaya and to live skillfully by the Dhamma and to strive for liberation. This is the last stage of ordination and the nun is now a member of the Sangha.
