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His Holiness Opens Seminar on Bhikshuni Ordination of Buddhist Nuns
Tuesday, 23 May 2006, 9:30 AM
Dharamshala: By exploring the various possibilities through discussions and analysis on whether a Buddhist nun can attain Bhikshuni Ordination (Gelongma), I think we are sensibly carrying the responsibility of true followers of the Buddha, said His Holiness the Dalai Lama yesterday morning at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Seminar of the Vinaya holders to discuss the full ordination of Tibetan nun as Bhikshuni, based on Mulasarvastivadin theory of Nalanda University.
Lauding the research works undertaken on the possibility of attaining Bhikshuni ordination of Buddhist nuns, His Holiness said this debate and discussion, being held after research and analysis of historical aspects of the subject, must reach a general consensus on this matter.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama said that it is important to notify the other Buddhist followers about this seminar. Moreover decision on this matter can not be taken solely by the Tibetan Buddhists.
His Holiness believes that it is more appropriate to hold international Buddhist's convention to reach a consensus outcome on Bhikshuni ordination of Buddhist nuns.
In his introductory speech on agenda of the seminar, Kalon Tripa Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche said that this seminar does not aim to dispel the gender prejudice on attaining the ordination.
Present at the seminar were His Eminence the Karmapa Ugyen Thinley Dorjee, Justice Commissioners, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Tibetan Assembly, Kalon Tripa and other three Kalons of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and Buddhists nuns from other countries.
The seminar is organised by the Religion and Culture Department of the CTA and it will go on till 24 May.
(www.tibet.net is the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration.)
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