Retelling the story of The Maha Bhikkuni Sangha

In Blossoms at His Feet the author (Ananda Lecamwasam) illustrates the lives of prominent female disciples who found solace at the feet of the Master. In almost ‘graphic’ verse their stories are retold; how they came to adorn the dispensation of Gautama Samma Buddha. The Maha Bhikkhuni Sangha was also an order comprising many precious stones of the triple gem; attaining high elevations under the decrees of the Buddha. The Bhikkuni Sangha dispensation was hard won; finally allowed by the Buddha at the behest of Ananda Thera.

“… Ananda in different form the petition framed, As questions simple, answering which The answer given!”

Lord Buddha conceded to Ananda’s appeal but declared “With the ordination of women, The foundation of Brhamachariya, Of my Sasana, As the glory of the sun! When those of others, Are like lamps in the wind. Will be weakened!” The stories begin with early lives of the women who in the past were prone to many foibles; faltering, missing many steps, and who sometimes fell, and the author proceeds to tell, how they arose in full glory like the rising sun in the fullness of its splendour. The reader will find or know many like them are among his or her friends; very close parallels. The ones who are recounted in the book were able to dispel defilements with steadfast effort under the guidance of the Buddha.

Deep devotion is stirred in the hearts of the reader when the Maha Arahath Bhikkunis come to life in the verses describing how understanding dawned in them, how they contemplated in Vidharshana to be awakened by the healing balm of the Dhamma. The irony of samsara is found in some stories where even those in sainthood had to succumb to abuse and maltreatment.

The book fills a long felt vacuum by providing interesting reading material on the Bhikkuni Sangha to the discerning reader. The book will be launched by the International Buddhist Cultural Centre at the 2012 Colombo Book Festival which opens tomorrow at the BMICH.