Triratna News

30th Anniversary of the First Triratna Ordinations of Women by Women in the West

On Thu, 12 September, 2019 - 10:14
Sadayasihi's picture
Sadayasihi

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the first ordinations of women by women in the West.

Ratnasuri previously had been the Public Preceptor for two dharmacharinis in India, January 1987, which she conducted ‘on behalf of’ Sangharakshita, the founder of the Triratna Buddhist Order. 

In 1989 Sangharakshita asked Ratnasuri to perform ordinations ‘on her own responsibility’ - a very significant development for the Order. On 17th August 1989, on a retreat at Taraloka Retreat Centre, Wales, she received into the Order Cittaprabha from Sydney. A few weeks later, on 11th September, another six women received their ordinations. 

The ordination of women by women was unique in the Buddhist world.

Ratnasuri had been ordained for 4 years when she conducted the ordinations in India at Bhante’s request - prior to that, Germany was the furthest she had travelled.

The anniversary comes with great gratitude and a celebration of the very significant and courageous contribution Ratnasuri made to the Triratna Buddhist Order and the world by being willing to take on that responsibility. - Maitreyi

+Follow the Triratna women space on The Buddhist Centre Online

Read recent article about the Sakyadhita Conference and Gender Equity for Monastic and Lay Buddhist Women

Read about the life of Ratnasuri, who helped pioneer the ordination of women by women in Triratna

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