Supporting Bhikkhunis During the Pandemic
Across the globe we are all feeling the suffering and isolation of the pandemic. Female monastics are often particularly hard hit since they rely on the support of the lay sangha for their essential requisites (food, clothing, medicine, and shelter). With loss of jobs and social isolation the lay sangha often does not have the same means to support them. AfB recently sent out a communication to female monastics worldwide asking if they need assistance at this time. The response was both encouraging and heartbreaking. While many of the female monastics in North America were in good condition, it was evident that there is an acute need in Asia for help, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
INDIA
The Alliance for Bhikkhunis has contributed $13,757 towards female monastics’ requisites in Nagpur, India. Ayya Yeshe, who is in close communication with them, writes of the community that usually gives support:
The local people here are very poor, but right now they are struggling to feed their families with no income. Many people are hungry and suffering and people have to jump through many hoops to get aid. We really appreciate the extra help from Bodhicitta Foundation and Alliance for Bhikkhunis! Thank you so much for helping us continue our awakened life and to offer pastoral care to the local Ambedkarite community in Nagpur, India!
More than 300 thousand people have died in India and some 97,000 of that is in Maharashtra, the state where the Bhikkhunis are. Further lock downs have been semi imposed because there were social events and people got sick. Things do not look like they will get easier in India any time soon.
View photos of the nuns at Nagpur
SRI LANKA
AfB has donated $2500 to be distributed to 7 female monastics at the request of Bhikkhunis Suvimalee and Badalgama Dhammanandani at Visakharamaya in the village of Galgamuwa at Veyangoda in Sri Lanka for health expenses and food.
Ayya Sudinna, in South Carolina, who is close communication with these female monastics, writes of their dire needs. She says that two of these female monastics “need food very badly at these difficult time, as the villagers are very poor and supplies do not reach them due to the constraints on travelling now.”
Bhikkhuni Suvimalee writes that in addition, one “has 12 small samaneris and they are living in appalling conditions, so they are in need of a new senasana (dwelling.)”
Most of these 7 female monastics are living in crumbling, cramped spaces and are in need of assistance for safe, healthy dwellings and ᾱrᾱmayas.
In 2021, AfB has donated $13,500 to organizations and monasteries such as the Sakyadhita Training and Meditation Centre, Mathika Matha Bhikkhuni Aramaya, Triratna Buddha Vihara/Metta – maitri Sangha (SL), and Sri Dhamma Gaveshi Pirivena. Such funds have been spread around to the bhikkhunis most in need in Sri Lanka.
THAILAND
We have sent $2500 to the International Women’s Meditation Center Foundation in Thailand for health expenses.
In addition, we have donated $4600 to 4 other bhikkhunis in Thailand, some of whom are suffering from cancer and need more support.
VIETNAM
We have sent $200 to Khemarama Nunnery.
US & EUROPE
The needs in the U.S. and Europe may not be as critical but there is less support with loss of income and social isolation making it difficult to visit monasteries and serve as usual. We have helped in the following ways:
- $3500 in support of Dhammadharini’s mortgage, basic monthly expenses and other designations as needed.
- $500 to Anukampa in the UK to help towards rental costs during the COVID-19 crisis.
- $4500 to support Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna in Italy with the requisites. Bhikkhuni Dhammadinna is a key member of the Agama Research Group.
- $7800 to Karuna Sevena in the Czech Republic for medical and monastery needs.
OCEANIA
- AfB has donated $1000 for flight costs to help Ayya Adhimutti Bhikkhuni return to New Zealand from Myanmar.
The needs of female monastics during this pandemic are growing. If you are able, please donate!
Donate Via PayPal Giving Fund
No fees taken out!
A thank-you to our donors who have supported bhikkhunis during the pandemic
Other bhikkhuni projects needing support
Supporting Bhikkhunis During the Pandemic
Across the globe we are all feeling the suffering and isolation of the pandemic. Female monastics are often particularly hard hit since they rely on the support of the lay sangha for their essential requisites (food, clothing, medicine, and shelter). With loss of jobs and social isolation the lay sangha often does not have the same means to support them. AfB recently sent out a communication to female monastics worldwide asking if they need assistance at this time. The response was both encouraging and heartbreaking. While many of the female monastics in North America were in good condition, it was evident that there is an acute need in Asia for help, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
INDIA
The Alliance for Bhikkhunis has contributed $13,757 towards female monastics’ requisites in Nagpur, India. Ayya Yeshe, who is in close communication with them, writes of the community that usually gives support:
More than 300 thousand people have died in India and some 97,000 of that is in Maharashtra, the state where the Bhikkhunis are. Further lock downs have been semi imposed because there were social events and people got sick. Things do not look like they will get easier in India any time soon.
View photos of the nuns at Nagpur
SRI LANKA
AfB has donated $2500 to be distributed to 7 female monastics at the request of Bhikkhunis Suvimalee and Badalgama Dhammanandani at Visakharamaya in the village of Galgamuwa at Veyangoda in Sri Lanka for health expenses and food.
Ayya Sudinna, in South Carolina, who is close communication with these female monastics, writes of their dire needs. She says that two of these female monastics “need food very badly at these difficult time, as the villagers are very poor and supplies do not reach them due to the constraints on travelling now.”
Bhikkhuni Suvimalee writes that in addition, one “has 12 small samaneris and they are living in appalling conditions, so they are in need of a new senasana (dwelling.)”
Most of these 7 female monastics are living in crumbling, cramped spaces and are in need of assistance for safe, healthy dwellings and ᾱrᾱmayas.
In 2021, AfB has donated $13,500 to organizations and monasteries such as the Sakyadhita Training and Meditation Centre, Mathika Matha Bhikkhuni Aramaya, Triratna Buddha Vihara/Metta – maitri Sangha (SL), and Sri Dhamma Gaveshi Pirivena. Such funds have been spread around to the bhikkhunis most in need in Sri Lanka.
THAILAND
We have sent $2500 to the International Women’s Meditation Center Foundation in Thailand for health expenses.
In addition, we have donated $4600 to 4 other bhikkhunis in Thailand, some of whom are suffering from cancer and need more support.
VIETNAM
We have sent $200 to Khemarama Nunnery.
US & EUROPE
The needs in the U.S. and Europe may not be as critical but there is less support with loss of income and social isolation making it difficult to visit monasteries and serve as usual. We have helped in the following ways:
OCEANIA
The needs of female monastics during this pandemic are growing. If you are able, please donate!
Donate Via PayPal Giving Fund
No fees taken out!
A thank-you to our donors who have supported bhikkhunis during the pandemic
Other bhikkhuni projects needing support