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The wisdom of Bhikkhunī Sangha in modern Buddhism

Tathālokā Therī

February 21, 2025



Gathered in village Birpur, Vaishali, near the Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra - representatives of the Bhikkhunis' community of Mahaprajapati Trust of Vietnam and its [bhikkhuni] nun community based in Vaishali join Nava Nalanda Prof. Shri Siddharth Singh, student and pilgrims, preparing for "Mangal Path" - "Blessed Path" walk together to the ancient mound site
Gathered in village Birpur, Vaishali, near the Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra - representatives of the Bhikkhunis' community of Mahaprajapati Trust of Vietnam and its [bhikkhuni] nun community based in Vaishali join Nava Nalanda Prof. Shri Siddharth Singh, student and pilgrims, preparing for "Mangal Path" - "Blessed Path" walk together to the ancient mound site

Glad to see  

"नव नालंदा महाविहार ने मनाया द्वितीय महाप्रजापति गौतमी परिनिब्बान दिवस

Nava Nalanda Mahavihara celebrates 2nd Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibbana Day"

- from Nava Nalanda Mahavihara deemed university Feb 21, 2025 (scroll down for English)


"*नव नालंदा महाविहार ने मनाया द्वितीय महाप्रजापति गौतमी परिनिब्बान दिवस*

"नालंदा: नव नालंदा महाविहार (सम विश्वविद्यालय, संस्कृति मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार) के शिक्षकों, भिक्षु- भिक्षुणियों, विद्यार्थियों, शिक्षणेत्तर कर्मचारीयों, एवं बौद्ध श्रद्धालुओं द्वारा श्रद्धा और उत्साह के साथ वैशाली जिले के बीरपुर गांव में द्वितीय महाप्रजापति गौतमी परिनिब्बान दिवस मनाया गया। ज्ञातव्य रहे कि यह विशेष अवसर भगवान बुद्ध की दत्तक माता एवं प्रथम बौद्ध भिक्षुणी महाप्रजापति गौतमी के जीवन और योगदान को सम्मानित करने के लिए मनाया जाता है।

"कार्यक्रम का शुभारंभ महाविहार के माननीय कुलपति प्रोफेसर सिद्धार्थ सिंह के उद्घाटन भाषण से हुआ, जिसमें उन्होंने महाप्रजापति गौतमी के बौद्ध संघ में ऐतिहासिक योगदान पर प्रकाश डाला। उन्होंने उनके जीवन, त्याग और बौद्ध धर्म में महिलाओं की भूमिका पर भी अपने विचार प्रस्तुत किए।

"इस अवसर पर भिक्षु एवं भिक्षुणी संघ द्वारा पारंपरिक बौद्ध मंगलपाठ और ध्यान सत्र का आयोजन भी किया गया, जिससे उपस्थित श्रद्धालुओं ने शांति और आध्यात्मिकता का अनुभव किया। प्रतिभागी श्रद्धालुओं के द्वारा यह संकल्प भी लिया गया कि मातृशक्ति एवं स्त्री सशक्तिकरण की प्रतीक महाप्रजापति गौतमी के आदर्शों को आत्मसात कर समाज में शांति और समानता को बढ़ावा दिया जाएगा।

"इस अवसर पर वैशाली में स्थित वियतनाम के महाप्रजापति ट्रस्ट एवं उसके भिक्षुणी संघ का सहयोग भी रहा ।

"यहां यह उल्लेख करना अति महत्वपूर्ण है कि भारत सरकार के संस्कृति मंत्रालय के अंतर्गत आने वाला नव नालंदा महाविहार बौद्ध अध्ययन तथा बौद्ध धर्म से संबंधित पालि, संस्कृत, तिब्बती, चीनी एवं जापानी इत्यादि भाषाओं के अध्ययन एवं अनुसंधान के लिए समर्पित एक प्रमुख संस्थान है। महाविहार निरंतर ऐसे आयोजनों के माध्यम से बौद्ध दर्शन एवं संस्कृति के प्रचार-प्रसार के लिए प्रयासरत है।

"बुद्धचारिका विशेषज्ञ श्री दीपक आनंद ने इस अवसर पर महाप्रजापति गौतमी, बुद्ध अवशेष-स्तूप और अशोक लाट के इतिहास और महत्त्व पर विशेष प्रकाश डाला।"


"*Nava Nalanda Mahavihara celebrates 2nd Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibban Day*

"Nalanda: The teachers, monks, nuns, students, non-teaching staff and Buddhist devotees of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (Deemed University, Ministry of Culture, Government of India) celebrated the 2nd Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibban Day in Birpur village of Vaishali district with great reverence and enthusiasm. It is worth mentioning that this special occasion is celebrated to honour the life and contribution of Mahaprajapati Gautami, the adoptive mother of Lord Buddha and the first Buddhist nun.

"The programme began with the inaugural address of the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of the Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh, in which he highlighted the historical contribution of Mahaprajapati Gautami to the Buddhist Sangha. He also presented his views on her life, sacrifice and the role of women in Buddhism.

"On this occasion, the monk and nun Sangha also organised a traditional Buddhist Mangalpath and meditation session, which made the devotees present experience peace and spirituality. The participating devotees also pledged that they will promote peace and equality in the society by imbibing the ideals of Mahaprajapati Gautami, a symbol of women empowerment and mother power.

"On this occasion, there was support from the Mahaprajapati Trust of Vietnam and its [bhikkhuni] nun community based in Vaishali.

"It is very important to mention here that Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, which comes under the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, is a major institute dedicated to Buddhist studies and the study and research of languages ​​related to Buddhism such as Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese. Mahavihara is constantly striving to propagate Buddhist philosophy and culture through such events.

"On this occasion, Buddhacharika expert Shri Deepak Anand threw special light on the history and importance of Mahaprajapati Gautami, Buddha relics-stupa and Ashoka pillar.



 

Photos

From the 20 Feb 2025 Falgun Krishna Asthami (Pāli: Phagguṇa Kaṇha Aṭṭhamī) 2548th Anniversary of the Parinibbāna of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī Therī & Founding Bhikkhuni Sangha


Banner from the 20 Feb 2025 Falgun Krishna Asthami (Pāli: Phagguṇa Kaṇha Aṭṭhamī) 2548th Anniversary of the Parinibbāna of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī Therī & Founding Bhikkhuni Sangha
Banner from the 20 Feb 2025 Falgun Krishna Asthami (Pāli: Phagguṇa Kaṇha Aṭṭhamī) 2548th Anniversary of the Parinibbāna of Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī Therī & Founding Bhikkhuni Sangha
Gathered on the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali - speaking: Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh
Gathered on the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali - speaking: Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh
Chanting: representatives of the Bhikkhunis' community of Mahaprajapati Trust of Vietnam and its [bhikkhuni] nun community based in Vaishali.
Chanting: representatives of the Bhikkhunis' community of Mahaprajapati Trust of Vietnam and its [bhikkhuni] nun community based in Vaishali.
Mangalpatha" - "Blessed Path" - walking together to the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali (the ancient mound bearing archeological antiquities from the 6th century BCE is front left with a large tree growing atop the mound)
Mangalpatha" - "Blessed Path" - walking together to the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali (the ancient mound bearing archeological antiquities from the 6th century BCE is front left with a large tree growing atop the mound)
"Mangalpatha" - "Blessed Path" - walking together through the agricultural fields of village Birpur, Vaishali, towards the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra
"Mangalpatha" - "Blessed Path" - walking together through the agricultural fields of village Birpur, Vaishali, towards the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra
"Mangalpatha" - "Blessed Path" - now arrived at the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna place - Speaking: Deepak Anand of the Buddha Carika and Retracing Bodhisattva Xuanzang project, which has been instrumental in relocating many ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites recorded by 7th century pilgrim monk Tripitakacariya Xuanzang, including the "Parinibbāna Zone" of ancient Vesali (Vaishali) where the Buddha announced his Mahāparinibbāna on the February Māgha Puṇṇamī Full Moon, and Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī Therī and the remainder of the 500 members of the Founding Bhikkhuni Sangha entered Parinibbāna one week later.
"Mangalpatha" - "Blessed Path" - now arrived at the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna place - Speaking: Deepak Anand of the Buddha Carika and Retracing Bodhisattva Xuanzang project, which has been instrumental in relocating many ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites recorded by 7th century pilgrim monk Tripitakacariya Xuanzang, including the "Parinibbāna Zone" of ancient Vesali (Vaishali) where the Buddha announced his Mahāparinibbāna on the February Māgha Puṇṇamī Full Moon, and Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī Therī and the remainder of the 500 members of the Founding Bhikkhuni Sangha entered Parinibbāna one week later.
Introduction: at the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra. Speaking: Deepak Anand.
Introduction: at the ancient mound site, Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra. Speaking: Deepak Anand.
Introduction: gathered beneath the old tree atop the ancient mound site, at the Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali - Speaking: Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh
Introduction: gathered beneath the old tree atop the ancient mound site, at the Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali - Speaking: Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh
Introduction: gathered beneath the old tree atop the ancient mound site, at the Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali - Speaking: Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh
Introduction: gathered beneath the old tree atop the ancient mound site, at the Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali - Speaking: Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh
Pūjā: Honoring leading Arahanta Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī & the ancient Arahant Bhikkhuni Sangha: gathered beneath the old tree atop the ancient mound site, at the Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali - Led by: Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh
Pūjā: Honoring leading Arahanta Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī & the ancient Arahant Bhikkhuni Sangha: gathered beneath the old tree atop the ancient mound site, at the Mahāpajāpatī Parinibbāna Kśetra, Birpur, Vaishali - Led by: Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Professor Siddharth Singh

 

Local News Reports

Local newspaper article from 21 Feb 2025
Local newspaper article from 21 Feb 2025

(transliteration and translation of the article posted here, via Google Lens)


"Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinirvana Day celebrated by Nava Nalanda Mahavihar"

नव नालंदा महाविहार में मनाया गया महाप्रजापति गौतमी परिनिर्वाण दिवस


"The second Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinirvāna anniversary commemoration at Birpur village of Vaishali district was celebrated by Nava Nalanda Mahavihar on Thursday. This event is celebrated to honor the life and contribution of Gautami, the adoptive mother of Lord Buddha and the first Buddhist nun (bhikkhuni). Vice Chancellor of Mahavihar Prof. Siddhartha Singh highlighted in the program the historical contribution of Gautami to the Buddhist Sangha."

नव नालंदा महाविहार में गुरुवार को वैशाली जिले के वीरपुर गांव के द्वितीय महाप्रजापति गौतमी का परिनिर्वाण दिवस मनाया गया। यह कार्यक्रम भगवान बुद्ध की दत्तक माता एवं प्रथम बौद्ध भिक्षुणी गौतमी के जीवन और योगदान को सम्मानित करने के लिए मनाया जाता है। कार्यक्रम में महाविहार के कुलपति प्रो. सिद्धार्थ सिंह ने गौतमी के बौद्ध संघ में ऐतिहासिक योगदान पर प्रकाश डाला। उन्होंने उनके जीवन,

"He expressed his views on her life and the role of women. On this occasion, Buddhist Mangal Paath "Blessings Walk" and meditation session was organized by the Bhikshu and Bhikshuni Sangha. The devotees present on the occasion experienced peace and spirituality. The participating devotees pledged that peace and equality will be promoted in the society by imbibing the ideals of Mahaprajapati Gautami, a symbol of mother power and women's empowerment. Let us tell you that Nava Nalanda Mahavihara is an institute dedicated to Buddhist studies and the study of languages ​​related to Buddhism like Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese etc."

  महिलाओं की भूमिका पर विचार व्यक्त किया। इस अवसर पर भिक्षु एवं भिक्षुणी संघ द्वारा बौद्ध मंगल पाठ और ध्यान सत्र का आयोजन किया गया। मौके पर उपस्थित श्रद्धालुओं ने शांति और आध्यात्मिकता का अनुभव किया। प्रतिभागी श्रद्धालुओं द्वारा संकल्प लिया गया कि मातृ शक्ति एवं स्त्री सशक्तिकरण की प्रतीक माह्यप्रजापति गौतमी के आदशों को आत्मसात कर समाज में शांति और समानता को बढ़ावा दिया जाएगा। बता दें कि नव नालंदा महाविहार बौद्ध अध्ययन तथा बौद्ध धर्म से संबंधित पालि, संस्कृत, तिब्बती, चीनी एवं जापानी आदि भाषाओं के अध्ययन के लिए समर्पित संस्थान है।


 

Hindi News Local Bihar Nalanda Silao "Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinirvana Day Celebrated In Nava Nalanda Mahavihara"

नव नालंदा महाविहार ने मनाया द्वितीय महाप्रजापति गौतमी परिनिब्बान दिवस


 


(transliteration and translation of the article posted here, via Google Lens)


"Nava Nalanda Mahavihara celebrated the second Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibbana Day"

नव नालंदा महाविहार ने मनाया द्वितीय महाप्रजापति गौतमी परिनिब्बान दिवस


"Second Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibban Day was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm by the teachers, monks, students, non-teaching staff, and fourteen devotees of Nalanda and Nalanda Mahavihar (deemed University, Ministry of Culture, Government of India) in Birpur village of Vaishali district. Let it be known that this special occasion is celebrated to honor the life and contribution of Mother to Lord Buddha and First Buddhist nun (Bhikkhuni) Mahaprajapati Gautami. The program started with the valedictory speech of Honorable Vice Chancellor of Mahavihar, Professor Siddharth Singh, in which he highlighted the historical contribution of Maha Prajapati Gautami to those present. He also presented his views on her sacrifice of life and the role of women in Buddhism. On this occasion, traditional Mangalpath "Blessings Walk" was also organized by the Sangha of monks and nuns, in which the devotees present experienced peace and spirituality. It was also resolved by the participating devotees that peace and equality will be promoted in the society by assimilating the ideals of Mahaprajapati Gautami, the symbol of motherhood and of women's empowerment."

नालंदा व नालंदा महाविहार (सम विश्वविद्यालय, संस्कृति मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार) के शिक्षकों, भिक्षुभिक्षुगियो, विद्यार्थियों, शिक्षणेत्तर कर्मचारीयों, एवं चौद्ध श्रद्धालुओं द्वारा श्रद्धा और उत्साह के साथ वैशाली जिले के चोरपुर गांव में द्वितीय महाप्रजापति गौतमी परिनिब्यान दिवस मनाया गया। ज्ञात रहे कि यह विशेष अवसर भगवान बुद्ध को दसक माता एवं प्रगम बौद्ध भिक्षुणी महाप्रजापति गौतमी के जीवन और यौगदान को सम्मानित करने के लिए मनाया जाता है। कार्यक्रम का शुभारंभमहाविहार के माननीय कुलपति प्रोफेसर सिद्धार्थ सिंह के व्याटन भाषण से हुआ, जिसमें उन्होंने मद्यप्रजापति गौतमी के चीड संप में ऐतिहासिक योगदान पर प्रकाश डाला। उन्होंने उनके जीवन त्याग और बौद्ध धर्म में महिलाओं की भूमिका पर भी अपने विचार प्रस्तुत किए। इस अवसर पर भिक्षु एवं भिक्षुणी संघ द्वारा पारंपरिका चौद्ध मंगलपाठ और प्यार सम का आयोजन भी किया गया, जिसमे उपस्थित श्रद्धालुओं ने शांति और आध्यात्मिकता का अनुभव किया। प्रतिभागी श्रद्धालुओं के द्वारा यह सांकल्प भी लिया गया कि मातृशक्कि एवं स्त्री सशक्तिकरण की प्रतीक महाप्रजापति गौतमी के आदर्शों को आत्मसात कर समाज में शांति और समानता को बढ़ावा दिया जाएगा।

"It is very important to note here that Nava Nalanda Mahavihara deemed university, under the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, is a major institution dedicated to the study and research of Buddhist studies and languages ​​like Pali, Sanskrit, Tibetan, Sauni and Bapani etc. related to Buddhist religion. Mahavihar is continuously striving to propagate Buddhist philosophy and culture through such events."

यहां यह देख करना अति महत्वपूर्ण है कि भारत सरकार के संस्कृति मंत्रालय अंतर्गत आने वाला सत्र नालंदा महाविहार बौद्ध अध्ययन तथा बौद्ध पर्म से संबंधित पालि, संस्कृत, तिब्बती, सौनी एवं बापानी इत्यादि भाषाओं के अध्ययन एवं अनुसंधान के लिए समर्पित एक प्रमुख संस्थान है। महाविहार निरंतर ऐसे आयोजनों के माध्यम से बौद्ध दर्शन एवं संस्कृति के प्रचार-प्रसार के लिए प्रयासरत है।


 

Hindi News Bihar News Muzaffarpur News "Research Scholars Celebrate Mahaprajapati Gautami s Mahaparinirvana Day at Historical Site"

वीरपुर में महाप्रजापति गौतमी के महापरिनिर्वाण स्थल पर नव नालंदा महाविहार के शोधार्थी पहुंचे। उप कुलपति डॉ. सिद्धार्थ सिंह के नेतृत्व में बौद्ध अनुयायियों ने शूत्र पाठ किया। शोधकर्ताओं ने एक प्राचीन...


 

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Nava Nalanda Mahavihara celebrates 2nd Mahaprajapati Gautami Parinibbana Day

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