Bhikkhuni ordination was introduced to Sri Lanka in the third century BCE by King Ashoka’s daughter, Sanghamitta Theri. After a long period, there were no Bhikkhuni ordinations in Sri Lanka, leaving only a few unofficial Bhikkhuni.

In Sri Lanka, it is very rare to meet Sri Lankan nuns, possibly because there aren’t many nunneries for them to reside in. They live scattered in small hermitages and sustain themselves through alms rounds. Upon visiting Sri Lanka, one realizes the difficult lives of the Sri Lankan nuns. They do not receive much support from the Buddhists or the country. Since the launch of the mindful meditation course every Sunday, it has become a familiar place for the nuns to come and practice.

Understanding the difficulties faced by the nuns in Sri Lanka, every month on the first Sunday, Truc Lam Monastery offers monetary donations, rice, dried food, and vegetables to elderly nuns to reduce their monthly expenses. Additionally, the monastery supports them with medicines, transportation costs, etc. The nuns have become part of the Truc Lam family, returning every Sunday to join the mindful meditation course with the congregation.

The monastery is grateful for any amount that patrons can offer.

Offerings of money and rice for elderly Sri Lankan nuns: 500,000 VND/month, equivalent to 6,000 rupees.