Ven. Ariyavimalanī (front row, seventh from left) was ordained alongside 13 other women from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Canada

Ven. Ariyavimalanī’s journey began as an upāsikā, progressed to an anāgārikā, and continued through two and a half years as a sāmaṇerī (novice nun). She trained under the guidance of Ven. Sumaṅgalā Therī, Abbess of Ariya Vihara, as well as Ven. Saddhasumanā Mahātherī, a pioneer of modern bhikkhunī ordination since 1998, and Ven. Dhammashanthī Mahātherī, Abbess of Dekanduwala Bhikkhuni Centre. Her path exemplifies the enduring lineage of compassion, wisdom, and the revival of the Bhikkhunī Saṅgha.

The dual ordination, conducted with both bhikkhu and bhikkhunī Saṅghas, underscored the monastic community’s support for women’s full ordination. Ven. Ariyavimalanī was ordained alongside 13 other women from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Canada, all of whom became fully ordained bhikkhunīs committed to the Noble Eightfold Path.

The event marked a significant milestone for Ariya Vihara, as Ven. Ariyavimalanī became its second bhikkhunī, fulfilling the organization’s vision of nurturing a vibrant Bhikkhunī Saṅgha. The ceremony was led by the upajjhāya, Ven. K. Wimalajothi Mahāthera, and the pavattinī, Ven. R. Saddhasumanā Mahātherī, with contributions from the kammavacāriya and kammavācarinī. The presence of Chief B. Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Mahāthera, Spiritual Patron of Ariya Vihara, along with 10 senior bhikkhus and 13 senior bhikkhunīs, including Ven. Sumaṅgalā Therī, provided strong blessings and visible support.

The ceremony was attended by 19 devoted lay supporters from Ariya Vihara, who participated in offering Saṅghika Dāna and pirikara to nearly 90 monastics, reflecting communal faith and generosity. The event was a celebration of spiritual growth and collective merit.

Gratitude was extended to key figures, including Ven. K. Wimalajothi Mahāthera, Founder of Dekanduwala Dhamma Training and Meditation Centre; Ven. Chief B. Sri Saranankara Nāyaka Mahāthera, Chief Judiciary Monk of Malaysia; Ven. R. Saddhasumanā Mahātherī, Abbess of Tusitaramaya; Ven. Dharma Sumanapalī Mahātherī, Abbess of Sri Sucharitha Wardhanaramaya Madampe; Ven. M. Dhammashanthī Mahātherī, Abbess of Dekanduwala Bhikkhuni Centre; Ven. G. Medhā Therī, Vice Abbess of Daham Medhura; and Ven. Sumaṅgalā Therī, Abbess of Ariya Vihara. The Ariya Vihara Exco, the Committee of Ariya Monastic and Laity Training Program, and all donors and well-wishers were also acknowledged for their contributions.

Ven. Ariyavimalanī’s ordination stands as a testament to perseverance, reverence, and disciplined practice. Her journey serves as an inspiration for women on the Dhamma path, demonstrating that through humility and faith, the path to liberation remains open. The newly ordained bhikkhunīs are poised to carry forward the Buddhasāsana with wisdom, peace, and dedication.