Thāvirā Bhikkhunī
February 25, 2025
Warm greetings Venerable Monastics and Dhamma Friends -
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Thursday February 20th for the event to commemorate the Parinibbāna of Arahant Mahāpajāpatī Gotami Therī & Founding Mothers of the Bhikkhuni Sangha. Mahā Gotamī Therī was the foster mother of the Buddha, and widely known as the founding mother of the Bhikkhunī Sangha in Buddhism.
Led by the venerable Bhikkhunīs Kaccāyana and Thāvirā at Dhammadharini Monastery in Northern California, the program explained the central events of Mahāpajāpatī's life, awakening, and parinibbāna (final passing); presented reflections from Bhikkhunīs around the world; and shared important new findings about her parinibbāna stupa, a newly-released feature film on her life, and her representations in poetry and art.
The presenters also shared preliminary plans for launching the "Great Renunciation Trail" pilgrimage following her footsteps through Nepal and India this coming December of 2025.
We are happy to share here the edited recording of this event (with much appreciation to Elizabeth for her help with video editing!):
The second-annual in-person event was held this year to honor Mahāpajāpatī's Parinibbāna, in Vaishali at the site of her stupa. You may read more about this here:
Tathālokā Therī has also done additional research in response to recent questions, we welcome you to see her two recent posts:
For those who want to know more, we have started a resource page on our website, for this special anniversary, with links to many writings from Tathālokā Therī, links to our previous-year programs, and other resources.
With metta,
Thāvirā Bhikkhunī
On behalf of the Dhammadharini community
These programs are freely-offered gifts of Dhamma. Donate to support the Dhammadharini Bhikkhuni community, and programs like these: