The suffering of young girls can be seen in the stories of violence and sexual abuse, the news stories of uniform clad students fighting over boys, the stories that have made Thailand the leading country for abortions at 300,000 a year; or 822 a day, or 34 an hour, or 1 abortion for every 2 minutes. Not only is abortion rampant, but youngsters giving birth and teens caring for their own children mean that such suffering will not be easily overcome and that the future of Thailand’s human resources is uncertain. What can be done by the government to deal with this situation?
“...Ordination as a Bhikkhuni is a great undertaking. I want this ordination to be publicized everywhere or turned into a tool to inspire more women to serve the Buddhist faith...”
Phra Phrom Sithi (Dhamma Scholar Advanced Level Thongchai Sukyano) (Abbot of Wat Saket Rajaworamahawiharn Region 10)
Chief Adviser of the “Bhikkhuni Ordination” project
“Ordination…is the cleansing of the mind, it is the internal journey towards the wonder that is ‘life’”
Bhikkhuni…are women who have taken on the teachings of the Lord Buddha and put their practice in to full effect, freeing themselves from suffering.
The Lord Buddha instilled in his daughter that “my daughter is a possessor of great knowledge”. The “Bhikkhuni in Two Lands” was organized in celebration of Buddha Jayanti or the 2,600 year anniversary of the Lord Buddha’s enlightenment. Girls as young as 6 years old will take part in the project to prove that the study and practice of Dhamma can be undertaken at any age. May birth in this life be a grand event for all, as it is a birth free of suffering.
Many thanks to all who supported this project.
Maechee Sansanee Sthirasuta
Founder of Sathien Dhammasathan and Project Chairperson
“AirAsia has always been intent in contributing to the development and happiness of society. In the past, we have done this through a variety of activities, especially for children and youth who are the future and energy of society. Joining with Sathien Dhammasathan to organize the Bhikkhuni project has brought us more merit than any of our previous Children’s Day activity. AirAsia takes pride in being a part of the creation of knowledge for the future.”
Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya
Director of Commercial, Thai AirAsia
The “Bhikkhuni in Two Lands” project was organized by Sathien Dhammasathan and its Bhikkhuni College. The project ordains young girls at the birthplace of Buddhism as well as at Suvarnabhumi, planting in them the seed of Buddhist knowledge. Speakers at the press conference included Maechee Sansanee Sthirasuta, founder of Sathien Dhammasathan and project chairperson, Mr. Santisuk Klongchaiya Director of Commercial at Thai AirAsia, Mr. Jirapan Ansavananda founder of The Butterfly musical ensemble and father of Kasina Ansavananda, Ms. Sucharat Manaying a film heroine, Ms. Maleewan Jemina a singer and devout Buddhist and Ms. Sarasawadee Wongsompetch a famous director currently filming the birthplace of Buddhism . The conference took place on 12 January 2013 from 13.00-15.00 hrs at Sathien Dhammasathan.
Registration is open from now onwards for Bhikkhuni ordination in the birthplace of Buddhism (India). Travel takes place between 30 March and 12 April. Ordination takes place at Sathien Dhammasathan from 13-22 April 2013. For more information call 084-557-5123, 084-131-6423 or visit www.sdsweb.org
For more information, contact AirAsia Communications:
Krittiyawadee Pongpanich [email protected]
Nuttawut Jitardharn [email protected]
Piyasuda Archasantisuk [email protected].