The beginning of Bhikkhini Sangha took place on a Binara full moon poya day. In this sermon you will learn the eight conditions imposed by the Buddha to grant female lay people the chance to obtain ordination in the Bhikkhuni Sangha.
On Binara Poya, we commemorate the establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sangha, or Order of the Female Buddhist Monastic. The very first bhikkuni ordained was the stepmother of Buddha, Mahapajapati Gotami.
Mahapajapati Gotami was the younger sister of Queen Maha Maya, the mother of Buddha. The Queen died a week after the birth of Buddha and the prince was raised by Mahapajapati Gotami who subsequently married Buddha’s father King Suddodhana, becoming his stepmother.
The Vas season (Rainy-retreat) continues during the month of Binara, so the monastics remain in their monasteries, engaged in meditation.
