The ceremony was graced by senior bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, alongside chanting and blessing offerings, marking a significant milestone in the revival of the Bhikkhuni Sangha in Malaysia.


Ayya Sumangala Bhikkhuni: A Visionary Leader



Ayya Sumangala Bhikkhuni, the visionary behind Ariya Vihara, highlighted the historical context of the Bhikkhuni Sangha. "The Bhikkhuni Sangha had been silenced for 900 years. Not many know that the late Chief Ven. Dr K. Sri Dhammananda revived the Bhikkhuni Sangha in Bodhgaya in 1998. In 2004 - then a lay woman - I urged the late Chief to establish the fourfold assembly in Malaysia, but he suggested that someone else take up the task due to his advancing age."

Ayya Sumangala then said she took the courage to step forward and establish training programs for bhikkhunis, laying the groundwork for the current initiative. In her speech she mentioned that the gazetted land allocation date for the Ariya Vihara building on March 18 coincided with the late Chief Ven. Dr. K Sri Dhammananda's birthday, symbolizing a significant connection.


Messages of Support and Unity

Ven. Lieu Phap Mahatheri from Vietnam, a long-time acquaintance of Ayya Sumangala, praised her efforts. "I have known Sumangala for 20 years and admire her courage in setting up the Bhikkhuni training center. She has also contributed immensely to Buddhist education for children, youths, and families."



Ven. Silanankara Maha Thero, who spoke in the absense of Chief Ven. Sri Saranankara, emphasized the importance of establishing a sima for the continuity of the Bhikkhuni lineage. "Reciting the Vinaya in a sima ensures the lineage continues. There are eight meritorious deeds, including building temples and offering land, that devotees can support to foster the Triple Gem."


A Symbol of Religious Harmony and Progress

Chief Ven. K Sri Dhammaratana from the Buddhist Maha Vihara underscored the historic significance of the event, noting its importance in Malaysia’s multi-religious and multi-racial context. He extended compliments to Datuk Teng Chang Khim, acknowledging his contributions to the development of eight Buddhist centers. He expressed his hopes for the successful completion of Ariya Vihara within two years.

Datuk Teng Chang Khim, a former member of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly from 2018 to 2023, spoke about the strategic allocation of land for Ariya Vihara. "The land was gazetted by the Selangor State Government as 'Land for Non-Muslim Places of Worship.'" He said Ariya Vihara faced stiff competition for the land and congratulated the centre for being a worthy recipient.


A New Dawn for the Bhikkhuni Sangha



The establishment of Ariya Vihara marks a new chapter in the resurgence of the Bhikkhuni Sangha in Malaysia. As the community unites to support this noble endeavor, the Ariya Vihara stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Buddha's teachings. With strong determination and collective effort, the vision of a thriving Bhikkhuni training center is set to become a reality, nurturing the spiritual growth of future generations.