History of Buddhist Education in Sri Lanka: Revival of the Bhikkhuni Sangha (Bao Anh Lac Bookshelf 79)

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Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka around 249 BC through trade between the two neighboring countries and the spread of Buddhism by the kingdom of Ashoka, India. Today, with 2274 years of Buddhist history (2025 years + 249 years BC), Sri Lanka has become a Buddhist country with Theravada tradition, with many of the world's Buddhist heritages recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, and especially in the twenty-first century, there are many Buddhist universities, meditation schools, training academies for talented and virtuous monks, nuns and lay people, attracting many people from all over the world to study. Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country with 70 percent of the population being Buddhists, with about 15,000 monks and nuns living in about 6,000 monasteries across the island. Monastics act as spiritual teachers who are very close to the Buddhist masses. They use the Dharma, precepts and meditation to guide Buddhists to live virtuously, calmly and strongly to overcome difficult challenges in life, without falling or losing morality. In daily life, the bhikkhus (monks) live a monastic life, practicing discipline, chanting sutras and leading the community, while the bhikkhunis and dasa sil matas also practice meditation, observe precepts, teach sutras and vinaya, and act as advisors, so on. Both groups of Sangha strive to maintain Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage although the monks are more developed than the nuns. Historically, Bhikkhuni Buddhism actually flourished in Sri Lanka from the third century BC until its decline around the eleventh century AD, interrupted by war and turmoil. In the centuries that followed, mins accepted the monastic robes and only kept the Dasa Sil Matas precepts, instead of receiving the full Bhikkhuni ordination of 358 precepts like the Northern Buddhist nuns in countries and region such as Taiwan, Vietnam. Japan, China, etc. Since 1996, the bhikkhuni ordination phenomenon has been revived and promoted by the ordination ceremonies in Sarnath, India, with the support of East Asian Mahayana nuns and later supported by some Sri Lankan monks, today, there are more than 200 fully ordained bhikkhunis and many novice nuns (Samaneris) who have contributed to this renewal. Feminist organizations such as the Sakyadhita International Association of Buddhist Women' have played an important role in advocating for the inclusion of women in the Sangha. Thus, the reinstatement of bhikkhuni ordination in Sri Lanka is a complex, challenging process, moving in the direction of modernization and integration with ancient Buddhist traditions, Nearly all monks and nuns receive training and education equally in monasteries, educational centers, institutes, and universities. Sri Lanka hosts mumerous institutions dedicated to Buddhist studies, rooted in its Theravada tradition. These centers cater to both monastic and lay learners, providing instruction in Buddhist philosophy, Pali, Sanskrit, and related fields, frequently integrated with secular subjects to meet contemporary needs. Central to the development of Sri Lankan Buddhism is the transformative role of monastic education. Institutions or educational centers embody a seamless integration of timeless wisdom and contemporary scholarship, equipping the Sangha to confront modern issues while safeguarding eternal truths. Equally significant is the modern Bhikkhuni Sangha's commitment to community service and social outreach. Through diverse programs and educational efforts, Bhikkhunis exemplify the practical embodiment of Buddhist teachings, fostering closer ties between monastic and lay communities. Yet challenges remain, including questions of gender equality within the Sangha and the task of keeping monasticism meaningful in a fast-changing world. Tackling these issues demands creative solutions grounded in the core tenets of Buddhism. Looking ahead, the Bhikkhuni Sangha in Sri Lanka must engage with an increasingly interconnected global Buddhist community. By adopting new technologies and broadening educational horizons, they can ensure the Dhamma's ongoing relevance and influence This book History of Buddhist Education in Sri Lanka: Revival of the Bhikkhuni Sangha was composed with many color illustrations, for the purpose of introducing the development of the Sangha and the Buddhist educational institutions, monasteries, universites and pirivenas in Sri Lanka in this twenty-first century, with a particular focus on the revival of the Bhikkhuni Sangha. This work stands as a tribute to the vibrant fabric of the Theravada tradition today, weaving together the wisdom of the past with the challenges of the present at the inspirational wing as well as providing contributions to the continued growth and evolution of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and beyond. This book provides an in-depth exploration of the evolving roles of Bhikkhusand Bhikkhunisincontemporary Sri Lanka. It sheds light on the Sangha's journey through historical obstacles, cultural transformations, and modern adaptations. The work emphasizes the pivotal role of monastic education, the growing involvement of the Bhikkhuni Sangha in community service, and ongoing initiatives to promote gender equity within Buddhist institutions. Serving as an essential resource for both monastic and lay readers, the book delves into the dynamic relationship between timeless wisdom and present-day challenges. By showcasing the Sangha's resilience and flexibility, it offers practical insights for preserving Buddhism's significance in a rapidly evolving world. Beyond enriching the academic study of Sri Lankan Buddhism, this book inspires readers to reflect on the wider impact of spiritual practice on society. It invites thoughtful engagement with Buddhist principles (precept-meditation-wisdom) and their relevance to addressing contemporary issues.

Dr. Bhikkhuni Giới Hương (world name Sünyata Phạm) was born in 1963 in Binh Tuy, Vietnam and ordained at the age of fifteen under the great master, the Most Venerable Bhikkhuni Hải Triều Âm. In 1994, she received a Bachelor's Degree in Literature from Sài Gòn University. She studied in India for ten years and in 2003, graduated with a PhD in Buddhist Philosophy from the University of Delhi, India. In 2005, she settled down in the United States and in 2015, she earned a second Bachelor's Degree in Literature at the University of Riverside, California. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in the Master of Arts Program at the University of California, Riverside and works as a lecturer at the Vietnam Buddhist University in HCM City. She favors quietly reflecting on Dharma, and that leads her to write, as well as translate, Buddhist books and lyrics for music albums on her Bảo Anh Lạc Bookshelf. In 2000, she established Hương Sen Temple, Bình Chánh, Sài Gòn, Việt Nam. In 2010, she founded Hương Sen Temple in Perris, California, USA, where she serves as abbess.

Bhikkhus (monks) and Bhikkhunis (nuns) form the monastic backbone of Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka, a tradition introduced in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda Thera and his sister Sanghamitta Theri. For over a millennium, both Orders thrived, with Bhikkhus preserving Buddhist teachings and Bhikkhunis contributing to spiritual and communal life. The Bhikkhuni Sangha declined around the 11th century CE due to historical upheavals, while the Bhikkhu Sangha endured, supported by periodic revivals from Burma and Thailand. In the late 20th century, the Bhikkhuni order was revived. Today, thousands of Bhikkhus and hundreds of Bhikkhunis uphold the Dhamma, engaging in meditation, education, and social service, adapting ancient traditions to modern Sri Lankan society.