New Zealand Bhikkhunī Sangha Trust

A place for female monastics in the Buddhist Theravada Forest Tradition

Author: kemanthie

  • Venerable Vimala’s visit in April 2025

    Venerable Vimala’s visit in April 2025

    Venerable Vimala from Dhammasara Nuns’ Monastery in Western Australia will be visiting our urban vihara in Kirikiriroa from 22 of April to 12 of May 2025. During her stay, the community will be offering a variety of opportunities to engage with the Dhamma, including Dhamma talks, guided meditations, and sessions for teenagers.

    Venerable Vimala began her monastic training at Dhammasara in 2021 and received Bhikkhunī ordination on 24th July 2024, with Ajahn Hasapanna as her preceptor. She is skilled in many of the monastic duties and able to articulate the dhamma in a clear and simple manner.

    Originally from Sri Lanka, Venerable Vimala was raised in a Buddhist family and has been studying the Dhamma and practicing meditation for many years prior to her ordination. She is also a New Zealand citizen and has lived and worked as a manager, bringing with her a wealth of leadership experience and an easy-going, grounded presence.

    We warmly invite you to join us in making the most of her visit—a chance to connect, reflect, and deepen your understanding of the path.

    Full program for Ayya Vimala’s visit April/May 2025

  • Ayya Upekkha’s Visit in February 2025

    Ayya Upekkha’s Visit in February 2025

    Ayya Upekkha Theri from Dhammasara and Santi Forest Monastery will be visiting our urban vihara in Kirikiriroa from 6-20 0f February 2025. During her stay we will be offering a number of dhamma sessions, guided meditations, sessions for teenagers and fundraising events.

    Full program for Ayya Upekkha’s visit February 2025

  • Rejoicing in Merits/ Anumodana

    The New Zealand Bhikkhuni Sangha Trust wish to share merits with the late Mrs Damdhara Uyansinghe-Jayawardena Punchihewa (21.05.1960 – 27.06.2019).  
    We wish to acknowledge the first generous donation made towards the NZBST made in memory of the late Damdhara.  The main intention behind this donation being for the initiation of the first Theravada Buddhist Monastery for Bhikkhunis in New Zealand, and also for a Buddhist Library for the propagation of the Buddha Dhamma.

    Ayya Adhimutti’s, expresses great appreciation for the care and attentiveness with which the late Damdhara attended to her needs, and those of her bhikkhuni teacher – Ayya Tathaaloka and mother, while staying at Arana Bhikkhu Giman Hala at Battaramulla in Sri Lanka.  Anomodana for the late Damdhara’s great kindness and generosity.  And to all those who offered pindabatha  to us on alms round, and who came in person also.  This was a time of great joy in Dhamma friendship and in seeing people’s great faith in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.  Still the memory of that period is a bright light in my heart.
    So, we wish to transfer any merits from that auspicious time together in Sri Lanka, and also any merits arising from the establishment of the Theravada Bhikkhuni Sangha in New Zealand to the late Damdhara.

    “May this go to our relatives, may our relatives be happy!’
    Those who have gathered,the departed relatives who have assembled.

    Just as water that rains on the highlands,
    flows down to the lowlands,
    so too what has been given here is of benefit to the departed.

    Just as rivers that are full flow and full up the ocean,
    so too what has been given here is of benefit to the departed.