Chinese New Year 2004 Present

In the beginning of January, I went to Sri Lanka to conduct a retreat. There were more than a hundred meditators and almost all were ladies. They were very interested about the meditation practice and were also very happy because it is not easy for Sri Lankan ladies to practice in a monastery. Now they had an opportunity to join a one-week retreat. They tried very hard and managed to get concentration, which gave rise to very strong saddha (faith). Many people wanted to ordain. I can see that they are a very simple, humble and respectful people. I have been to many countries to conduct retreats but I have never seen people showing respect in this way.

On the last day of the retreat, they did not want me to leave. With every step that I took, groups of them would come to grab my feet. They were crying and touched their heads to my feet. A very strong past memory came back to my mind: It was almost like how the lay people showed respect to the Buddha and his disciples during His time. I hope that this tradition and culture can remain and spread.

I also felt that their strong metta (loving kindness) and karuna (compassion). I hope all of you can also have a lot of metta and karuna in your families and society.

Many people told me: “We were helping you to serve the Buddha during the Buddha’s time.” During the retreat, I had a strong desire to give them food and the Dhamma (teachings). I also gave a few days of meal dana (offering) to them. I think this is what I had to do, due to past kamma. Now I believe even more strongly in past kamma.

Sometimes kamma is very difficult to avoid when it arises. You have to accept and overcome it because this is the result of what you have done in past lives. We have to accept our kamma, which may be good or bad. We have to practice more on metta and karuna.

One of the meditators, a 15-year-old girl wrote to me. I will share the letter with you.

“Venerable Dipankara:

Sister’s arrival reminds us of the arrival of Venerable Arahant Sanggamittha many centuries before. That incident paved the way for the release from this circle of ‘Samsara’ for the Sri Lanken women. Therefore, your arrival also will be like her great service for the present Sri Lanken women-kind. So that, I would like to kindly request from you: “Please come again to Sri Lanka (Dhammika Monastery).” Specially, young girls will come with you. Most of them will follow you also. It will be a most memorable thing for both of us.

As Buddhists, my parents and I appreciate and follow the Lord Buddha’s doctrine greatly. We always try to live according to the Lord Buddha’s word and also we like to meditate in order to be released from this circle of ‘Samsara’. As we know, there are a lot of Buddhist monks, not only in Sri Lanka but also all over the world. Also there are many Buddhist nuns living all over the world. But in here, Sri Lanka, there is not a lot of Buddhist nuns like your country. Due to your arrival, there may be a development of the portion of Buddhist nuns here also.

Still, I can remember the invitation you gave me. First of all, let me do my Government exams and after that, I really would like to come under your shelter. Many times in my life, I have seen some Buddhist nuns. You are different from them because you are very disciplined. And your solemn behavior not only touches my heart but also that of others, greatly. Also your meritorious smile shows your modesty. Actually you are a great daughter of Lord Buddha. Therefore, all the devotees appreciate you and your parents and your teacher who teach Buddhism to you.

Tomorrow (18th) my parents said that you are going to postpone the program of meditation. My parents are actually lucky ad they can join with you at that time moment. But I have to go to study, therefore I can’t come with my parents. Please forgive me. It is my misfortune. But it is enough for me to be lucky enough to see, speak to and share ideas with you like Venerable nun. Therefore, I am not worried about it. Our Lord Buddha has preached about the (suffering) of departing from persons, things that we like most. Therefore I will bring that to mind. But I’m sure you will be there – Dhammika Monastery – after two or three months.

Venerable Sister Dipankara: my one and only request is, please come again to Sri Lanka (Dhammika Monastery). It will be consolation of our lives. Finally, I wish you a healthy, long life. May the Triple Gems bless you.

Yours respectfully.
With metta,
Sugandhika Ranasinghe”

May all of you be well and happy and “xin nian kwai le!” (Mandarin: Happy New Year!)

With metta
Sayalay Dipankara

Singapore,
21st January 2004