DISCUSSION ON MIND and Matter, and SELF, and status of nuns!

DISCUSSION ON MIND and Matter, and SELF, and status of nuns!

This is my viewpoint.This is a long writing!

My Dhamma friends and students are most welcome to give comments.

In Suttanta, there is talk on 'I', mine, self. In Abhidhamma, there is only mind-matter. But we need to conventional truth or concept to communicate with people and to live harmony with people. We need to respect those who are older than us, wiser than us etc. There are human, people, dogs and cats etc.

At the same time, we need to keep the truth in the mind, there is only mind-matter. As the mind thinks, the body acts. There is no self. Now, being a Buddhist nun, or sayalay in Theravada tradition, there is no higher ordination for a nun. Though the topic of the revival of theravada bhikkhuni should be discussed at other time, not here.

I think, since the higher ordination is not possible for a sayalay in Myanmar, then what kind of ordination that one should take? It is needed to strive for higher ordination as bhikkhuni in theravada tradition??

The ordination of noble person inside the heart and mind is more important. 

By Vipassana meditation, one can realise mind-matter, see impermanence, suffering(unsatisfactory) and non-self. By passing through a series of Vipassana nyana (16 types) one can become a noble person (ariya).  Or, If one can realise the equanimity towards formations, then one's mind has realised the real nature of mind-matter, and be able to stand the vicissitudes of life. Once one becomes a noble person, one is a real son and daughter of a Buddha, and this is more beneficial.

As a sayalay, trying to perfect my morality, concentration and wisdom, I think I have tried, am trying, and will try to fulfil my perfections (parami). To become bhikkhuni or not is not important for me at this point of life. As I respect the Sangha who is actually a symbol of an fulfilment of morality, concentration and wisdom, I also wish I can fulfill these threefold trainings.

As I learn the Dhamma, I share with my friends and new students. I also try to emulate the Buddha, "Walk the talk! Talk the walk!".

My wish in this life is realise more Dhamma, to fulfill my parami. I also wish to help other nuns to realise their potentials in their life. I feel, as a nun, we can also teach Dhamma. Because we are also mind-matter just a monk. If our wish to learn the Dhamma, to share the Dhamma are sincere, then our sincerity will certainly help people who also wish to learn Dhamma.

If a lay person also can teach Dhamma, like in Malaysia and in Myanmar, then certainly nuns also can teach and share Dhamma. But however, do remember, if you are nun, try to fulfill your patience, kindness, endurance, because as a nun, your life might be harder compared to a monk. There is lack of support from devotees. Though I am quite lucky, my devotees from Malaysia and Singapore do support me a lot. My family members also support me.

As many people can see, normally (not every where) nuns receive less support than monks. Because monks are considered as a member of Sangha, and Theravada nuns are not considered as Sangha, because most people believe there is no bhikkhuni ordination at Theravada tradition.

I also see many nuns live in bamboo houses, whereas the neighbouring monks live in concrete buildings offered by devotees. I wish, the monks can channel some of the devotees' donations to other needy places like nunnery etc. In this way, the distribution of wealth and prosperity will be more balanced.

That's is why I started this Aggacara International Education Missionary Centre in Myanmar, with Sayalay Aggavati to help nuns and poor children. It has started already, but need more time to get into operations.

Whatever it is, may my noble wishes to help myself and others come true.

Sayalay Cala Theri.