“LEADING TO LIBERATION”

The 12th Sakyadhita conference was held at Sathira-Dhammasathan (SDS), Bangkok, from June 12th to 18th, 2011. For me it is yet another rich and inspiring experience as Buddhist women from 32 countries, (about 300 international delegates and approximately 1500 participants) gather together.

I have attended other Sakyadhita conferences, each one having its own distinct flavour and yet the cross-culture mix is much the same. Gathering together was a diverse group of female monks (in a wide range of monastic robes) and laywomen from all around the world. There is so much to share but I will only briefly touch upon some of the highlights that I experienced.

I arrived in Bangkok a week before the conference so that I could help with the preconference organizing, recover from jet-lag and adjust to the extreme climate change (and believe me the hot-humid weather played a significant role in the conference!).

The venue and co-sponsor for the conference is Sathira Dhammasathan. It is an incredible learning community developed by Mae Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta, and has been serving humanity for over 24 years. The centre is a delightful and charming tropical oasis in the heart Bangkok.

It was heart-warming to connect with international friends and to greet new participants to the conference. It was a time of coming together to share and support each other, and thereby strengthen harmony and peace throughout the world.

A great deal of preparation had been happening for the last couple of years, and the organizers were as ‘busy as bees’; and extra arrangements and security were needed for the opening ceremonies as Her Royal Highness Princess Sirasmi was in attendance. There was a procession throughout the centre that was led by Dr. Christie Yu-Ling Chang, President of Sakyadhita International (carrying an emerald statue of Kwan Yin,) followed by a royally decorated baby elephant, and then welcoming remarks and chanting from each of the Buddhist traditions.

Each day began with early morning meditation, with a different Buddhist tradition guiding the group. Following morning meditation we were generously offered breakfast, followed by the morning panel presentations. Lunch for all participants and sanghadana for monastics was offered before noon, and then the afternoon panel presentations and participatory workshops would follow. Dinner was offered for those who were eating in the afternoon, and the evening cultural program concluded each evening. The days were very full and seemed to just ‘fly’ by all too quickly.

Morning meditation

The conference program included a diverse selection of topics given in the form of academic panel presentations and interactive workshops. As this was an international conference, interpretation into different languages (e.g. English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan etc, and also ‘signing’ for the hearing impaired!) was available. There were many topics presented by both scholars and female Buddhist practitioners. Please go to www.sakyadhita.org to review the abstracts and conference presenters as there was a great variety.

The conference offered an opportunity for intellectual and spiritual enrichment, as well as a time of fun and laughter. It provided an opportunity to engage in educational and enlightening experiences which were both challenging and rewarding. It definitely created a platform where Buddhist women shared their experiences and learned from each other, it was a time to cross-cultures and cross-traditions. I was indeed happy, and humbled, to interact, and walk side-by-side with such dedicated and sincere women. There was respect and an open heart without discrimination.

Tibetan nuns worked diligently, every day, on creating a mandala - patiently, calmly and with persistence. It truly was an artistic work of love that we could witness changing daily.

The evening cultural performances were excellent. It was wonderful time for us to learn about, experience and participate in the local culture.

My heart was filled with gratitude for the most generous donations of time, organizational skills, resources, teachings etc. from the conference organizers (in particular Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo, president Dr. Christie Chang, MaeChee Sansanee & all the staff/volunteers of SDS, the International volunteers, the many translators, those that prepared and offered the meals, arranged & set-up the venues, and for the opportunity to be part in all that this conference had to offer.

The Sakyadhita conferences give us the opportunity to experience the diversity of world cultures and to share our different lifestyles, making us more aware of the issues and challenges facing our Dhamma sisters from around the world. It fosters a sense of community, respect, co-operation and solidarity among people of diverse Buddhist traditions, languages, ethnic and educational backgrounds. Being in the presence of all these women was deeply satisfying and inspiring.

MaeChee Sasanee - middle front

Following the conference I organized and a tour to some of the monasteries, temples, colleges, and training centres throughout Thailand. This was a rare opportunity to experience the richness and beauty of Thai Buddhist women and their dedication to practice and study. I am so very grateful for all the hard work, time and energy that were so generously offered......and to be a small part of this was truly heart-warming!

“MAY THE DHAMMA PROTECT YOU”

VIETNAM CONFERENCE & PILGRIMAGE

Vietnam Banner

Dec 28th 2009 – Jan. 13th 2010

Brief History: In February, 1987 a group of nuns and lay women organized a conference in Bodhgaya India and a decision was made to start an international Buddhist women’s organization. The name chosen was Sakyadhita, “Daughters of the Buddha.” Since then conferences have been held about every two years.

The 11th Sakyadhita Conference was held in Vietnam, and I had the good fortune of being there. There were approximately 2500 participants from 37 countries, representing many Buddhist traditions.

Each day began with meditation - at two venues and with a different tradition. I was asked to give a guided meditation which I was honored to do. I chose a Loving Kindness meditation that I had learned from Venerable Ayya Khema (one of the founding members of SI). There were over 1000 participants in attendance that morning.....

There were 54 International papers presented during the conference. The theme of this conference was “Eminent Buddhist Women” and I presented a paper on my first Buddhist meditation teacher, the late Anagarika Dhammadinna. I also guided two Mindfulness Yoga workshops – and to say the least, that was challenging - but so rich and rewarding. (Nuns in robes, no mats, many didn’t speak English, very small space).The opportunity to share and to give to Buddhist women from various cultures and traditions, was heart-warming and inspirational.

Following the conference many of the participants took part in a pilgrimage from south to north Vietnam, visiting many Buddhist temples, schools, universities, orphanages, heritage sites, parks, caves, cultural centers etc. It was indeed a privilege and a great joy to attend and participate in this unique and wonderful conference and pilgrimage of Buddhist women. Further information is available at: www.sakyadhita.org/canada

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MONGOLIA REFLECTIONS 2008

The 10th Sakyadhita International Women’s Conference in Mongolia is now a memory – a most pleasant one I might add. The conference theme was: “Buddhism in Transition: Tradition, Changes and Challenges” and was held from July 1st to 5th, 2008 in Ulaanbaatar. There were 150 international participants and over 200 Mongolian women in attendance. I was delighted to be a participant, presenter and organizer at this conference, and then to join in the spiritual pilgrimage in Mongolia and Siberia.

Group Photo

Donations were received from many friends and students to help sponsor a nun or laywoman to attend the conference. As it turned out our donation assisted two Theravadin bhikkhunis (nuns) – one from Burma and one from Nepal.

Bhikkhuni Sujata lives in Nepal and is a strong advocate for the nuns in Asia, and she also focuses much of her time and energy helping children in the poor areas of Nepal. She presented a paper “Buddhist Women of Nepal”.

Daw Kesaracari, from Burma has been studying in Singapore and is currently doing her doctorate degree in India. – With plans on returning to Burma. She presented a paper “Buddhist Nuns in Myanmar”.

Tibetan Buddha Image

Our support of these two nuns will be wide spread as they continue to promote world peace through the teachings of the Buddha, develop programs and projects, and support Buddhists (particularly women and children) in Asia.

May you all receive many wholesome fruits for your kindness.

Anumodana (delighting in your generosity),

Jayanta

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About Shirley Jayanta Johannesen

Shirley Jayanta, founder and president of Stretch Awareness, is an acknowledged and respected teacher of yoga and meditation. Shirley graduated from the Canadian Society of Radiological Technicians in Quebec and holds a Bachelor of General Studies (with a major in Kinesiology) from Alberta.

SDS Standing Rupa

For over forty years she has studied and practised with a wide range of internationally known yoga and meditation teachers. In yoga, Jayanta has an Advanced Teacher Training certificate from Dona Holleman (Italy) and Orit Sen-Gupta (Israel). She also holds a permanent teacher certification from the Yoga Association of Alberta, and is certified with the Yoga Centre of Calgary. Her introduction to yoga was in the late 1960's and since then she has studied and practised with many senior teachers in the lineage's of Sivananda and Krishnamacharya. She is a founding member of the Yoga Association of Alberta, the Yoga Centre of Calgary and the Canadian Iyengar Yoga Association.

In meditation Jayanta has trained extensively in the Theravada Forest tradition, and is a member of CALM (Community of Abhayagiri Lay Ministers) at Abhayagiri Buddhist Monastery, California. Her first introduction to Buddhism was in 1974 when she met and studied with the late Anagarika Dhamma Dinna, and under Anagarika's guidance she began a weekly sitting/study group, teaching meditation classes and leading Vipassana retreats. The following is a list of Buddhist teachers she has studied with: Venerable Ajahn Pasanno, Venerable Ajahn Amaro, Venerable Achan Sobin Namto, Venerable Sister Ayya Khema, Venerable Nayaka Thera Piyadassi Thera, Venerable Balangoda Ananda Maitreya Maha Nayaka Thera.

SDS resting in the shade

Jayanta is a founding member of the Calgary Theravadan Meditation Society, the Light of the Dhamma and the Canadian International Buddhist Foundation. She has been actively involved in Sakyadhita International since its inception in 1987, and is the president of Sakyadhita Canada.







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