By now a lot of people would have heard about Ajahn Brahm being expelled from Wat Pa Phong organisation based in Thailand. Here are some links about what is happening:
- Ajahn Sujato’s blog: Black Sunday
- Why Ajahn Brahmavamso was excluded from the Wat Pa Phong Sangha
- Ajahn Brahm’s letter on the exclusion
I believe that most if not all Heartland members would be saddened by this act from part of the Thai Sangha of WPP. However, we should all remember that our alignment is to the buddhadhamma and not to any Thai laws or organisation. Its really a big lost to WPP to have excluded Ajahn Brahm from their organisation.
Here is Ajahn Chandako’s personal letter on this issue and reply from Bodhiyana monastery:
- Ajahn Chandako’s personal letter
- Reply from Bodhiyana monastery (read the comments)
Here a letter from Bhikku Thanissaro on why the oridination of the nun is invalid and a reply
I continue to believe that there are many more members of the Thai Sangha and including the lay Thai Buddhists who may agree with Ajahn Brahm’s actions, but have not spoken out and may their wisdom and compassion shine through the Thai Sangha over time.
I do not know much about vinaya rules but as a Buddhist, I am in full agreement with Ajahn Bhram. Had Ajahn Chah been still around, I am sure he would agree with Ajahn Bhram too. If there are Bhikkuni in Sri Langka I cannot understand why there cannot be any Bhikunni in Australia.
If Thailand forbids Bhukkinis in Thailand, it’s Thailand’s matter. What is important is the practise of Dhamma. Lineage is not so important compare with having a good teacher.
If I had not already experienced much happiness because of the Buddha-Dhamma, and even a (as yet) modest level of insight, I would be running far from Buddhism as a religion right now. The ‘world-wide-conflict’ over minutae of Vinaya is reminding me of the scribes and pharisees who Jesus said would “strain out a gnat, but swallow a camel”. Similarly, if we cling excessively to the details of Vinaya, we miss the heartwood of the Teaching – Liberation.