Comments for LittleBang

Comment on Addressing Monks by Chris

Chris — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:58:34 +0000

All this hair-spitting and nit-picking over correct honorifics seems, to me, to be just a tad ego-centric. Skillful?

Reminds me of the time I first met Yantra near Wat Rachatiwat (in the years before he was summarily disrobed by the Supreme Sangha Council) and I was instructed (by two of Yantra’s robed attendants) to kneel as Yantra wished to speak with me. I quickly left, leaving Yantra with whatever thoughts he wanted to share with me.

Humility is very subjective and in all cases, a commodity very difficult for one person to impart to another. It must originate with the subject, in the subjects own time and manner. But, I could be wrong.

Comment on Addressing Monks by Cittasamvaro

Cittasamvaro — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:16:29 +0000

Yes, the Western Ajahn Chah group (not the Thai temples of the group) call monks over 10 Pansa ‘Ajahn’. But it is a bit confusing in Thailand where you are often called ‘Ajahn’ even if a layman, if you have ever or even look like you have ever, taught something. The nuns in that lineage also sometimes use the term ‘Ayya’ instead of ‘Ajahn’. I think they discussed it for a long time but in the end the nuns felt they should have the same title as the monks, rather than making a distinction.
The term ‘Ajahn’ comes from the Pali ‘Achariya’ which referred specifically to a well respected Bhikkhu/Bhikkhuni of long standing. It can also be transcribed ‘Ajaan’ or ‘Ajarn’.
I am not sure A. Jayasaro was not wai-ing the Monks rather than the laypeople. Normally the two groups wai separately for this reason. It is nice when the Dalai Lama wais the people, but in Thailand it is not the custom. When Mahayana monks come here and wai the Thai monks they are always very confused if they should return the wai or not. Of course, there are other ways Thai monks can and do return respect to the lay community.

Comment on Addressing Monks by samsarainladakh

samsarainladakh — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:58:48 +0000

At the recent Dhamma talk, the Venerable Jayasaro returned everyone’s wai, to my astonishment … and delight! Such humility from a great teacher… the venerable did not allow his status or robes to let him show that he appreciated and respected us mere lay people. What a wonderful thing … I was truly touched! The more he commands my respect.

Comment on Bhikkhuni Issue: by Chris

Chris — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:45:03 +0000

These four women were indeed 10 precept Dhamma practitioners with ‘Ajahn Vayama’ having completed 24 years of practice, ‘Sister Nirodha’ having completed 6 years of practice, ‘Sister Seri’ had completed 5 years of practice before Bhikkhuni ordination, and ‘Sister Hasapanna’ had completed 3 years as a Dhamma practitioner. All four of these women are members of the Dhammasara (womens) Monastery in the Perth, Western Australia area. Sister (now Bhikkhuni) Nirodha was instrumental in the establishment of the Santi Forest Monastery in Bundanoon, NSW, Australia.

Comment on Addressing Monks by Chris

Chris — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:17:29 +0000

With respect to the conventions regarding use of the honorifics ‘Ajahn’ and ‘Venerable’ in addressing ordained monastics, Luang Por Chah’s Thai Forest Tradition will use ‘Ajahn’ for monastics practicing the Dhamma for ten Vassa or more, and ‘Venerable’ for monastics having completed less than ten ‘Rains Retreats’. ‘Samanera’ is employed in addressing ordained (10 precept) novices, and ‘Anagarika’ for wannabees following 8 precepts.

For female Dhamma practitioners of the Forest Tradition, ‘Ajahn’ is used in addressing those who have completed 10 or more Vassa, while ‘Sister’ is used for those who have completed less than ten ‘Rains Retreats’.

Comment on The Conscious Experiment by Cittasamvaro

Cittasamvaro — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:01:41 +0000

Well, I am glad you are back in Bangkok. The lunches/film is always fun at the Tai Pan. We watched the Life of Brian there last month. See you then.

Pandit Bhikkhu

Comment on The Conscious Experiment by Lucinda Bethwaite

Lucinda Bethwaite — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:54:20 +0000

H”i there!!

im a little bang “member” but ive been away for a while. i cant wait to come to this sat 28th event. it has me excited about the whole week now

Comment on The Conscious Experiment by Cittasamvaro

Cittasamvaro — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:56:38 +0000

Hi Connie, you don’t need to book – for a long time I tried to get people to indicate if they were coming … but I gave up in the end. I just have to estimate the number to tell the hotel. There will be at least 20 of us for lunch, sometimes double that. The Tai Pan is pretty large so can accommodate any number. See you there.

P.P.

Comment on The Conscious Experiment by Connie

Connie — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:25:16 +0000

Do i need to reserve for a spot or there is no limit for number of people who want to attend
I am always interested to listen to good topics like this.:)
Please advise thank you.

Comment on Bhikkhuni Issue: by Cittasamvaro

Cittasamvaro — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:22:02 +0000

thanks, good resource. I hope the whole issue blows over though. Most public just see a case of sexism, without understanding the issues involved.

Pandit Bhikkhu